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Christian Academy of Louisville held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, May 18th to kickoff the installation of a new, state of the art multi-sport turf field from AstroTurf. The new playing surface will be placed at Centurion Stadium and will be a cutting edge synthetic turf field that will be the first of its kind in the state of Kentucky.

“This has been a two year project. We have spoken to many schools around the country looking for the safest environment for our student athletes and visitors,” said Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan. ““We are grateful to the Lord and donors who have made our vision come to life.”

The athletic office has developed a plan to play all high school field hockey, football games (fall season) and all high school boys & girls lacrosse games (spring season) on the new turf field at Centurion Stadium. The new turf field will also be used as a high school field for practices and games.In addition, middle school and youth football home games will be scheduled on the turf field and middle school field hockey may have access when space allows. This will clear up space on the North Field (grass) for year round soccer use, and allow for middle school field hockey practices and games to be played on the South Field (grass) in the fall.

CAL student athletes, Michael Lagestee (football), Allie Grace Joyner (field hockey), Cade Sparrow (boys lacrosse), and Nina Dobbs (girls lacrosse) were asked to be a part of the ground breaking celebration.

“I am privileged to represent our student athletes at this exciting celebration. I’m thankful for every donor and family who prayed and sacrificed to make this field happen. May God bless this field and those who will play on it,” said junior field hockey player, Allie Grace Joyner.

“In my five years here at CAL, the word I have consistently heard is vision. The vision was to provide the best facilities possible for our student athletes. I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to see this vision become a reality,” said head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Construction on the new multi-sport turf field began Saturday and will be completed in time for the fall sports seasons.

Congratulations to senior Emily Neat for signing to play golf at Transylvania University.  Emily started playing golf in the 6th grade and was named team captain of this year’s varsity golf team.

CAL head girls’ golf coach, Ron Gustafson, spoke of Emily’s kind heart and spirit.

“I have coached Emily for three years and she always represents herself, her parents, our school and our God with grace. She even helped one of her opponents get out of a bunker! That’s just the kind of person she is,” said Coach Gustafson.

Assistant Athletic Director, Jennifer Roberts, echoed Coach Gustafson’s praise of Emily’s character.

“Emily excels on the golf course and in the classroom. She is a well-rounded student who served as senior class president this year, as well as represented CAL athletically,” said Roberts.

Neat closed the signing ceremony by thanking her parents and coaches for their time and dedication to making her a better player.

“I’m thankful that my dad took me out every single day and taught me the game. I’m sorry to leave Coach Gus, but I’m excited to be a part of the Transylvania team,” said Emily. “I chose Transylvania because of the intimate size, the high academic standards and their proper balance between athletics and academics.”

Emily plans to major in a program Transylvania offers called PPE (Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics) and looks forward to playing for the Pioneers next fall.

Congratulations to senior, Scott Wright, who signed a letter of intent to play golf at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan opened the signing ceremony with prayer and talked about the perseverance that the sport of golf requires.

“The thing that always amazes me about golf, is the amount of discipline it takes, and that discipline translates into every aspect of life,” said Morgan. “The challenge now is to go to Jacksonville State and be a witness on that campus.”

Wright decided to go to Jacksonville State because he felt like it was the best option to improve and further his golf career.
“I am really looking forward to what Scott is going to be able to do these next four year. His best days of golf are ahead of him,” said CAL head boys’ golf coach, Greg Zimmerer.

“At two years old, Scott was on the golf course with me,” said Scott’s dad. We have been very proud of his golf game over the last four years and we wish him all the luck.”

Scott plans to major in business and looks forward to playing for the Gamecocks next fall.

Congratulations to senior, Tanner Lopez, who signed a letter of intent to play football at Centre College.

Lopez made official visits for football to Lehigh University (PA), Bucknell University (PA), Lafayette College (PA), Hope College (MI), Denison University (OH) and College of Wooster (OH).

“I chose Centre because of its great academics and I really connected with the football staff and team there,” said Lopez.

“It was fun to watch Tanner make play after play this year. The running back position is tough, and Tanner prepared himself physically. He was voted team captain by his teammates, which shows the kind of leader he is. I look forward to following his career at Centre,” said CAL head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

“We have been blessed with three great boys. We are so proud of Tanner across the board, not just on the football field. He works hard and everything that has come his way he’s worked hard and earned,” said Tanner’s dad, Fred Lopez.

