The Milford High School Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that 11 members of its Class of 2024 will continue their athletic careers on the collegiate level. The student-athletes that have committed to continuing their academic and athletic futures are Luke Barkimer (Men’s Lacrosse-University of Denver), Caitlin Evans (Women's Soccer-Northern Kentucky University), Kaitlyn Flynn (Softball-University of Indianapolis), Louden Hilliard (Baseball-George Mason University), Andy Lopez (Men’s Lacrosse-Malone University), Ana Manning (Women’s Soccer-Eastern Kentucky University), Kelsey McKenney (Women’s Volleyball-University of Indianapolis), Ashlyn Schaefer (Women’s Soccer-Anderson (SC) University), Peyton Smith (Women’s Soccer-Eastern Kentucky University), Jacob Wagner (Men’s Lacrosse-Seton Hill University) and Isabella Zimmerman (Softball-Cedarville University).

Barkimer has enjoyed a stellar career to date that includes two All-Ohio and three All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference awards. As a junior, he was named second team all-state and All-MSLA, as well as a first team All-ECC choice. Barkimer already holds the Milford school record for career assists (104) and is on track to break the career goals and points records in the spring. He enters the coming season with 121 goals and 225 points.

At Denver, an NCAA Division I program in Denver, CO, Barkimer will play for head coach Matt Brown. Luke is the son of Matthew and Robin Barkimer.

Evans is a member of the remarkable girls soccer senior class that won 64 matches, three ECC titles and two district crowns during her career. Known for her lockdown defense, Evans will conclude her career as a four-time All-ECC selection, including first team in each of the last three years. She also earned a pair of All-District accolades. During her time at Milford, Evans has also set a school record in the long jump and qualified for the state track & field championships.

At Northern Kentucky, an NCAA Division I program in Highland Heights, KY, Evans will play for head coach Bob Sheehan. Caitlin is the daughter of Brian and Jennifer Evans.

Flynn is coming off a junior campaign that saw her earn first team All-ECC honors after being named honorable mention as a sophomore. During her junior season, Flynn batted .280 with six doubles, a triple, two home runs and 18 RBI, while handling the challenges of playing shortstop defensively.

At Indianapolis, an NCAA Division II program in Indianapolis, IN, Flynn will play for head coach Melissa Frost. Kaitlyn is the daughter of Mike and Debbie Flynn.

Hilliard made his mark as both a pitcher and a hitter on his way to first team All-ECC and second team All-City honors as a junior. The owner of a 2-2 record and a 2.80 ERA, Hilliard tied for sixth in the league with 47 strikeouts, while also contributing to a combined no-hitter. He had seven extra-base hits, 11 RBI and nine stolen bases offensively.

At George Mason, an NCAA Division I program in Fairfax, VA, Hilliard will play for head coach Shawn Camp. Louden is the son of Paul and Kris Hilliard.

Lopez will begin his second year as a varsity member of the highly-successful Eagle lacrosse program. As a reserve goalkeeper, he tallied 39 saves for Milford last season.

At Malone, an NCAA Division II program in Canton, OH, Lopez will play for head coach Michael Campbell. Andy is the son of Emilie Peters.

The record-setting Manning will wrap up her time at Milford as a four-time first team All-ECC selection and a two-time ECC Offensive Player of the Year. She also has a pair of All-Ohio awards to her credit with this year’s still to be announced. As a junior, Manning also earned All-American honors. A prolific goal scorer, she finishes her prep career as the Milford and ECC career leader in both points (186) and goals (81).

At Eastern Kentucky, an NCAA Division I program in Richmond, KY, Manning will play for head coach Matt Cosinuke. Ana is the daughter of Ray and Jeri Manning.

A standout in three sports at Milford, McKenney will close the book on her prep volleyball career as a two-time All-ECC selection, including first team this year. She also picked up second team All-District honors for her play this fall after ranking fourth in the ECC with 67 blocks. During her career, McKenney has also earned all-conference in track & field and basketball.

At Indianapolis, an NCAA Division II program in Indianapolis, IN, McKenney will play for head coach Cody Wainscott. Kelsey is the daughter of Tom and Kristi McKenney.

Schaefer is another member of the record-setting senior class on the girls soccer team that in addition to 64 overall wins, also scored 29 ECC wins in the last four years. This year, Schaefer earned All-ECC honors for the first team, landing on the second team. A force for a defense that yielded just 19 goals, Schaefer tacked on one goal and one assist on offense for the Eagles.

At Anderson, an NCAA Division II program in Anderson, SC, Schaefer will play for head coach Sarah Jacobs. Ashlyn is the daughter of David and Kimberly Schaefer.

Smith turned in a senior season to remember on her way to ECC Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-ECC and All-District accolades. She trailed only Manning on the ECC leaderboard with 46 points, was third with 17 goals and topped all players with 12 assists. This marked her second all-conference accolade after being named honorable mention as a sophomore.

At Eastern Kentucky, an NCAA Division I program in Richmond, KY, Smith will play for head coach Matt Cosinuke. Peyton is the daughter of Brandon and Heather Smith.

Wagner enters his senior season of competition coming off a campaign that saw him earn first team All-ECC and second team All-MSLA honors last spring. His list of accolades also included third team All-Ohio, Region Defensive Midfielder of the Year and first team All-Region. His offensive numbers as a junior included eight goals and five assists.

At Seton Hill, an NCAA Division II program in Greensburg, PA, Wagner will play for head coach Brian Novotny. Jacob is the son of Tom and Jennifer Wagner.

Zimmerman was part of the 2023 ECC and District Softball Champions as a first-time everyday varsity starter. On her way to earning honorable mention All-ECC, Zimmerman batted .397 with nine doubles, a homer and 15 RBI.

At Cedarville, an NCAA Division II program in Cedarville, OH, Zimmerman will play for head coach Kelsey Champman. Isabella is the daughter of Garrad and Annette Zimmerman.

Further signee information will be shared throughout the 2023-24 academic year as it is finalized.