The Gunston School is pleased to announce that three members of the class of 2026 have signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level.

At a recent signing ceremony this past Wednesday, May 6, students and their families along with coaches and faculty gathered in the Alice R. Ryan Family Library to celebrate their accomplishments. Nationwide, a little over 7% of high school athletes (about 1 in 13) go on to play a varsity sport in college and less than 2% of high school athletes (1 in 57) go on to play at NCAA Division I schools. 

Emma Nkanza (Easton) is taking her talents to Susquehanna University this fall to play volleyball and study psychology. Emma’s impact on Gunston’s volleyball program is nothing short of historic. A multi-year ESIAC All-Conference selection, she was named the 2024 ESIAC Player of the Year and the 2025 Team MVP. Her leadership at the net was instrumental in guiding the team to the 2025 ESIAC Championship—the first in school history. In addition to her success at Gunston, Emma honed her skills playing club volleyball year-round.

“Emma has meant so much to our program, not only because of what she accomplished on the court, but because of the standard she set every day,” explains Head Coach for Gunston’s Varsity Volleyball team David Henry. “Becoming the first player in program history to continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level is a tremendous achievement. During her time here, our program went 41–7, reached back-to-back conference championship matches, and captured the 2025 title, and Emma played a major role in all of it. As a three-time All-Conference selection, the 2024 ESIAC Player of the Year, and our school’s all-time assists leader with 837, she leaves behind an outstanding legacy. We’re excited to continue following her career with the River Hawks and know she’ll make the same kind of impact at the next level.”

Layla Kent (Millington) is headed to Salisbury University to play field hockey for the Sea Gulls. A committed recruit since her junior year, Layla leaves Gunston as one of the most decorated athletes in school history. As a senior captain, Layla led the field hockey team to a top-20 state ranking, recently joining the elite 60-goal club with 62 career goals. She is a multi-year MVP in field hockey, lacrosse, and basketball, a two-time ESIAC Player of the Year, and a perennial All-Conference selection across all three sports. In addition to playing for Gunston, Layla played for the Shore Field Hockey Club and was the recipient of the Field Hockey Coaches Association of Maryland’s All Mid-Shore Field Hockey Team for the last four years. 

“Coaching a player like Layla Kent can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Gunston’s Assistant Field Hockey Coach Jennifer Matthews ’05. “To get the chance to coach her from 5th grade through to her Senior Year of high school was truly special. Layla possesses the perfect combination of passion, drive, and talent. Beyond her impressive resume and stat lines, Layla is a leader on the field. She is a true teammate, and expects the best from herself and others. We can't wait to see what she'll accomplish next year at Salisbury.” 

Colin Buckley (Chestertown) is headed to SUNY Maritime College to play lacrosse. Since joining the Gunston community this year from Avon Old Farms School, Buckley has made an immediate and indelible impact on the Lacrosse program. A natural leader, Buckley was voted team captain in his first season with the Herons, quickly becoming the anchor of a defensive unit that has remained undefeated deep into the spring. Buckley’s season was highlighted by his recent recognition as the MIAA Athlete of the Week. The honor followed a dominant stretch where he recorded a shutout against Chapelgate and delivered a series of clutch saves to secure an 8-7 overtime victory against the Key School. A versatile multi-sport athlete with a background in hockey and football, Buckley brought a veteran presence to Gunston’s campus. During his tenure at Avon Old Farms, he was named the Varsity B Team MVP and recorded an impressive 135 career saves.

“I’m so proud of Colin for the work he’s put in to continue his lacrosse career at SUNY Maritime,” said Gunston Varsity Lacrosse Coach Teddy Peyton. “He is a great goalie in the cage and an even better teammate. He comes to every practice and game looking to make himself, our defense, and our team better. And I’m excited for what college lacrosse has in store for him. Congratulations Colin!”