Ten Athletes Commit to Collegiate Athletics

Jackson Luif of Joliet will be committing to Concordia University Wisconsin, where he will continue his lacrosse career. The son of Jeff and Shannon Luif, Jackson attended Minooka Junior High and is a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Minooka.

A dedicated student, Jackson is a member of the Honor Roll and has been actively involved in several organizations at Providence Catholic. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has served as a Student Ambassador, while also participating in the band program throughout all four years of high school.

Athletically, Jackson has been a two-sport athlete, competing in both football and lacrosse all four years at Providence Catholic. On the lacrosse field, he has distinguished himself as a leader and competitor, earning All-Conference honors as a freshman and serving as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons.

Jackson plans to major in Nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin.

“I want to thank my family, coaches, teachers, and teammates for assisting me in this achievement,” Jackson said.

Emma Arentz of Homer Glen will be committing to Miami University in Ohio, where she will continue her dance career on an academic scholarship. The daughter of Jim and Chrissy Arentz, Emma attended St. George School in Tinley Park and is a member of St. George Parish.

A dedicated student, Emma is a member of the Honor Roll and has been actively involved in several organizations at Providence Catholic. She is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, participates in Habitat for Humanity, and has served as a Student Ambassador all four years.

Athletically, Emma has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic Dance Team. She has earned numerous honors, including All-Conference recognition as a junior and senior, All-State honors as a senior, and All-American recognition during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She has also served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons.

Emma plans to major in Psychology at Miami University.

“Providence has prepared me for college by teaching me real-life lessons and how to challenge myself in and out of the classroom,” Emma said.

She expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “I would like to thank my parents, coaches, studio and teachers for getting me here, along with my friends and family for always supporting me,” she said.

Henry Kalis of New Lenox will be committing to Coe College, where he will continue his football career on an academic scholarship. The son of Henry Kalis and Lizette Zlogar, Henry attended Liberty Junior High and is a member of St. Mary Nativity Parish.

A dedicated student, Henry is a member of the Honor Roll and has been involved in the National Art Honor Society throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

Athletically, Henry has been a three-sport athlete at Providence Catholic, competing in football, wrestling, and track and field all four years. On the football field, he earned Second Team All-Conference honors as a senior, highlighting his contributions to the program.

Henry plans to major in Engineering Physics at Coe College.

“Providence has given me a high bar to live up to in every aspect of my high school career,” Henry said. “They never let me fall below that bar and always encouraged me to exceed.”

He expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “I would like to thank all of my youth coaches and my teammates from all of my years of sports,” he said.

Kendall Burkhart of Homer Glen will be committing to St. Ambrose University, where she will continue her dance career on both academic and athletic scholarships, including a Catholic Traditions scholarship. The daughter of Jeff and Samantha Burkhart, Kendall attended St. Mary’s School in Mokena and is a member of St. Mary’s Parish.

At Providence Catholic, Kendall has been involved in Habitat for Humanity during her senior year.

Athletically, Kendall has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic Dance Team, including being a member of the 2025 State Champion team. She has earned numerous honors, including All-Conference and All-State and All-American recognition as a senior, and has served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons.

Kendall plans to major in Nursing at St. Ambrose University, and has recently completed her CNA certification.

“Providence has taught me life lessons that I will use in the future in college,” Kendall said.

She expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “Thank you to my whole team and my amazing coaches for getting me to where I am now,” she said.

Teagan O’Brien of Mokena will be committing to Wabash College in Indiana, where he will continue his football career on a President and Snodell Scholarship. The son of John and Gina O’Brien, Teagan attended Summit Hill Junior High and is a member of St. Stephen Parish.

A dedicated student, Teagan is a member of the Honor Roll and has been actively involved in several organizations at Providence Catholic. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has served as a Student Ambassador.

Athletically, Teagan has been a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track and field during his time at Providence Catholic. In track and field, he was a member of the 2025 Sectional Championship team and qualified for the IHSA State Finals as part of the 4×100 and 4×200 relay teams.

Teagan plans to major in Communications with a minor in Business at Wabash College.

“Providence has provided me with an education that will allow me to be successful at the college level,” Teagan said. “The teachers and support staff at Providence Catholic truly care about us and push us to be the best version of ourselves.”

He expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “I would like to thank my friends and family for their unconditional love and support,” he said. “Their encouragement and confidence in my ability to play at the next level allowed me to stay determined and focused throughout my high school journey.”

Matthew Myers of Joliet will be committing to Wabash College in Indiana, where he will continue his lacrosse career on an academic scholarship. The son of Ryan and Jamie Myers, Matthew attended Minooka Junior High School and is a member of St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lemont.

A standout student and leader, Matthew is a member of the Honor Roll and has been deeply involved in numerous activities at Providence Catholic. He has participated in AYM and International Club all four years, serves as an officer in the National Honor Society, and is President of the Spanish National Honor Society. Matthew has also served as captain of the Broadcasting Crew, a Kairos leader, and has been involved in LACU and Leadership Seminar.

