Signing ceremony set for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19
Two senior student-athletes from the Duanesburg Central School District will formally commit to Division I athletics during a signing ceremony at Duanesburg High School at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
Harlee Manus will continue her athletic and academic career at Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania, where she will play Division I softball and pursue pre-physical therapy studies.
Estella Hyde will commit to St. Bonaventure University in western New York, where she will join the Division I cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams and major in business and marketing.
The public is welcome to join friends and family of the athletes on Wednesday to celebrate their successes to-date and cheer them on as they take the next step in their athletic and academic journeys.
“For a small rural school district, Duanesburg has a remarkable tradition of developing exceptional athletes who go on to compete at the highest levels,” said Brett Simpson, DCS Athletic Coordinator. “Harlee and Estella embody the work ethic, resilience, and community pride that define our programs. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments during their time here at DCS and excited to see them compete and succeed on the Division I stage.”
More about Harlee Manus:
The daughter of Melissa and Christopher Manus, Harlee Manus has been a three-season athlete at DCS, participating in soccer, basketball and softball. She has been a member of the varsity softball team since seventh grade, varsity soccer since ninth grade, and varsity basketball since tenth grade, totaling 12 varsity athletic seasons during her DCS tenure. As a member of the varsity softball team, Harlee has been named a two-time WAC All-Star.
Harlee has competed for the Turn 2 Gold Glovers travel softball organization under Coach Noel Egelston for the past three years, which has helped her to develop her skills and build confidence on the field, beyond the traditional scholastic season. As part of her club experience, Harlee and her teammates host clinics to help mentor younger softball players.
During Harlee’s sophomore year (2023-2024), she was part of the DCS girls varsity basketball team’s historic pursuit of the NYSPHSAA title. The Lady Eagles were the Section 2, Class C champions and regional champions that year and made it all the way to the NY state championship game, losing to Moravia by just one point.
This fall, Harlee served as the captain of the soccer team. She held the same leadership title for the softball team during her junior year. Harlee has been named a Scholar-Athlete every year during her high school career.
Outside of athletics, Harlee is a member of the Leo Club and currently is the secretary of National Honor Society. Academics remain a top priority, as reflected in her consistent placement on the High Honor Roll throughout high school. She is on pace to finish among the top 10 students in DCS’ graduating class of 2026.
More about Estella Hyde:
The daughter of Natalie and James Hyde, Estella Hyde is a standout four-sport athlete at Duanesburg Central School. In the fall, she competes in both varsity volleyball and cross country, while winter brings basketball and spring features track. Over the course of her high school career, Estella has amassed an impressive 14 varsity seasons and has served as team captain for each sport that she participates in.
She has led the girls’ varsity cross country team as captain for four consecutive years, earning WAC All-Star honors and the team MVP title each season. In 2024, Estella placed second in the Section 2, Class C tournament and helped her team secure second place overall. This year, she finished third individually in the section, with the girls’ team also placing third. She has qualified for the NYSPHSAA cross country meet three times. In track, Estella earned second place in the 1500-meter event at the 2022 Section 2, Class C tournament.
Estella and Harlee have been longtime teammates on the girls’ basketball team. Together, they were part of the historic 2023–2024 season, during which the team won sectional and regional championships before finishing as the NYSPHSAA Class C runners-up. At the conclusion of the state final, Estella was honored with the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Award in front of the HVCC crowd.
Outside of athletics, Estella is a member of the National Honor Society and Yearbook Club. She volunteers her time for both the Duanesburg Youth Basketball (DYB) and the Duanesburg Community and has volunteered during volleyball “try-nights,” to encourage participation in the sport. She has two siblings, Murphy Hyde (DCS ‘23) and Vivienne Hyde (sophomore).
Academically, Estella has been on the High Honor Roll every quarter of her high school career and has been recognized as a Scholar-Athlete each year. She is on track to graduate in the top 10 of her class and will earn an AP Capstone Diploma.
