Ohio’s Own Vinnie D’Alessandro has decided to attend SPIRE Academy as a part of its post-grad program. The graduating senior from Mayfield High School is taking a gap year before heading to Bucknell University.

D’Alessandro chose to pursue SPIRE’s post-grad program to have an extra year to focus on wrestling before facing the vigorous demands of collegiate academics. Although he’ll be spending the majority of his time at the academy training, he also plans to enroll in courses, some being college-level, while attending.

Throughout high school, D’Alessandro performed well on the mat. His season records were 47-6, 37-5, and 52-5 for his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, respectively. During his most recent season, he also placed seventh in the Division I Ohio state tournament.

His continued success is the result of many years of commitment to wrestling. During the off-season, he maintains his focus by training with two different wrestling clubs; Burnett Trained Wrestling Club & Bad Habat Wrestling Club. This dedication served him well, as he earned second place at the 2022 National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) Junior Nationals. 

As high school winds down for D’Alessandro, he looks forward to his post-grad year at SPIRE. The moment he saw the facilities, coaching staff, and opportunities available, he was impressed. In fall of 2023, he’ll be heading to SPIRE Academy, not far from his hometown of Mayfield to begin his training with seasoned coaches Mike Kulczycki and Andrew Gasber.

As a part of SPIRE’s post-graduate extended training program, D’Alessandro will receive valuable coaching and individual performance training in addition to the many assets available at SPIRE, including:

• On and off-campus housing options with house parents
• Performance Training Center
• Sports Therapy Center and Cleveland Clinic athletic trainers
• Nutritious SPIRE Fuel dining
• and so much more!

SPIRE Academy’s post-grad program makes it possible for athletes like D’Alessandro to have the opportunity to hone their skills and mature before heading to college-level education and competition. You can find more information about post-grad programs here.