Mercy’s Lessard signs with Wagner College

Bishop McGann-Mercy senior Cassidy Lessard of Jamesport has accepted an athletic and academic scholarship to play tennis at Wagner College, a NCAA Division 1 school on Staten Island. With her parents, Kelly and Dave watching, Lessard signed her letter of intent on Wednesday during a commitment ceremony held at the McGann-Mercy chapel.

Encouraged to play tennis by her parents, Lessard first picked up a racket when she was 5 years old. During her four years as a first singles player for the Monarchs, Lessard built an overall record of 60-12.

“Cassidy has had a tremendous impact on our program,” McGann-Mercy coach Mike Clauberg said in a prepared statement. “We could always count on her to come up with the big win under pressure. Her athleticism, work ethic and leadership as a captain is a big reason why we have been top 10 on Long Island for the past two years.”

Lessard has also received all-county honors and was awarded a Suffolk Zone Leadership Award.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Lessard is a dedicated student, earning an overall grade-point average of 94.16 percent. “Cassidy is a great student/athlete who continuously strives for excellence in both tennis and academics,” McGann-Mercy’s athletic director, John Lonardo, said in a press release. “She truly is a great kid who is going to do well in life.”

In reflecting on why she decided to sign with Wagner, Lessard took both athletic and academic concerns into account. “I chose Wagner for two reasons,” she said. “First, the tennis team and coaching staff are a perfect fit for me, and second, for their excellent nursing program.”