Eleven Athletes Commit to Collegiate Athletics
Eleven Providence Catholic High School student-athletes committed to collegiate athletics today. The group will compete in a variety of sports and are the first athletes this year to celebrate their continuing athletic careers at the next level.
“This is a chance to celebrate all the work that led to this moment,” said Doug Ternik, Providence Catholic’s athletic director. “These 11 Celtics have learned how to balance the demands of school and competition while showing up for their teammates. We’re proud of the example they’ve set here, and we look forward to cheering them on in college.”
Meet the signees below and see more photos from today’s celebration on Facebook.
Alexa Thompson of Plainfield will continue her soccer career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she has earned both academic and athletic scholarships. The daughter of Steve and Kim Thompson, Alexa attended Timber Ridge Middle School.
An Honor Roll student, Alexa played soccer for Providence Catholic during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years. She earned All-Conference and All-Sectional honors three times each and was named co-MVP in 2025.
Alexa plans to major in health science at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She credits her time at Providence Catholic with helping her grow more confident and independent as she prepares for college.
“Providence Catholic prepared me for college by teaching me time management, responsibility, independence, and teamwork,” Alexa said. “Balancing school and soccer taught me how to stay organized, work hard, and handle challenges. It also helped me build relationships and become more confident in myself.”
Alexa also thanked those who supported her along the way. “I want to thank my parents, family, friends, and all of my current and past coaches for supporting me and helping me get to where I am today.”
Abby Shellito of Manhattan will continue her soccer career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she has earned both academic and athletic scholarships. The daughter of Mark Shellito Jr. and Laurie Shellito, Abby attended Manhattan Junior High School and is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Manhattan.
An Honor Roll student, Abby founded the Baking Club and has been involved all four years. She has also participated in Augustinian Youth Ministry, Yearbook Club, and the National Honor Society during her junior and senior years.
Abby played lacrosse for Providence Catholic as a sophomore and junior and is a member of the girls soccer program as a senior. At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, she plans to pursue a career in speech pathology.
“PCHS has prepared me for college by teaching me responsibility, time management, and organizational skills,” Abby said. “My classes have challenged me to work hard and put effort into my education. PCHS has also taught me how to balance schoolwork, activities, and other responsibilities, which I know will be important in college!”
Abby also expressed gratitude to those who helped her reach this milestone. “I would like to thank my family, club coaches, teachers, teammates, and friends for their unwavering love, support, and encouragement throughout my academic and athletic journey,” she said. “They have helped me grow as both an athlete and a person!”
Tommy Banas of Channahon will continue his wrestling career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The son of Tom and Michelle Banas, Tommy attended junior high in Minooka and is a member of Holy Family Parish.
Tommy has wrestled for the Celtics all four years. He earned All-State honors as a freshman and was selected to represent the United States at the U15 Pan American Games in El Salvador. At the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, he was the top performer at 57 kilograms. He won a Greco-Roman national title and placed third in freestyle in a field of more than 100 of the nation’s top wrestlers, among many other wrestling titles he has earned over his four years at Providence.
Tommy placed fifth at state at 132 pounds as a sophomore and won the state championship at 138 pounds as a junior, helping Providence Catholic finish second in the state team competition that year. He won regional and sectional titles as a freshman, sophomore, and junior.
“The school, teachers and coaches have helped me academically and athletically,” Tommy said of his time at Providence Catholic. He also thanked his parents, coaches, and teammates for helping him reach this milestone.
Joey DiCiolla of Homer Glen will continue his baseball career at the University of St. Francis, where he has earned both athletic and academic scholarships. The son of Joe and Shannon DiCiolla, Joey attended Homer Junior High and is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Joey has earned First Honors all four years and has been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year. He has played baseball for the Celtics all four years and wrestled during his freshman and sophomore years.
Joey plans to major in finance and minor in accounting at the University of St. Francis. He received a University of St. Francis Baseball Scholarship, a University of St. Francis Academic Scholarship, and a Franciscan Scholars Scholarship.
“Through its academics and competitive athletics, PCHS has taught me the discipline and work ethic required to excel as a collegiate student-athlete,” Joey said. He also credited Providence Catholic with deepening his faith and giving him friendships he’ll carry with him. “As I step onto the field and into the classroom as a Fighting Saint at USF, I am proud to carry the spirit and values of Providence Catholic with me.”
Joey thanked his parents and his sister, Giavanna, for the early mornings and late nights in the batting cages and the time they spent playing catch. He also thanked his teammates and friends for pushing him to improve, and Providence Catholic coaches Smith, Garrick, Godfrey, Healy, and Trendel for helping him develop as a player.
“Lastly, I would like to thank Coach Michalak and the rest of the coaching staff at the University of St. Francis for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” Joey said. “Go Saints!”
Kobe Jordan of Joliet will continue his baseball career at the University of Michigan on an athletic scholarship. The son of Stacey Kerwin, Kobe attended St. Raymond and is a member of Hope Lutheran Church.
An Honor Roll student, Kobe has played baseball for the Celtics all four years and earned Most Improved Player honors as a junior. He also played golf and basketball during his freshman year.
