Three Corning-Painted Post seniors who have made significant impacts on the school were recognized at a signing ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 4 to celebrate what’s ahead athletically and academically at Division I programs.
With coaches, family and friends among those in attendance at the Corning-Painted Post High School auditorium, the school paid tribute to the college commitments of Matti Johnston, Olivia Martinec and Cella McLaughlin.
Johnston committed to the University at Albany for softball.
Martinec is set to run track and cross country for Queens University of Charlotte (North Carolina).
McLaughlin will compete in track & field in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the University of Pittsburgh.
“It’s great, not only getting to sign with some of my closest friends but everyone else being here. It’s just amazing,” Johnston said of the ceremony.
Matti Johnston, softball at Albany
Corning highlights: Johnston pitched Corning to the program’s second state title since 2019 in 2024, then helped the Hawks reach the New York State Public High School Athletic Association semifinals last season.
She was a first-team Class AAA all-state selection both seasons and has also excelled in indoor track.
Johnston on competing at the college level: “In Corning softball, one quote we live by is ‘pressure is privilege.’ Going into collegiate softball I’ll definitely take that with me.”
Johnston on following in the softball footsteps of her mom, Toni (Darling) Johnston, who is in the halls of fame at Alfred State and Utica/Rome: “It’s another bonding opportunity for us. She can tell me how she played and we can work on my skills while I’m in there.”
Planned major: Human biology, with plans on becoming a pediatric neurologist.
Corning head coach Mike Johnston Jr. on coaching Matti, his niece: “She’s a tremendous team leader. There are very few times I’ve ever seen her not with a smile on her face.
“Very proud of Matti. We have high expectations for her this year to lead us to another state championship and beyond.”
Olivia Martinec, track & cross country at Queens University of Charlotte
Corning highlights: She ranks No. 3 all-time in Corning history in the 3,000-meters with a time of 10:13.54. Last year Martinec placed 18th in the 3,000 at the state indoor championships and qualified for New Balance Indoor Nationals in the 2-mile.
In cross country, she placed 29th at the NYSPHSAA championships last fall following a 40th-place finish in 2024. Martinec helped Corning to the Section 4 Class A title as a junior.
Martinec on learning from coaches Ray Lawson and Tom Ketchum: “Their motivation they gave me and how much they believed in me, it really helped me to practice better, race better.”
Martinec on following other Corning runners to college: “I think it’s really just exciting to see them go to the next level and run really well. I’d say for me it’s just like, ‘Oh, I want to do that too.’ It’s something to look up to – all the seniors that have graduated and continued to run.”
Planned major: Graphic design.
Lawson on coaching Martinec: “I really feel her best running is in front of her. I hope we get to see some of that continue right now these next two (high school) seasons.”
Cella McLaughlin, track & field at Pitt
Corning highlights: McLaughlin holds seven school records and is in line to potentially break more.
She won NYSPHSAA and Federation outdoor state titles in the 100-meter hurdles last year after capturing the indoor public schools state championship in the 55 hurdles. McLaughlin was state runner-up in the girls long jump at last year’s outdoor meet.
During the current indoor season, McLaughlin is ranked first in New York in the 55 hurdles and second in the long jump.
McLaughlin was a two-time qualifier for the New York state diving championships, but she did not compete in diving this past season.
McLaughlin on her time at Corning: “I’ve always been doing sports and I think the friendships that I’ve made doing sports are amazing, but nothing compared to the things I’ve made at track. I’ve met best friends, sisters, everyone, and I think I’m going to take that into perspective when I’m joining my new team.”
McLaughlin on Pitt: “Obviously the team is incredible, but in the end I’m going to college for a degree, not just track. They just have amazing programs. The mentorships, the other programs they had to offer me, it was hard to pass (up).”
Planned major: Communication sciences and disorders.
Ketchum on coaching McLaughlin: “One of the greatest compliments I got is from a Horseheads coach. He said to me, ‘Boy, I love that Cella. She is such a great kid, she cheers on everybody and I just can’t wait to see what she does next.’ I couldn’t agree with him more.”
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Trio of Corning-Painted Post seniors commit to Division I programs
Reporting by Andrew Legare, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
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