Four Wildcats sign national letters of intent to compete in college

February 14, 2024

Great news out of Wildcats Country today, as four Warwick Wildcats signed National Letters of Intent (NLI), a form completed by student-athletes that indicates their commitment to play sports at NCAA colleges and universities.

Congratulations to (l-r) Sydney McSweeney, Keira Mangels, Lily Mahoney, and Matthew Sansone.

See a gallery of images from the Wildcats NLI signing below this story.

Sydney McSweeney, Swimming

Sydney signed her NLI to compete in swimming for St. Michael’s College (Colchester, Vermont). St. Michael’s competes in the Northeast 10, against other member schools such as Bentley, Southern Connecticut, Assumption, and Pace University. Sydney was recruited by Eileen Hall, and scouted by Misericordia, Hartwick, and Cortland. She will be receiving a merit and athletic scholarship package worth more than $30,000 per year, and plans to major in psychology.

Career Highlights

6-year varsity swim team member, 2023 Captain
Qualified for Section IX Championships in 5 events: 200 free, 50 free, 100 free, 500 free and 100 backstroke.
- Placed 8th in the 50 freestyle at the Section IX Championships.
Placed top 3 in both the 50 free and the 100 free at the OCIAA Championship.
Warwick’s top point scorer for the 2023 team.

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 95
6-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete
Club swimmer for the Monroe Woodbury Devil Fish Aquatics

Keira Mangels, Volleyball/Lacrosse

Keira signed her NLI National Letter of Intent to sign Athletic Scholarship to Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mercyhurst competes in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, against other member schools such as Gannon University, East Stroudsburg University, Seton Hill, and Grand Valley State. Keira was recruited by Coach Lindsay Weaver, and chose Mercyhurst over Radford University, Saxton University, and Roanoke College. Keira is receiving the Herrmann Scholarship and an Athletic Scholarship totaling $30,000 per year, and intends to study biology or nursing.

Career Highlights

3 years on varsity lacrosse
69 career goals, 55 career assists (team leader in assists, 2023)
Recruited to Mad Dog national team, which competes in top level tournaments throughout the Northeast

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 93
National Honor Society member
5-time NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete

Lily Mahoney, Basketball/Lacrosee

Lily signed her NLI to play lacrosse for the NCAA Division II Trojans, of the University of Mt. Olive (Mt. Olive, North Carolina). The Trojans compete in the Conference Carolinas, against schools including Southern Wesleyan, Embry Riddle, Belmont Abbey, and Wingate. Lily was recruited by head coach Heather Coppola, and chose Mt. Olive over St. Leo University, Rollins University, and Southern Connecticut State. Lily is receiving Merit and Academic Scholarships totaling more than $6,000 per year, and plans to major in criminal justice.

Career Highlights

3-year Wildcat starting goalie
200+ career saves
Section IX champs (2022)
NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete (2023)

Academic Accomplishments

GPA: 88.7
SADD and FBLA Clubs member
Empty Bowls Club volunteer
Warwick Youth Lacrosse/Basketball volunteer

Matthew Sansone, Lacrosse

Matthew signed his NLI to play Lacrosse for the NCAA Division II Purple Knights of St. Michael’s College (Colchester, Vermont). The Knights compete in the New England 10, against schools such as Adelphi, Assumption, Pace University, and American International College. Matt was recruited by Assistant Coach Daniel Johnson, and chose St. Michaels over the University of Vermont and schools in the west. Matthew is is receiving merit and academic scholarships in excess of $40,000, and plans to major in biology or sports medicine.

Career Highlights