While many high school athletes put away their equipment for the last time, some are lucky enough to continue playing at the collegiate level. Scotch Plains-Fanwood is fortunate to have numerous athletes every year that continue their career at the next level.
The Fanscotian decided to check up with SPFHS’s most recent student-athlete graduates from the class of 2023.
Lily Camacho
The former SPFHS Girls Soccer team captain started in all 18 games of the season in her freshman year at Seton Hall. While Camacho played defense, she still netted one goal during the year against Central Connecticut State. Camacho showed great promise in her first year and will hope to continue this the rest of her collegiate career.
Diego Gutierrez
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology cross country runner Diego Gutierrez crossed the finish line in four meets his freshman year. Gutierrez was the lone cross country commit in the class of 2023 and was the captain of the cross country team his senior year. His best finish was in the HCAC Championship, when he placed 64 out of 138 in the 8k race.
Owen Higinbotham
In the early days of the swimming season, Owen Higinbotham has already competed in four meets for the Lehigh Boys Swimming and Dive team. Higinbotham placed second in the 1,000 meter freestyle against Rider on Oct. 21. He was the Union County champion in the 500 meter freestyle his junior and senior year and will continue to have success in college.
Rebecca Kessler
Former Raider Rebecca Kessler appeared between the posts in one game in her first year at Binghamton University. Throughout her high school career, Kessler was a finalist for the 2022 New Jersey Goalkeeper of the Year and a three-time all-county choice. The one-time second team all state goalie appeared in a 3-0 win against Le Moyne and kept the clean sheet.
Gia Milano
Along with Lily Camacho, Gia Milano was another big part of the Seton Hall Women’s Soccer team. Milano played in all 18 games while starting in 15 of them and recorded one assist. The central midfielder will hope to continue to team up with Camacho for the rest of their years playing in South Orange.
Ava Mustacciuolo
Bryant swimmer Ava Mustacciuolo has already competed in three meets in her freshman year. Her best finish was against Fordham when she placed second in the 100 meter butterfly. The Bulldogs are early in their season and Mustacciuolo will continue to swim to victory.
Olivia Stahley
The former SPFHS lacrosse and field hockey star Olivia Stahley appeared in limited action in her first year at Scranton University. She came into the game on two separate occasions, once against Lycoming and another time against Kings as a midfielder. Stahley was a part of the 16-win Royals team and will have a greater role during her sophomore season.
To have a school with multiple players in college is remarkable, and SPFHS always produces a big number of well rounded student-athletes. As the winter and spring sports season is approaching, more athletes will continue to shine and make everyone proud back home.
