Angel Athletes Sign to Compete at the Collegiate Level

At the Academy of the Holy Angels, athletics is more than competition; it is an extension of our mission to empower young women. This week, we proudly celebrated two exceptional Angels, Leyla Ziemba and Lilyanna Potts, who have committed to continuing their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level.

On Signing Day, family, friends, teammates, coaches, and the AHA community gathered to honor these remarkable young women. As they put pen to paper, they joined a long tradition of Angels rising to new challenges and carrying the values of Holy Angels into every arena they enter. We are especially proud to recognize that both students are AHA legacies: Leyla, daughter of Robyn Assile Ziemba ’96, and Lilyanna, daughter of Carla Propersi Potts ’97.

During the celebration, AHA Athletic Director Alex Champ surprised both athletes with special gifts to mark the milestone. Each student received a sweatshirt from their future college, complete with a custom-embroidered message on the sleeve: “I made Holy Angels proud.” It was a meaningful reminder of their achievements and of the AHA community that will always cheer them on.

Leyla Ziemba ’26 — Fairfield University, Rowing

When Leyla Ziemba first stepped into a rowing shell at Nereid Boat Club in September of her junior year, she simply wanted to try something new. Within weeks, coaches noticed her determination and natural ability. After only two weeks in a beginner class, she was invited to train with the novice and varsity squads, and just one week later, she raced in her first regatta, the Head of the Fish in Saratoga Springs. That early moment of clarity and confidence set the tone for the rest of her rowing career.

What began as a friend’s encouragement quickly became a passion. Leyla fell in love with the discipline, the demanding training, and the precision of the sport, but most of all, with the unity of moving in complete synchronization with her teammates. Guided by her coach’s motto, “Find a way,” she has spent the past year embodying perseverance, teamwork, and grit.

Leyla’s dedication extends far beyond athletics. A member of the National Honor Society and Rho Kappa, she has devoted time to Angels in Medicine throughout all four years and serves as secretary of Angels for Optimism. She is also deeply involved in service through St. Anthony’s Orthodox Church, where she leads the youth group and volunteers in programs supporting homeless shelters, Family Promise of Bergen County, and local community projects.

Her summers have strengthened her calling to care for others, as evidenced by her work as a camp counselor, coaching at the Special Olympics Camp of Pennsylvania, and her attendance at Georgetown University’s Medical Academy, where she explored clinical concepts and participated in hands-on labs. As a senior, her love of science has flourished in Anatomy and Physiology, further affirming her desire to pursue a career in nursing.

Next fall, Leyla will continue both her athletic and academic journeys at Fairfield University’s Egan School of Nursing. We cannot wait to see her “find a way” on the water and in the world of healthcare.

Lilyanna Potts ’26 — Moravian University, Soccer

For Lilyanna Potts, soccer has been a lifelong love starting in Kindergarten and continuing to flourish through her years with NJ Crush FC and the Holy Angels Varsity Soccer Team. Many of her teammates have played beside her since 4th grade, forming a sisterhood that has shaped her as both an athlete and a leader. At AHA, she served as a two-year team captain and cherished the opportunity to share the field with her sister, Valentina ’28, while proudly wearing the AHA jersey. The bonds built through soccer remain some of her most meaningful connections. Lilyanna describes the AHA soccer field as a place where friendships strengthen, confidence grows, and “an unbreakable bond” is formed between players who push each other toward greatness.

Lilyanna’s academic achievements are equally impressive. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Math, Science, Italian, and History honor societies. Her continued study of Italian has helped her deepen her connection to her heritage, and her study-abroad experience in Oxford, England, broadened her global perspective, inspiring new academic interests.

Service remains at the heart of her journey. She coaches in the Lil’ Crushers program, volunteers at Chilton Hospital, and has earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Girl Scout Awards. Through clubs like Angels in Medicine, Red Cross, and Tomorrow’s Children, Lilyanna has explored healthcare and developed a strong foundation in leadership and teamwork. Her summers spent shadowing ER and nephrology physicians and participating in hospital-based programs have further inspired her pursuit of a career in the medical field.

Grateful for the coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends who have supported her, Lilyanna is ready to take her next steps at Moravian University. 

These two Angels have left a lasting impact on Holy Angels through their leadership, service, academic excellence, and outstanding athletic achievements. As they prepare to take flight into this next chapter, we know they will continue to lead with heart, embody the values of our community, and inspire future Angels for years to come.

Congratulations, Leyla and Lilyanna! Your AHA family is cheering you on every step of the way!