College Athletes
Many high school athletes strive to pursue their passion for athletics after high school graduation. Few, however, achieve this status. Recent studies show that fewer than 2% of high school athletes get the opportunity to play NCAA Division III let alone DII or DI athletics.
At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, our student-athletes achieve collegiate success more easily than others simply because of their academic standings. With STA’s emphasis on academic excellence, our Saints are set up for success early and college coaches do not need to worry about their GPA or test scores (as they may with other student-athletes).
With their natural aptitude in athletics and their ability to meet exceptional standards of academic success in the classroom, more STA athletes are going on to participate in college athletics than ever before. Since 2015, each class has had between 10-20% of their classmates go on to play after high school, for a total of 122 students.
Professional and Olympic Athletes
St. Thomas Aquinas High School has a proud tradition of cultivating student‑athletes who excel not only in the classroom, but also on the national and international stage. From professional baseball and soccer to Olympic track and field, our alumni have carried the Saints’ spirit of dedication, perseverance, and excellence into the highest levels of sport.
These stories highlight the journeys of a few remarkable alumni who began their athletic careers at STA and went on to compete professionally and represent the United States on the world stage. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future students, demonstrating what can be accomplished with talent, hard work, and the support of a strong school community.
Ryan McKenna ’15
Ryan McKenna ’15 is a St. Thomas Aquinas High School alumnus who went on to achieve his dream of playing professional baseball. A standout outfielder for the Saints, McKenna was a key contributor during his high school career and established himself as one of New Hampshire’s top baseball prospects, finishing his senior season among the state leaders in batting average.
Following his graduation in 2015, McKenna was selected in the 4th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, launching a professional career that included a steady rise through the minor leagues. He made his Major League Baseball debut in 2021, recording his first MLB hit as a pinch-hit triple against the Boston Red Sox, his childhood home team, and became known for his defensive versatility and speed, playing all three outfield positions and serving as a key contributor off the bench.
McKenna has spent time with multiple MLB organizations, continuing to represent St. Thomas Aquinas with pride at the professional level.
Rachel Schneider ’09
Rachel Schneider ’09 is a distinguished alumna of St. Thomas Aquinas High School whose athletic journey took her from the Saints’ track to the world’s biggest stages. A standout middle- and long-distance runner at St. Thomas, Schneider went on to compete collegiately for Georgetown University, where she became one of the program’s most decorated athletes. During her time with the Hoyas, she was a five-time NCAA All-American, earned multiple Big East titles — including a 2013 Big East Championship in the distance medley relay — and helped lead her team to conference and national successes, while also setting school records and completing both an undergraduate and graduate degree.
After graduating from Georgetown, Schneider turned professional and represented the United States at the World Athletics Championships and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, competing in the women’s 5,000 meters. At the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2021, she earned her spot on Team USA with a third-place finish in the 5,000 meters and also reached the finals of the 10,000 meters, posting a time of 31:09.79 — one of the fastest ever by an American woman. She has also captured national titles on the road circuit, including the USA 1-Mile Road Championship, and earned podium finishes in the 5K and other distances.
Known for her competitive spirit, versatility across distances, and dedication both on and off the track, Rachel continues to compete at the elite level while serving as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.
Taig Healy ’22
Taig Healy ’22 is a proud graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School who has continued his soccer success at the collegiate and professional levels. A standout midfielder with the Saints, Taig began his college career at the University of New Hampshire, where he competed for two seasons (2022–2023). During his time with the Wildcats, he earned America East All‑Rookie Team honors and America East Offensive Player of the Week recognition, making key contributions in both conference and postseason play.
Following his sophomore year, Taig transferred to North Carolina State University, joining the Wolfpack for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. At NC State, he quickly emerged as a key midfielder and team leader, helping guide the program to a historic run to the NCAA Division I National Championship Game. He earned All‑ACC Second Team honors in 2024 and All‑ACC First Team honors in 2025, as well as United Soccer Coaches All‑South Region Second Team recognition, cementing his status as one of the top midfielders in the nation. Taig also scored critical goals in the NCAA Tournament, including a pivotal semifinal goal that secured NC State’s first-ever berth in the national championship match.
After completing his senior season, Taig took the next step in his career by signing with Fort Wayne Football Club, a professional team based in Indiana, continuing his journey as a standout midfielder at the professional level.