Four Student Athletes Commit to Collegiate Athletics

NEW LENOX (April 17, 2024) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School, announced that four student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “We are immensely proud of our student-athletes, who not only excel academically but also exhibit leadership qualities both in their studies and on the field. As they begin their college journey, we extend our heartfelt wishes for their success and eagerly anticipate witnessing their ongoing accomplishments in their respective sports,” said Ternik.

Kailee O’Sullivan of Plainfield, IL, daughter of James and Priscilla O’Sullivan, has been recognized for committing to Fairleigh Dickinson University on academic and athletic scholarship. She plans to major in Nursing or Business. O’Sullivan is a graduate of Indian Trail Middle School and is a member of St. Mary Immaculate Parish. A member of the honor role, O’Sullivan has served as a Student Ambassador all four years of high school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society as a junior. Athletically, she has played softball for the Celtics from freshman through senior years. She was named Softball All-Conference as a junior. O’Sullivan also brought to Providence Mind Matters with Morgan’s Message, to bring awareness to athletes who struggle with mental health issues. “Providence has helped me grow my character on and off the field, and helped me push through obstacles while strengthening my trust in God,” she says. “I would like to thank God, my mom, my dad, and my little brother. I also want to thank my whole family, as well as my past and current coaches, for the values they instilled and the support they provided.”

Ethan Ganz of Homer Glen, Illinois, son of Christian and Michelle Ganz, has been recognized for committing to Lewis University to continue his baseball career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Business Administration. He is a graduate of Homer Junior High and a member of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish. A member of the honor roll, Ganz has also been very involved in athletics as a player on the hockey and baseball teams all four years. His sophomore year, he was recognized as the leading scorer on the team. “The academics and teachers have prepared me well for this next step in my education,” says Ganz. “I would like to thank my parents, teachers, coaches, and teammates for all their support over the years, all of which has shaped me into the student-athlete I’ve become.”

Edward Konow of Tinley Park, Illinois, son of Jonathon and Terri Konow, has been recognized for committing to Grand Valley State University for baseball. He plans to major in Business. Konow is a graduate of Summit Hill Junior High and a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Parish. An honor roll student, Konow is a member of the National Honor Society at Providence Catholic. He has also served as a solid member of the Varsity Baseball Team. “I look forward to continuing my academics and athletics at Grand Valley,” says Konow. “I would like to thank my parents and coaches for helping me develop as a player and showing me the importance of both academics and athletics.”

Kyle Lipke of Elwood, Illinois, son of Brandon and Christine Lipke (both 1996 Providence Catholic graduates), has been recognized for committing to University of St. Francis to continue his baseball career on academic and athletic scholarships. He plans to major in Communications. Lipke is a graduate of Elwood Junior High. He has been a dedicated multi-sport athlete at Providence Catholic, having played football freshman through junior year, and baseball and basketball all four years. He earned an All-Conference Mention in basketball his senior year and also served as team captain. “Providence has prepared me for college by teaching me how to work hard in the classroom and on the field. With the lessons I learned I plan to bring these lessons to college with me,” he says. “I would like to thank my mom and dad for always showing up to my games and showing the love that they have for me. I want to say thank you to my coaches for always believing in me and pushing me to be the best player I can be on and off the field. I want to thank my brother and sister for coming to every game. Finally, I would like to thank Coach Michalak for giving me this opportunity to continue at the next level. I cannot wait to see what my future holds.”