With the school year and spring sports closing, 11 more student-athletes from Norwalk High have finalized their commitments to play or continue to the next level. The Bears so far have covered a variety of sports and all three seasons. In total, 21 student athletes have committed to their sport, with four football, two field hockey, two softball two baseball, three swim, three wrestling, two track, one for rowing, and one for bowling. Out of the 21 who have committed, 19 are seniors and 2 are juniors.
Covering all three seasons, the athletes also are covering all three divisions as well, with two going DI, two going DII, and seventeen going DIII. These bears are 21 of the total 7% of student-athletes that even make the collegiate level. During the second semester of the 2024-25 school year, 11 new athletes committed, starting with David Harry and Nazaiah Grant to Curry College, Jayden Diaz to Castleton, and Mason Riina off to Springfield all for Football. The track team has two commits, Naziah Johnson off to Eastern Connecticut State University, and Kimani Jordan to Western Connecticut State University. Ashley Carvante will be off to Eastern Connecticut State University for swimming, the only senior swimmer this year. Being one of many firsts commits, Cephus Beatty commits to Midland University for Bowling. Lastly, another first for Norwalk High athletics, Lina Rodriguez to Felician and Rylee Donohue to Western New England for Women’s Wrestling, along with Ryan Laing to Springfield to wrestle as well.
Here are the recently committed bears:
David Harry committed to Curry College after his senior year season. Harry’s commitment is to play football at the collegiate level after his successful years on Norwalk High’s football team. David started on the Offensive Line for varsity during the 2024 season.
Also committed to Curry College is senior, Nazaiah Grant. Nazaiah played corner and was a captain for the 2024 season. He has started on varsity for multiple years and has had a very successful run during his time as a part of the Norwalk High football program.
Another starter for the 2024 football team, Jayden Diaz has committed to play at the next level at Vermont State University, Castleton. On the field Jayden was a key player to the team’s success, playing running back. Jayden has been a part of the program all four years and varsity for multiple years as well.
Starting Quarter Back, Mason Riina has committed to play DIII at Springfield College. Mason has been a part of Norwalk’s football since youth, playing all four years at Norwalk High and even changing positions. Mason was a 2024 Captain and has been starting and or playing with the varsity since his sophomore year.
Senior Captain, Naziah Johnson has decided to continue her athletic career in track at Eastern Connecticut State University. She has become a very decorated athlete, competing with a 12.5 second 100m, a 26.8 second 200m, a 7.5 second 55m, and a 17ft long jump. Naziah has broken records, and won FCIACs and other competitions, continuing to showcase her athleticism and dedication.
During Kimani Jordan’s first year in Track, he committed to Western Connecticut State University. In track, Kimani runs the 100m, 1x400m, and jumps. He currently runs an 11.47 100m and jumps 6ft. His versatility as an athlete shows as he switches from basketball to track in his final year in high school.
Of multiple seniors within the NorMac Swim and Dive program, Ashley Carvante is the only one to continue her career at Eastern Connecticut State University. Ashley has become a very accomplished swimmer during her time with the program and will continue to put in the work on the next level.
Cephus Beatty will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Midland University. Cephus has been bowling since middle school for a club team. With his club team, he has become a very extensively decorated bowler, leading him to where he is today. This year, Cephus and others started and won States with a first-year program through Norwalk High’s Athletics.
Four-year varsity starter and Senior Captain, Ryan Laing has committed to Springfield to continue his wrestling career. Ryan has placed at numerous local and state tournaments while surpassing 100 wins during high school. He has held a high spot in the state rankings throughout his time on the Norwalk Wrestling team, from 106 in his freshman year to 132 in his senior.
After finishing her high school career on a high note, Lina Rodriguez will be continuing at Felician University. Lina started her sophomore year and worked her way through placing 3rd at states, then 1st her senior year. She also placed New England 3rd, and this year ended with placing 5th. Lina was one of three girls on the team who qualified, placed, and won New England, the first Connecticut team to ever do so.
After starting varsity for four years, senior Captain, Rylee Donohue has committed to wrestle at Western New England. Rylee was the first girl to win the State Opens in 2022, also winning in 2025. She was the first 4x finalist for the Girl’s State Opens, and also the first female captain in Norwalk Wrestling’s history. Following State Opens, Rylee placed 3rd two years in a row at New England and was a 2025 finalist. Rylee was one of three girls on the team who qualified, placed, and won the 2025 New England’s, the first Connecticut team to ever do so. During the duration of her high school career, she also became a 2x All-American.
Check out Bears Chasing Goals to see more of the 2024-25 commitments!