Kobe plans to major in kinesiology and minor in exercise science at the University of Michigan. He credits his challenging classes at Providence Catholic with teaching him how to manage his time and stay on top of deadlines, skills he’ll take with him to college.
Kobe gave special thanks to his mom, Stacey, for introducing him to baseball and helping him fall in love with the game. “She is the best parent that anyone could dream of,” he said, adding that if he could choose his mom in another life, he’d choose her every time.
Lincoln Boersma of Lockport will continue his baseball career at the University of Illinois Chicago on an athletic scholarship. The son of Marty and Selina Boersma, Lincoln attended Taft School and is a member of St. Dennis Parish in Lockport.
An Honor Roll student, Lincoln has served as a sacristan and been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year. As a senior, he has also participated in Augustinian Youth Ministry and Habitat for Humanity.
Lincoln has played baseball for the Celtics all four years and serves as a team captain as a senior. At the University of Illinois Chicago, he plans to major in business and minor in psychology.
“Providence has shown me how to be independent and do what I need to do to become successful,” Lincoln said.
He also thanked those who helped him reach this milestone. “I would like to thank God, my parents, Coach Smith, Coach Godfrey, Coach Vitas, and my teammates throughout the years who have pushed me to become the person I am today.”
Aidan Cullen of Oswego will continue his baseball career at Spoon River College, where he has earned both academic and athletic scholarships. The son of Brian and Maryann Cullen, Aidan attended Plank Junior High School and is a member of Community Christian Church.
An Honor Roll student, Aidan has played varsity baseball for the Celtics since his junior year and serves as a varsity captain as a senior. He plans to major in business and minor in finance at Spoon River College.
“Providence has prepared me for college by teaching me to become more responsible and manage my time better,” Aidan said. “It has also helped me work harder in the classroom and grow in my faith. Through school and baseball I have learned the importance of discipline and teamwork.”
Aidan gave thanks first to God and to his parents for supporting him every step of the way. He also thanked Coach Smith for giving him a chance to play at Providence Catholic and for being a leader he looks up to, and Coach Kurtz for giving him the opportunity to continue his education and baseball career at a place he can call home.
Isaac Serrato of Mokena will continue his baseball career at Spoon River College on an athletic scholarship. The son of Reynaldo and Josefina Serrato, Isaac attended St. Daniel the Prophet and is a member of St. Mary Parish in Mokena.
An Honor Roll student, Isaac has played baseball for the Celtics all four years. He also played football during his freshman and sophomore years.
At Spoon River College, Isaac plans to study exercise science and pursue pre-athletic training. He credits Providence Catholic with preparing him for college coursework and helping him mature over four years. He also values the opportunity to meet and learn from the people he got to know at Providence.
“I’d like to thank my mom and dad for their undying love and support,” Isaac said. He also thanked Coach Smith, his other coaches, and his friends and family for supporting him along the way.
Anthony O’Neill of New Lenox will continue his baseball career at Webster University, where he has earned a Presidential Merit Award. The son of Michael and Annette O’Neill, Anthony attended Homer Junior High and is a member of St. Dennis Parish.
An Honor Roll student, Anthony has been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year and has played baseball for the Celtics all four years. He plans to major in finance at Webster University.
“PCHS has given me all of the tools I will need to be successful in college,” Anthony said. “It has taught me discipline, good study habits, and accountability.”
Anthony thanked his family, especially his parents and grandparents, who rarely miss a game. “I would also like to thank all of my current and past coaches for helping me become the player I am today,” he said.
Mia Vassalla of Mokena will continue her softball career at St. Ambrose University, where she has earned academic and athletic scholarships. The daughter of Jillian Gruszecki, Mia attended Minooka Junior High School and is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Mokena.
Mia has played softball for the Celtics all four years. She credits her time at Providence Catholic with strengthening her faith and teaching her how to manage her time, take responsibility, and handle challenges independently.
“I feel more prepared to take on new opportunities, make decisions for myself, and work toward my goals,” Mia said. “As I move on to college, I know I will carry the lessons and values I learned at Providence Catholic with me.”
Mia thanked her mom and coaches Jim Holba, Dawn Gura, Gianni Iannantone, Coach Brent, Coach Folsom and her hitting coach, Jim Donovan, for supporting her along the way.
Layken Callahan of Morris will continue her basketball career at the University of St. Francis, where she has earned both athletic and academic scholarships. The daughter of Brennan and Laney Callahan, Layken attended Saratoga Middle School and is a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
An Honor Roll student, Layken has played girls basketball for the Celtics her junior and senior years. She earned All-Conference honors in each of her first three seasons oh high school, including GCAC All-Conference recognition as a junior. She was named Most Improved Player as a sophomore and earned Third Team All-State honors as a junior. Layken has also surpassed 1,000 career points and earned all-tournament honors at multiple events.
Layken plans to major in nursing and minor in psychology at the University of St. Francis. She credits her teachers and coaches at Providence Catholic with challenging her to work hard and giving her the confidence to take on new challenges.
“PCHS has taught me the importance of responsibility, time management, perseverance, and never giving up when things become difficult,” Layken said.
Layken thanked her parents, family, coaches, and teammates for believing in her and encouraging her throughout high school. “I am truly grateful to have had so many people cheering me on and helping me along the way,” she said.