Tanner thanked Coach LeFors for taking time away from his own family to put in extra hours working with him and the team. He also recognized this year’s student section for their incredible support.

Lopez was named team captain this year and was selected for the East-West All-Star game. He was also named 1stTeam All-district.

Tanner is still undecided in his major but is leaning towards a degree in Financial Economics. He looks forward to playing for the Colonels in the fall.

Congratulations to senior, Greg Frist, who signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana.

CAL boys’ basketball coaches spoke of Greg’s leadership, attitude and influence on this year’s team at the signing ceremony.

“Between his junior and senior year, Greg did everything we asked of him and more. He was the only captain of the team and worked really hard. He took teammates under his wing,” said CAL head boys’ basketball coach, Chad Carr. “I really feel in the two years I’ve coached him, I became a better person because of Greg’s wonderful attitude.

“Greg has meant more to this program than he even realizes. Holy Cross is definitely getting not just a great player, but a great person as well,” said CAL assistant boys’ basketball coach, Derwin Webb.

Greg visited Berry College, Centre College, St. Catharine College, and Clarion University before ultimately landing on Holy Cross.

“I chose Holy Cross because I felt that it was the best fit academically, athletically, and socially. Holy Cross has the small college feel with the small class sizes, but has a big university in Notre Dame directly across the street. All in all, I felt like Holy Cross would be where I would thrive the most,” said Frist.

Greg has been a varsity team member since his freshman year and has received several awards for basketball including: Centurion Award (2013), Most Improved (2014), Coaches vs. Cancer Classic Game MVP (2016), Twin Lakes Holiday Classic Game MVP (2016), Centurion Award (2016).

Greg plans to major in Biology with a Pre-Med track. He is also interested in minoring in business.

Congratulations to senior Laura English who signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Masters College in Santa Clarita, CA.

“Masters fulfills everything I am looking for in a college. It provides the opportunity to grow in my faith, play soccer, participate in mission trips, and receive a high level education,” said English.

Masters College head girls’ soccer coach, Curtis Lewis, traveled from California to join Laura in celebrating her achievement and spoke at the signing ceremony.

“We want girls who are Godly women and great soccer players. We found that in Laura. We are about using soccer to praise and glorify God,” said Coach Lewis.

“Masters is getting the ultimate student athlete with Laura. She has the attributes and characteristics a coach looks for. She has set the bar high for future players to follow,” said CAL head girls’ soccer coach, John Zutt.

Laura and her mother Melissa, closed the ceremony by thanking friends, coaches and teammates for pushing her to grow athletically and spiritually.

Laura has received numerous awards for soccer including: All District All-Tournament Team (2013-2016), All Region 7 First Team (2013-2016), Academic All-State First Team (2012-2015), and Kentucky High School Soccer Association All-State Team- Honorable Mention (2013, 2015).

Laura plans to major in Elementary Education and looks forward to playing for the Mustangs next year.

Congratulations to senior Allison Edlin who signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at the University of Indianapolis.

“UIndy has the rare combination of everything I want out of college: it’s a medium-sized school in a big city with lots to do, the atmosphere on the lacrosse team is a perfect mix of competition and fun, and they have an excellent doctorate of Physical Therapy program,” said Edlin.

“I am so excited and proud of Allison’s accomplishments. I truly believe the University of Indianapolis have won the lottery by getting Allison. She always wants to be pushed harder, which is a coach’s dream. It has been a pleasure to coach her,” said CAL head girls’ lacrosse coach, Sean Reding.

CAL head field hockey coach, Stanley Phulpagar, talked about how Allison pushed him spiritually.

“Allison has inspired me to memorize more scripture. It’s been amazing to see how much she loves God and loves others. My prayer is that she continues to seek God with all of her heart,” said Coach Phulpagar.

Allison started playing lacrosse in the 6th grade and has been a varsity lacrosse player all 4 years of high school. She has received the following awards for her lacrosse achievements: Academic All-State First Team (2013, 2014, 2015) named to the U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic Team; 3rd District All-Tournament Team (2013, 2014, 2015). Edlin was also named MVP her freshman year and Most Outstanding Mid-Fielder her sophomore year.

