Pace Academy seniors Haley Zwecker and James Rushton have committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Zwecker will play basketball for Amherst College in Massachusetts, while Rushton will join the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s soccer team.

Zwecker, a point guard, helped lead the Knights to a runner-up finish in the 2011 Class A state tournament. During that season, she scored 354 points and set a new school record with 188 assists. Zwecker was named to the 2011 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association All-State First Team, the Region 5-A All-Region Team and the Macon Christmas Tournament All-Tournament Team.

“Haley is a savvy point guard who is leaving a remarkable legacy at Pace,” said Pace coach Regina Tate. “She plays by instincts that were laid during her days of playing against boys in the NYO leagues of her youth. I am honored to have had the opportunity to coach a young lady who allowed me to truly get to know her as an athlete and a person. Haley cares deeply for her teammates, her family, her academics and her sport participation. Amherst is lucky, and I know Haley will contribute positively to the winning tradition already established there.”

Zwecker also plays varsity soccer for the Knights and is this year’s team captain. She was named to the 2010 and 2011 All-Area 3-A teams and received the 2010 Playmaker Award.

Rushton, the Knights’ center midfielder, was part of the 2011 Area 3-A championship team that reached the Final Four of the Class A playoffs with a 14-3 record. Last season, he had 14 goals and eight assists, including a hat trick against Athens Academy and two goals in a 3-1 victory over Class AAA’s North Atlanta High School. He was named to the All-Area 3-A Team in 2011.

“James is a talented player who has a unique understanding of the game,” said Pace soccer coach Brooks Fleming. “He can truly dictate the flow of a match through his style of play and skills. His presence in the midfield will be greatly missed next year.”