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Signing
Eric Preston, left, and Audrey Poehler sign their National Letters of Intent to play for, respectively, Assumption College and Post University last week on the South Campus of Woodstock Academy. Photo by Marc Allard.
Two members of The Woodstock Academy athletic community were congratulated Dec. 4 for successfully making the next step in their athletic careers.
Senior Audrey Poehler recently announced that she had signed a National Letter of Intent to play women’s soccer for Division II Post University in Waterbury.
Classmate Eric Preston will also continue his playing days at a Division II school. Preston will head north to play baseball for Assumption College in Worcester.
Poehler never played soccer for the Centaurs.
She chose instead to play for the South-Central Premiere program which is based in North Branford. The goalkeeper also received some private tutoring.
“It’s interesting, a different path,” Poehler said.
Poehler played for South-Central program for the past three seasons. She started reaching out to college coaches two years ago and began to receive interest. She said she was “excited” when the offer came from a Division II school.
“I could have played high school soccer, but I thought it would be more of an advantage to get private goalie training all year,” Poehler said.
She had begun her career as a forward for the Northeast Premiere program but didn’t think she was making much progress. When the keeper left, Poehler seized the opportunity.
“I started to go to goalie training, really liked it, and went to a higher level from there,” Poehler said.
She added she was attracted to Post University, not only for the soccer, but also because the Waterbury school has a good Homeland Security program.
“I’ve always known Audrey to be a very hard worker as a student, super-diligent in class, a subtle but real superstar in the academic world so when I found out that she had this great athletic accomplishment, it didn’t surprise me,” said Woodstock Academy associate Head of School Holly Singleton.
Preston said it was a nice relief to have his destination planned out well before the baseball season begins.
“I can relax and just do what I have to do,” Preston said. “For 17 years now, I’ve been wanting to play college baseball and working toward it. It’s a huge load off my shoulders.”
The Assumption College choice was not all that difficult for Preston.
He has been working with the Greyhounds’ pitching coach, Aaron Kaska, since Kaska coached Preston’s 12-U team.
“I’ve been working with him for the last five years and I’ve also been playing with one of their players so I know it’s a good atmosphere and the right fit,” Preston said.
Preston, a catcher for the Centaurs, will likely remain in that position in Worcester although Preston knows the Greyhounds like their athletes to be ready for other positions if necessary.
“Catcher is definitely a hard-working position and I accept any challenge that comes with it,” Preston said. “Division II is quality baseball. There is a little difference between it and Division I, but sometimes, the competition level is the same.”
Preston will be a health science major with a focus on physical therapy.
“I watched him play in Little League and I knew he would be something special. Not only is he a great baseball player, he is also a great leader, one of our co-captains and more importantly, a great young man. He’s got good morals, good values and a good work ethic – a tremendous kid,” said Woodstock Academy baseball coach Brian Murphy.
For now, Preston can focus on the high school baseball season this spring.
He hit .303 with one homer, two doubles, four triples, two stolen bases and 11 runs batted in for the Centaurs last year.
He also posted a 3-2 record on the mound with 30 strikeouts.
“We would like to win the Eastern Connecticut Conference championship and compete in the state tournament,” Preston said.
Marc Allard
Sports Information Director
The Woodstock Academy
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