Toll Gate saw two of its top athletes make their college commitments official this week, as Amanda Preston signed to play softball for Division II Caldwell University, while track state champ Alison Pankowicz will be competing for nearby University of Rhode Island.

The schools hosted friends and family on Tuesday morning to celebrate the signings and each of their respective coaches made statements congratulating them.

“She has matured and become a true leader at this school. I am super proud of her. This girl is a stellar athlete, a hard worker, and she’s become a great team captain and team leader,” said Toll Gate softball coach Shana Willis.

Regarding Pankowicz, Toll Gate track coach Norm Bouthillier said, “She has been a joy to coach. I relate her to an amusement park. Roller coaster, up and down, haunted house. I was always scared when she was in a race because I never knew what was going to happen. She brought tears to my face when she won at states. We’ll be sad to see her go, but she’s going on to bigger things.”