Athletically, Matthew has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic lacrosse program, earning numerous accolades throughout his career. He served as a Junior Varsity captain during his freshman and sophomore years, earning All-Conference honors and the program’s Most Improved Player award. At the varsity level, Matthew has served as a team captain, earned CCL White Division All-Catholic (All-Conference) honors, and was named the program’s Most Valuable Player as a junior.

Matthew plans to major in Accounting and Financial Economics with a minor in Rhetoric at Wabash College, where he has been awarded multiple scholarships.

“The Providence Catholic High School family has vastly supported me academically, athletically, socially, and most importantly spiritually,” Matthew said. “I’ve become a better individual, student, friend, teammate, leader, and Child of God thanks to this community, and I am forever grateful for those who impacted me during my time at Providence Catholic.”

He expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “Firstly, I give thanks to God,” he said. “I also thank my parents, my sister Madison, my extended family and friends, Coach Webber and the Wabash coaching staff, my admissions counselor, and all of my coaches throughout the years for helping me reach this opportunity.”

Sydney Earing of Frankfort will be committing to North Central College, where she will compete in track and field on an academic scholarship. The daughter of Michael and Tanya Earing, Sydney attended St. Mary’s School and is a member of St. Mary’s Parish.

A dedicated student, Sydney is a member of the Honor Roll and has been actively involved in a number of organizations at Providence Catholic. She is a member of the National Honor Society and French Honor Society, participates in Habitat for Humanity and AYM, and has served as a Dean’s Aide and Kairos leader. She is also an Illinois State Scholar.

Athletically, Sydney has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic track and field program and also competed in cross country during her senior year. She earned Most Improved Athlete honors as a freshman and has served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons.

Sydney plans to major in Biology with a pre-dental track at North Central College.

“Providence has prepared me for college not just academically but socially as well,” Sydney said. “The challenging classes have prepared me for the workload in college while also allowing me to connect with my peers and develop important social skills.”

She expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “I would love to thank God above all, along with my coaches, teammates, and parents for their constant and unwavering support,” she said.

Emma Jirik of Lockport will be committing to Lewis University, where she will compete in stunt on both academic and athletic scholarships. The daughter of Tony and Gina Jirik, Emma attended Homer Junior High and is a member of St. Joseph Parish.

A dedicated student, Emma is a member of the Honor Roll and has been actively involved in several organizations at Providence Catholic. She is a member of the National Honor Society, participates in Habitat for Humanity, and has served as a Student Ambassador.

Athletically, Emma has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic cheerleading program. She has earned numerous honors, including IHSA Sectional Championships as a freshman and senior, an IHSA State Runner-Up finish as a junior, and a third-place finish at the IHSA State Finals as a senior. Emma was also named Rookie of the Year as a freshman and served as a team captain during her senior season.

Emma plans to major in Nursing at Lewis University.

“Providence has prepared me in many ways, even beyond college,” Emma said. “They have prepared me academically and athletically, but most importantly they have prepared me to be a good person.”

She expressed gratitude to those who supported her along the way. “I would like to thank all of my family, especially my parents, my brother, and my coaches – Bridget, Mike, Dave, Summer, and Chloe – for helping me reach this point,” she said.

Alexander Hartman of Frankfort will be committing to Holy Cross College in Indiana, where he will continue his golf career. The son of John and Colleen Hartman, Alexander attended Hickory Creek Middle School and is a member of St. Jude Parish in New Lenox.

A dedicated student, Alexander is a member of the Honor Roll and the National Honor Society.

Athletically, Alexander has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic varsity golf team. He has earned numerous honors, including serving as team captain during his junior and senior seasons, earning Second Team All-State recognition as a junior, and qualifying for the IHSA State Finals during both his junior and senior years.

Alexander plans to major in Business at Holy Cross College.

He expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “I would like to thank my family for always being there for me, especially my dad for pushing me to be the greatest man and golfer I can be,” he said. “I would also like to thank my coaches for all the hard work they put in, especially Coach Marvin for providing me with an opportunity to continue to play the sport I love, as well as the Providence staff and athletic department for their constant support.”

Cade Styrsky of Tinley Park will be committing to Knox College, where he will continue his basketball career. The son of Jerry and Melissa Styrsky, Cade attended Summit Hill Junior High.

A dedicated student, Cade has been a consistent High Honor Roll student throughout his time at Providence Catholic. He has served as a Student Ambassador all four years and has been actively involved in the Providence community, including leading youth basketball camps for both grade school and middle school students.

Athletically, Cade has been a four-year member of the Providence Catholic basketball program and served as team captain during his senior season. He leaves Providence as the program’s all-time leader in steals and steals per game average, while also earning team MVP honors, All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition, and selection to the CCL vs. ESCC All-Star Game as a senior. Cade also competed in track and field during his sophomore year.

Cade plans to major in Finance with a minor in Business/Sports Marketing at Knox College, where he has been awarded both the Knox Dean’s Scholarship and Knox Founders Grant.

He expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way. “I would like to thank Coach Trendel for everything he has taught me over the past four years, as well as my teammates for all the great memories and for pushing me to be better,” Cade said. “I would also like to thank Coach Harvey, Coach Jackson, and Coach Thompson from Knox College for this opportunity.”