Two Rebel Athletes Sign on to Play at College Level

On the soccer field Chris Hill made a name for himself as one of the most talented forwards in the Shore Conference. While Hill was running circles around opposing players on the soccer field, Tim Donahue used his imposing stature to protect quarterback Ryan Davies from opposing defenses. 

This week Hill and Donahue signed National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level. For Hill that means a trip down to Richmond University to play for the Spiders while Donahue will make the slightly shorter trip to Fordham to see what life is like in the Patriot League.

Both players said they are excited for the challenges ahead and have the full backing of not only their family but also the coaches they will leave behind after graduation. 

When Hill signed his letter on Wednesday it brought finality to a decision he said he made at the end of the summer. "I loved the environment of the school and they have a great soccer team and coach," he said. "The coach is a great guy and I know a couple of the guys on the team already."

Following a senior season where he scored 13 goals and had nine assists for the Rebels Hill said he looked at several other schools including Lafayette, Georgetown, Villanova, Lehigh and UMASS. In the end, he said he knew he was going to be a Spider. "As soon as I went to Richmond and visited and met the coach it was pretty much set."

Howell Coach Rich Yuro said in his four years with the program Hill has become an integral part of the team. Having worked his way onto the field as a freshman, Yuro said Hill is a special player. "I knew from the beginning he was just a tireless worker," he said. "He leads by example and the kids followed."

Looking ahead to life in college, both said Hill will have to make some adjustments. "The whole game is faster and more physical," Yuro said. "Instead of one or two kids his size and ability there's going to be 22 kids on the field of his size and ability."

After going through training camp with Richmond, his coach said he should be fine and Hill said he was ready to get to work to take his game to the next level. "It's exciting," he said. "Its been my dream to play D-I soccer and I finally made it happen so I've gotta see what I can do now and then go to the next level if possible."

Standing at 6-6 and weighing in at close to 330 pounds Donahue said he chose Fordham not only for their academic and athletic reputations but also to stay close to home. "I really wanted my family to be a big part of my college experience," he said. 

Like Hill, Donahue had offers from other schools including Wagner, Delaware and Old Dominion among others. After signing his letter on Tuesday, he said he was ready to see what awaits him across the Hudson River. "They have a great educational experience and then they're competitive in the Patriot League," he said. "I'm really excited about it."

Coach Cory Davies said Donahue was an important part of the team's success over the past three years. "He was our top offensive lineman the past two seasons and will do a great job at Fordham," he said. "He was a great pass as well as run blocker for us."

Davies said on the field Donahue was a natural leader for his teammates. "He was like a coach on the field when it was game time," he said. "He assisted and directed the offensive line." With his work ethic, the coach said the player should be ready to go in college. "He will be an outstanding addition to the offensive line at Fordham, he is a very hard working player who will strive to be the best."

Donahue said that while he is excited to take the next step in the classroom and on the football field he is also a little hesitant in some ways as well. "It's a whole new change going to college. You're on your own, you don't have your parents pushing you to do well in school but I know I have had the support of my family all throughout my education."