Bryan High School proudly announces that seniors Nora Kunsman and Thea Staten have signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level. Kunsman will join the Ohio University swim program, while Staten will compete in softball for North Carolina State University.
Kunsman concludes her high school swim career as one of the most decorated swimmers in Bryan history. At the 2025 OHSAA State Swimming Championships, she earned second place in both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. She also holds three Bryan school records:
- 50 Free: 23.50 seconds
100 Free: 51.45 seconds - 100 Backstroke: 58.79 seconds
Kunsman expressed gratitude for the support that has guided her throughout her journey.
“My parents have always supported me through any and every sport that I have been a part of. Being able to sign this letter just shows me just how much support I have behind me. From friends to family I have always been able to count on them for anything… I wouldn’t be here today without all of these people.”
Looking ahead to collegiate swimming, she added:
“Going into college I do have many goals that I look forward to working towards… I will miss my high school team the most in this transition. This team over the years has been a huge factor in why I love the sport of swimming so much. This team feels like a family and I just hope that my family will grow as I move onto the Ohio University team.”
Staten enters her senior softball season as one of the most prolific athletes in the state. A three-time First Team All-Ohio pitcher, she has amassed 880 career strikeouts through her junior year and holds numerous Bryan High School records. Her single-season batting records include doubles (11), total bases (83), RBI (37), and home runs (8). On the mound, she owns school marks for pitching wins (23), winning percentage (92%), ERA (0.42), and strikeouts (305). Staten is also just the fifth pitcher in OHSAA history to record three or more 20-strikeout games.
Staten shared her excitement about officially joining the Wolfpack:
“It feels great to finally sign my letter of intent and officially join the Wolfpack! This accomplishment means a lot to my family and I… All of the hard work has led me to this accomplishment with the support from my family and I will miss that a lot next year with going to college so far away.”
She also expressed her enthusiasm for the next chapter:
“Although friends and family may not be at all my games next year, I am very excited to work with the NC State coaching staff with the goal of being a contributor in a program with the hopes of being a national powerhouse while obtaining my degree in criminology.”
Bryan High School will celebrate all senior college-bound athletes at its annual signing day on April 15, 2026.
