Source: United States Navy
[Today,] the Naval Academy received word that In accordance with DTM 19-011, “Military Service Academy Graduates Seeking to Participate in Professional Sports,” of November 8, 2019, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has approved a delay in tendering the appointment of the following midshipmen in order to pursue employment in professional sports following graduation.
· Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Jennifer Coleman – Basketball. Coleman was offered a contract as an undrafted preferred free agent by the Washington Mystics following the 2022 WNBA Draft. Assigned to commission as a surface warfare officer (SWO), she will now enlist in the Navy Individual Ready Reserve upon graduation this Friday.
· Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Diego Fagot – Football. Fagot was offered a contract as an undrafted preferred free agent by the Baltimore Ravens following the 2022 NFL Draft. Assigned to commission as Marine Corps ground officer, he will now enlist in the Marine Corps Individual Ready Reserve upon graduation this Friday.
· Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Michael McMorris – Football. McMorris was invited to undrafted free agent rookie camp by the Washington Commanders following the 2022 NFL Draft. Assigned to commission as a surface warfare officer (SWO), he will now enlist in the Navy Individual Ready Reserve upon graduation this Friday.
· Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Matthew Nocita – Soccer. Nocita was selected in the first round of the 2022 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. Assigned to commission as Marine Corps ground officer, he will now enlist in the Marine Corps Individual Ready Reserve upon graduation this Friday.
Consistent with DTM 19-011, midshipmen whose tender of appointment is delayed will enlist in the Navy or Marine Corps Individual Ready Reserve, and at the conclusion of participating in professional sports will complete an active duty service obligation of at least five years from the date of their appointment as a commissioned officer.
I know Jennifer, Diego, Michael, and Matthew will take every opportunity on and off the court or field to ably represent the Navy and Marine Corps to the American people and to assist us in our recruiting efforts.