McCabe and Gilmore latest Bulldogs to commit to college programs

In a brief ceremony held at CHS on Friday, May 21st, TJ McCabe and Mia Gilmore each signed their commitment letters to continue their academic and athletic careers this fall.  Gilmore will be heading "west" to attend Worcester Polytechnic Institute while McCabe will be heading "east" to attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  Both will be joining theschools' soccer programs this August. 

Both McCabe and Gilmore have been at the forefront of their respective soccer programs here at CHS with both playing at the varsity level for four years and each serving as a captain this past fall. 

Mia Gilmore has had an amazing Bulldog career which culminated in leading the team to its first Hockomock Davenport Championship in 11 seasons this past fall. Gilmore has been a force in the Bulldog midfield since arriving at CHS. She earned All-Hockomock and Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic honors for the fine 2020 season.

In reflecting on her CHS soccer career, Gilmore had this to say- "Playing for CHS has been an amazing experience.  Being able to play with my sister and my childhood friends has created so many special memories for me." She added, "My favorite memory is winning the Davenport Championship this past fall." She was also filled with gratitude upon the signing, adding, "I want to thank coach Idris for pushing me this season to practice and play harder than ever before, and for reminding me how much I love this sports.  I also want to thank my parents for sticking through the long college soccer process with me for the past couple of years and for taking me all over the United States to play."

Gilmore will be playing for Stephanie Riley-Schafer as she laces up her boots in Worcester.  The Engineers advanced to the NEWMAC Final in 20219 and will be looking for Gilmore to help them get back there soon. 

TJ McCabe has been a huge part of the CHS Boys program over the past four years contributing greatly to three winning seasons in a variety of ways.  "TJ is one of the most talented soccer players to come through our program in recent years," praised long-time coach Danny Erickson. "His journey has not been a smooth one, with injuries and pandemics in the way, but TJ never quit and his performance as a captain this past fall played a big role our great season."

McCabe had this to say in looking back at his CHS soccer career- "It is sad to leave the kids I've been-laying with for most of my soccer career, but it's exciting and refreshing knowing I'm starting back at square one with a new program."

He went on to share this- "I have lots of great memories from my days with the CHS soccer program but I'll never forget scoring my first goal against Norwood on the road my freshman year.  The goal secured our first road win of the season. Another highlight was being able to play with my brother Jake. He made me better by always nipping at my heals for being the most dominant player in the house and always giving me someone to train with."

He concluded with the following humble comments- "I want to thank coach Erickson and the rest of the Canton boys team for including me this season without be able to contribute on the field due to injury. I would also like to thank Coach Don Whitaker for putting me down the path of high level soccer at a young age. Finally, I would like to thank my family for keeping me motivated and striving to get better year after year."

McCabe will follow in his dad's footsteps and head to Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he will play for Coach Greg Perry.  The team will be looking to get some big contributions from McCabe as they look to rebuild after a tough 2019 and a long pandemic break. 

CHS Girls Coach Idris Senyonjo (far left) and CHS Boys Soccer Coach Danny Erickson (far right) joined the Gilmore and McCabe Families for the signing celebration. 

CHS wishes both Mia and TJ well in their upcoming college careers.  We are all very proud of you!