11 Dover athletes sign letters of intent

Eleven Dover athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

Peyton Grafe, soccer, is headed to the University of Mount Union, where she plans to study business marketing. Grafe was a first-team All-Ohio soccer player, leading the Tornadoes to an 11-8-1 record in 2025.

Liam Mast, baseball, committed to Malone University to pursue exercise science. A utility player and right-handed pitcher, Mast was a three-year letter winner and a second-team All-East District selection in 2025. Mast has helped the Tornadoes to a 9-8 record heading into the week.

Elle Hall will attend Ashland University to study early childhood education and intervention and be on both the cheer and dance teams. Hall was recognized as the head majorette and is a four-year Dance Force member, as well as a two-year letterman cheerleader. Excelling in the classroom, she is a consistent member of the honor roll and the National Honor Society.

Laney Gottshall committed to the University of Mount Union, where she will study middle childhood education with a minor in music. As a competitive cheerleader and varsity letter winner, Gottshall was part of an OASSA Gameday State Champion team and a four-time state qualifier.

Brady Hart, baseball, will continue his education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University as a pitcher, majoring in accounting and finance. As a varsity letter winner, Hart was named second-team Eastern District with a 0.64 ERA, recording 40 strikeouts in 44 innings pitched during the 2025 season.

Jocelyn Steele, bowling, has chosen Walsh University to study accounting. A three-year varsity letter winner in bowling, she received a Scholastic Award all four years, maintained a place on the honor roll and earned an academic letter.

Robbie Copple is headed to Malone University to pursue a degree in education. Copple earned All-Ohio special mention in Division III this past season. He is a two-time scholar-athlete. He was a first-team All-East District selection after averaging 14 points and leading the Tornadoes to a 13-10 overall record.

Matthew Christmas, wrestling, is headed to Muskingum University to major in business. Christmas earned recognition as a scholar-athlete and a varsity letter winner. He overcame knee issues earlier in his career to finish as a 2026 district qualifier in Division I.

Chera Schmidt, volleyball, will head to the University of Mount Union to major in nursing. Schmidt was a first-team all-district selection this past season in District 5 after being named Ohio Cardinal Conference Defender of the Year while helping Dover to a 23-3 overall record, 13-1 in the OCC, winning the conference title in the team’s first year in the league and earning a spot in the Division III regional tournament.

Pearce Mowrer, bowling, will attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University to continue his academic career, as well as be part of the bowling and esports teams.

Chase Daniel, track and cross country, will attend John Carroll University to major in engineering physics and compete as a distance runner in both sports. He is a two-time All-Ohio performer.