Cougars ink college choices

Ryan McMahon always knew he was capable of playing alongside the nation’s elite. 

The Cardinal Mooney senior guard just needed an opportunity to show that he belonged. He needed someone to take a chance. 

With his senior season winding down, McMahon finally garnered the attention of Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, who offered McMahon a scholarship to the University of Louisville in February. 

On April 15, with his family, teammates and coaches by his side, McMahon signed a national letter of intent to play for the Cardinals. 

“It’s incredible,” McMahon says. “This (moment) is all I’ve been working for and thinking about. I’m just happy to have been given an opportunity. I’ve been working so hard to get here. I’m just glad it all paid off.” 

McMahon, who plans to study business, was one of seven Cardinal Mooney student-athletes across four sports who signed college scholarships last week. 

Emanuele Rossi

Sport: Swimming 

College choice: 

Florida Institute of Technology 

Deciding factor: “My brother Ferruccio swims there, and when I visited I just loved the place,” Rossi says. “It felt like the right place for me.” 

Other options: Florida Southern, Nova Southeastern, Eastern Michigan and South Carolina 

Major: Accounting; followed by law school 

Reaction: “It was getting really old and stressful, so I’m really happy,” Rossi says. “I got two important scholarships (athletic and academic), but it’s not just about myself. I’m happy for my family.” 

Cal Davidson Turner 

Sport: Track and cross-country 

College choice: Seattle University 

Deciding factor: “When I was on campus I instantly felt like this is the place for me,” Davidson Turner says. “That feeling — it just touched me. The team and coaches are full of energy and love to run, and I think they’ll help me develop into an even better runner.” 

n Reaction: “I’m really thrilled and so excited to have made a decision,” Davidson Turner says. “Now I can focus on finishing strong this season. I can’t wait to go, though. I’m excited for the future.” 

Kevin Barker

Sport: Lacrosse

College choice: Pfeiffer University 

Deciding factor: “Pfeiffer is a great school in a great location,” Barker says. “They are welcoming and made me feel at home. Getting that family feeling was huge in my decision.” 

Other options: Notre Dame de Namur, Alderson-Broaddus University and Young Harris College 

Major: Pre-medicine 

Reaction: “This is huge,” Barker says. “It’s been a dream of mine ever since I first picked up a stick.” 

Nick Bobbitt

Sport: Lacrosse

College choice: Catawba College

Deciding factor: “The campus and athletic facilities were great,” Bobbitt says. “I liked the coaches and the way they ran their team.” 

Other options: Mars Hill University and Belmont Abbey College 

Major: Business management 

Reaction: “It’s a great feeling,” Bobbitt says. “The hard work is paying off. I can’t wait to get up there next season.”

Adam Scalisi 

Sport: Lacrosse

College choice: Rollins College 

Deciding factor: “The great education as well as being able to continue my lacrosse career,” Scalisi says. 

Other options: Merrimack College and Clark University 

Major: International business

Reaction: “This moment is such a relief knowing I have accomplished a goal I set when I was younger and that all of my hard work is paying off,” Scalisi says. 

Tommy Vassallo

Sport: Lacrosse

College choice: Saint Leo University 

Deciding factor: “I like how it’s close to home and the size of the school,” Vassallo says. 

Other options: University of Vermont, University of Tampa and Alderson-Broaddus University 

Major: Criminology and business

Reaction: “I am very happy,” Vassallo says. “I’m looking forward to the level of competition and being able to show that the players from Florida can play anywhere.”