Grand Rapids, Michigan - Claire O'Boyle, the daughter of Laurel and Wade O'Boyle, has signed her national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Aquinas College. O'Boyle, who currently attends Lowell High School, became the first signee of the 2024-25 recruiting class for the Aquinas College women's cross country and track & field programs.

O'Boyle simply stated, "Aquinas felt like home to me."

Claire, who enjoys playing the violin and crafting, has posted a personal best of 19:56 on the cross country course. On the track she has pr's of 19.10 (100 meter hurdles) and 53.71 (300 meter hurdles).  O'Boyle, a member of the National Honor Society, has been named MVP of the Red Arrows cross country team each of the past two seasons. Claire's parents met at Aquinas and are both alumni of the College.

Paul Judd, head track and field coach at Lowell High School and AQ alum added, "Aquinas is going to be a good fit for Claire. I could hear the excitement in her voice when she called me with the news. Claire is a "gamer" and will throw everything she has when the gun goes off."

Claire has one sibling named Lyle and she plans on majoring in either Health or Exercise Science at Aquinas College.

Aquinas head coach Mike Wojciakowski commented, "I am very excited that Claire has decided to attend Aquinas College to continue her academic and athletic career. She is a wonderful addition to our program and I can't wait to start working with her. This will be a first in my coaching career where I have coached both the mother, Laurel, and now her daughter. I'm hopeful this unique and awesome trend continues over the years to come."