Four Seahawks ink letters of intent on National Signing Day

Sussex Academy celebrates decisions by Bisaha, Leeper, Lehman and Manlove

Sussex Academy seniors Emiley Bisaha, Shelby Manlove, Rilyn Lehman and Morgan Leeper signed their letters of intent Nov. 13, to play at Salisbury University, University of Richmond, Michigan State University, and Ohio Wesleyan, respectively. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Aaron R. Mushrush

November 19, 2024

Four Sussex Academy Seahawks are ready to leave the nest they’ve called home for four years – after their spring lacrosse season, of course.

Following immensely successful careers in lacrosse and field hockey, Sussex Academy seniors Emiley Bisaha, Morgan Leeper, Rilyn Lehman and Shelby Manlove will continue their playing careers at the next level. On National Signing Day Nov. 13, surrounded by family, friends, coaches, students and faculty, the four girls signed their letters of intent on the stage in Sussex Academy’s cafeteria.

Emiley Bisaha

A 61-point year (47 goals, 14 assists) in 2024 pushed Bisaha’s career lacrosse numbers to 70 points (54 goals, 16 assists). The totals earned her looks from a local team with national recognition, Division III Salisbury University.

“I like the atmosphere there, and I like the girls on the Salisbury team,” Bisaha said. “They're hardworking; it seems more like a DI mentality.”

She also likes the short commute to see family on holidays.

Before playing her final year of lacrosse for Sussex Academy, Bisaha will take the court for the Seahawks as one of the key players for the up-and-coming basketball program. She is fearless when driving to the cup in basketball and lacrosse.

Morgan Leeper

A key contributor for both the field hockey and lacrosse teams, Leeper’s love of both sports has led her to sign on to play both at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio.

“I love the campus, I love the coaches and I do have a love for both sports,” Leeper said. “I'm excited to be able to play both of them at the collegiate level.”

Leeper puts her body on the line as a goalie for the lacrosse team, and she has never allowed a goal to Lake Forest and Sussex Tech. After leading the field hockey team in goals her freshman and sophomore years, Leeper switched to defense her junior year before finishing up top her senior year. She ended with 77 points (31 goals, 15 assists).

Rilyn Lehman

Although Lehman played both lacrosse and field hockey for Sussex Academy, she will continue her field hockey career in college after signing on to play for Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich.

“Ever since I was a little girl, the dream of playing Division I field hockey always stuck with me, and when I got to Michigan State, I knew I wanted that Big Ten experience – to be able to play at that high level in Big Ten,” Lehman said. “I knew once I stepped on campus, this is my home.”

Lehman totaled 93 points (36 goals, 21 assists) during her field hockey career while also taking on defensive responsibilities. Fatigue is something that has yet to catch up to her.

While she said it’s a bit scary to be that far away from home, she is excited for the next chapter of her life and thinks it will be a fun one. Lehman will lace up for the lacrosse team this spring in her final high school season.

Shelby Manlove

A goal-scoring machine for both the field hockey and lacrosse teams, Manlove will play lacrosse at the next level, signing to play for the University of Richmond Spiders.

“Richmond just kind of came into my life because it checked all my boxes when I was searching for schools,” Manlove said. “I think that it's a program where I can excel academically and athletically, which is important to me, especially coming out of Sussex Academy where I've been prepared academically and athletically so much.”

“I've had the chance to meet my coaches and the recruits in my class, which makes me even more excited,” Manlove said. “I'm just super grateful.”

Manlove will look to add to her 113-point (98 goals, 15 assists) career total in the spring.

Standing behind Emiley Bisaha are dad Chris, sister Lily and mom Kelly.

Choosing to play both field hockey and lacrosse in college earned Morgan Leeper the support of both teams at Sussex Academy on signing day.

Morgan Leeper will continue her playing career in both field hockey and lacrosse at Ohio Wesleyan University. She is shown with her mom Sunny, a teacher at Sussex Academy, and her dad Tom.

Morgan Leeper plays goalie for her lacrosse coach Taylor Gibbs, left, and has played all over the field before settling into a role as a forward for her field hockey coach Caitlyn Hardy.

Rilyn Lehman smiles as she signs her letter of intent to attend Michigan University in East Lansing, Mich., and play field hockey in the ultra-competitive Big Ten.

Rilyn Lehman signs her letter of intent surrounded by family. By her side is her sister/teammate Mady Lehman. Behind them are (l-r) grandfather Joseph Franchella, dad Chris, mom Nicole and grandmother Barbara Franchella.

During her time at Sussex Academy, Rilyn Lehman had Caitlyn Hardy coaching her all four years; first as an assistant and this year as head coach.

Trading in wings for legs, Shelby Manlove signs up to lax it up for the University of Richmond Spiders.

Supporting Shelby Manlove are (l-r) are Larry, Sue, Lance and Heather Manlove next to Richard and Vicki Moore.

Coached by a former Division I player for Temple, Taylor Gibbs, Shelby Manlove will begin her own Division I career next year.

Standing next to Emiley Bisaha on the cafeteria stage, Sussex Academy Head of School Kyle Bentley encourages the students eating lunch to congratulate their fellow Seahawks on their accomplishments.

Family and coaches occupy front-row seats as the signing-day event was held on the cafeteria stage during a lunch period.

The goal of holding signing day in the cafeteria was to give students a chance to celebrate their classmates’ accomplishments and possibly be inspired by them.