NEW LENOX (November 9, 2022) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School, announced that eight student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “As always, we are extremely proud of these athletes. They are academically accomplished students who are leaders in the classroom and in their respective sports. We wish all of them the very best in college and in the future, and are excited to see them continue playing at the next level,” said Ternik.
Jude Allen
Jude Allen of Lockport, Illinois, son of Chris and Anastasia Allen, has been recognized for committing to University of Wisconsin-Parkside to continue his baseball career on academic and athletic scholarships. Allen is a member of St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox and a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High. A member of the honor roll, he has also been involved in National Honor Society and baseball at Providence Catholic. “The college prep classes have really prepared me for college,” says Allen. “The teachers and coaches are helpful and guide us along the way. I would like to thank them and my parents for helping me to achieve this goal.”
Annalise Pietrzyk
Annalise Pietrzyk of Lockport, Illinois, daughter of Michael and Tiffany Pietrzyk, has been recognized for committing to Hillsdale College to continue her basketball career on a full athletic scholarship. She plans to major in Biology. Pietrzyk is a member of St. Jude’s Parish New Lenox, and a graduate of St. Joseph Middle School in Lockport. A member of the honor roll, she has also been involved in National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Take A Stand to Cancer, and the Respect Life Club. As an athlete, she has been a member of the girls basketball team all four years. She has been recognized for her athletic talents, earning the GCAC Player of the year as a junior; voted team MVP her junior and senior years; earning All-Conference and All-Area her sophomore, junior and senior years; and earning an IBCA All-State Special Mention as a junior. “I’ve had great teachers and amazing coaches here. I’ve been challenged academically at Providence so that can only help me in college,” says Pietrzyk. “Thank you to my teachers, coaches and parents for always believing in me.”
Gwendelyn Cantu
Gwendelyn Cantu of Joliet, Illinois, daughter of Greg and Jennifer Cantu, has been recognized for committing to Eastern Michigan University to continue her gymnastics career on a full athletic scholarship. She plans to major in Business. Cantu is a graduate of Troy Middle School in Joliet. A member of the honor roll, she has also been involved in National Honor Society. “Providence helped me prepare for college because it is a college prep school. My teachers helped me by showing me how to organize my schoolwork, study, prepare for my tests, and much more,” says Cantu. “Combined with the support of my parent and coaches, I am excited to enter into this next phase of my gymnastics career.”
Will Withers
Will Withers of Frankfort, Illinois, son of Tim and Shannon Withers, has been recognized for committing to University Wisconsin Oshkosh to continue his baseball career. He plans to major in Marketing and minor in Economics. Withers is a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish and is a graduate of Summit Hill Junior High. At Providence, he has been involved with Habitat for Humanity in addition to playing baseball. “Providence has prepared me for the workload that will come with college. I feel very prepared to write papers and to manage my time more efficiently,” says Withers. “My Providence and travel team coaches, along with my parents and my teachers here at Providence, have helped me to excel and I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Drew Zemaitis
Drew Zemaitis of Shorewood, Illinois, son of Colby and Sarah Zemaitis, has been recognized for committing to Xavier University to continue his baseball career. He plans to major in Finance. Zemaitis is a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood and is a graduate from there as well. At Providence, he has been inducted into the National Honor Society and is a member of the Augustinian Youth Ministry, as well as serving as a Student Ambassador. As an athlete, he has been a member of the baseball and football teams. “Providence has helped prepare me for college by challenging me in the classroom and on the field,” says Zemaitis. “Providence holds us to higher standards and helps instill values that will help prepare us to be successful in the future. Thank you to the teachers, coaches, and my family for your support.”
AJ Vinci
AJ Vinci of Lockport, Illinois, son of Brandon Levy and Alexandra Vinci, has been recognized for committing to Saint Louis University to continue his baseball career on athletic and academic scholarships. He plans to major in Business Finance and minor in Business Real Estate. Vinci is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Lockport, where he also graduated from. At Providence, he has been inducted into the National Honor Society, and has been a member of the baseball and basketball teams. “Providence has prepared me for college through its excellent academic curriculum and by teaching me how to work hard, stay consistent, and be motivated,” says Vinci. “I will carry what I have been taught in the classroom and on the field by my teachers and coaches, as well as from my family and friends, as I continue my baseball career in college.”
Annika Hannigan
Annika Hannigan of Frankfort, Illinois, daughter of Patrick and Maribel Hannigan, has been recognized for committing to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College to continue her softball career on athletic scholarship. She plans to major in Sports Management and minor in Kinesiology. Hannigan is a member of St. Anthony Parish, and is a graduate of Hickory Creek Junior High. At Providence, she has been inducted into the National Honor Society, and has been a member of the softball team. “Providence has prepared me for college by knowing what to expect in college classes due to the rigorous schedule I have had during my time here. I have also been talking to my counselors and have used other resources to find the right fit for me in college,” says Hannigan. “I am so grateful to my family, my coaches, my teachers, my counselors, and to everyone who has helped me get to this moment.”
Ryan Hussey
Ryan Hussey of Mokena, Illinois, son of Sean and Christine Hussey, has been recognized for committing to The Ohio State University to continue his baseball career on scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Hussey is a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish, from which he is also a graduate. At Providence, he has been inducted into the National Honor Society, and has been a member of the baseball team. He will serve as captain on the baseball team for his senior year. “The college prep classes and the faculty at Providence have really helped me focus on succeeding in the classroom,” says Hussey. “My coaches have pushed us to work hard and study hard, and have all played a role in my success as a baseball player. I am thankful for this new opportunity.”
About Providence Catholic
Providence Catholic is a co-educational, college preparatory high school, based in the Augustinian tradition. It is located on 75 acres in New Lenox, Illinois. A dedicated and caring faculty and staff integrate the core Augustinian values of truth, unity and love into all dimensions of student life. A demanding curriculum, inclusive service programs, competitive athletics and comprehensive extracurricular offerings challenge students in a safe and nurturing environment. Our proven success is reflected in our most recent graduates who’ve earned scholarships valued at nearly $52 million dollars. In addition, Providence Catholic has 31 state championship titles: the most among private high schools in the state of Illinois. For more information about PCHS, please visit www.providencecatholic.org.
###
Photos available upon request.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Allie Rios
Director of Communications at Providence Catholic High School
(815) 717-3163
arios@providencecathollic.org