Allison concluded the signing ceremony by thanking her field hockey and lacrosse teammates for making her a better athlete. She also thanked her coaches for leading by example in their walk with God.

Allison plans to get her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and then continue on to get her doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.

Congratulations to senior, Hadley Trenaman, signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Transylvania University.

Trenaman chose Transylvania for its location, academics and volleyball program.

“I love Lexington and it is close to home. Transylvania is very strong academically, and I love the small school community…plus the volleyball coaches are awesome!” said Trenaman.

“Hadley was a work horse for this year’s team. She has such a desire to get better at everything she does and works toward that goal at all costs. It has been fun watching her develop into the player she is today,” said CAL head volleyball coach, Patty Ernst.

CAL Sports Performance head coach, Greg Lile, echoed Coach Ernst’s praise of Hadley’s work ethic.

“Hadley has put hours of hard work into becoming a collegiate athlete. I’m so proud of her,” said Coach Lile.

“This day has been a long time coming…all the way back to intramural volleyball. Hadley has always been driven and has always wanted to win. She has worked so hard at every sport she’s ever played,” said Hadley’s dad, Tracy Trenaman.

Hadley also played basketball and soccer and has been playing volleyball since the second grade. She was awarded the CAL Coaches Award (2014-15), as well as named All-District (2015-16) and Defensive Player of the Year (2015-16).

Hadley’s older brother Hunter, who is a CAL graduate, congratulated Hadley on all her hard work and accomplishments.

“I am so proud of Hadley. It’s fun to be back here at CAL to celebrate her athletic achievements,” said Hunter.

Hadley ended the signing ceremony by thanking her coaches, teammates and parents for their support in helping her continue her volleyball career at the next level. She is undecided in her major and looks forward to playing for the Pioneers next fall.

Congratulations to senior, Cody Morton, who signed a letter of intent to play football at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama.

CAL Director of Athletics, Brad Morgan, opened the signing ceremony in prayer. Morgan talked about the amount of time and work it takes to get from peewee football to play at the college level.

“Samford blessed me with the opportunity to play football at a high level. It is also a great academic school and I love the area,” said Cody.

Morton also made an official visit to Davidson College (North Carolina), before ultimately choosing to attend Samford.

“This year had some ups and downs for Cody, but he fought through them with a positive attitude. Cody is a smart and tough football player. He will never shy away from any challenge he’s faced with,” said CAL head football coach, Stefan LeFors.

Chuck Morton, Cody’s dad, was emotional in talking about how accomplished Cody has become athletically and academically.

“We are so proud of Cody for pushing through an unbelievable year. I can’t wait to see him suit up as a Samford Bulldog,” said Mr. Morton.

Cody concluded the signing ceremony by thanking his parents for the opportunities they made available to him through football. He also thanked his coaches and teammates for wonderful memories.

Cody was named to the All-District team in 2014 and plans to major in business finance at Samford.

Congratulations to senior, Camryn White, who signed a letter of intent yesterday to play basketball at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

White also made an official visit to Spaulding University before landing on Earlham. Camryn has played basketball since the age of five. Camryn’s dad, Perry White, is the CAL head girls’ basketball coach and coached Camryn this past year.

“I loved playing for my dad this year. He knows me so I believe it helped him coach and lead me better. Since he was my coach, I had more opportunities to get extra minutes in the gym. Plus, I had a lot of fun this year. I got to spend a lot more time with my dad and mess with him every day,” said Camryn.

CAL assistant girls’ basketball coach, Tracy Trenaman, talked about Camryn’s hard work and leadership throughout the year.

“From day one I knew Camryn was a leader on our team. She always gave 100%. With her work ethic, I think she could have gone to any school. Earlham is lucky to get her,” said Coach Trenaman.

Coach White thanked all of Camryn’s coaches over the years for coming to the signing ceremony and for their time and support.

“So many of you have helped Camryn become a better player. Your support has meant so much to our family,” said White.

Camryn was given the Defense Award this year for the Centurions. She is undecided in her major and looks forward to playing for the Quakers next year.