NEW LENOX (November 8, 2023) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School, announced that twelve student athletes will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “We are extremely proud of these student-athletes. They are academically accomplished students who are leaders in the classroom and in their respective sports, and are ready to play at the next level. We wish all of them the very best in college and in the future, and are excited to see them continue playing,” said Ternik.
Mia Bilinski of Lockport, Illinois, daughter of Tony and Lisa Bilinski, has been recognized for committing to Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis to continue her soccer career on academic scholarship. She plans to major in Nursing. Bilinski is a member of St. Dennis Parish in Lockport from which she also graduated. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is a member of the Art Club, the International Club, and the Medical Club. As an athlete, she has participated on the tennis team, basketball team, and the varsity soccer team her freshman and sophomore year at Providence Catholic. “Providence has taught me to work hard and stay on top of things in the classroom so I can balance life as a student and an athlete,” says Bilinski. “I would like to thank the Providence soccer coaches and my club soccer coaches for supporting me and preparing me to compete at the next level.”
Olivia Cosgrove of New Lenox, Illinois, daughter of Marty and Adrienne Cosgrove, has been recognized for committing to the University of St. Francis to continue her volleyball career on academic and athletics scholarships. Cosgrove is a member of St. Jude New Lenox Parish from which she is also a graduate. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. Athletically, she has been a volleyball player all four years at Providence Catholic, and served as captain her senior year. “Having great teachers and coaches who truly care about their students and players has prepared me to continue both my academic and athletic careers,” says Cosgrove. “I would like to thank my school coaches, Coach Lee and Coach Withers as well as my club coach, Lauren. I wouldn’t have the opportunities that I’ve had without them!”
Abby Johnson of Mokena, Illinois, daughter of Bill and Mary Johnson, has been recognized for committing to Loyola University to continue her softball career on academic and athletics scholarships. She plans to major in Physical Therapy and minor in Biology. Johnson is a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish from which she is also a graduate. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also a Student Ambassador and a member of the Augustinian Youth Ministry. As an athlete, she has been a softball player all four years at Providence Catholic, and also played volleyball for two years. He was named softball MVP as a sophomore; earned GCAC All-Conference as a sophomore, and was selected to the WJOL Softball All-Tournament Team. “Providence has prepared me for college by providing me with a complete and well rounded education centered by faith,” says Johnson. “I would like to thank my family, friends, and all of my coaches who have pushed me to become the player that I am today.”
Sophia Thormeyer of Frankfort, Illinois, daughter of Jason and Theresa Thormeyer, has been recognized for committing to the University of Massachusetts Amherst to continue her softball career on academic and athletics scholarships. She plans to major in Business and minor in Construction Management. Thormeyer is a member of St. Anthony Parish Frankfort, and is a graduate of Hickory Creek Middle School. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. She is also a Student Ambassador, a tutor, a Sacristan, a Eucharistic Minister, and is a member of the Augustinian Youth Ministry. Athletically, she has played softball for Providence Catholic, is a four-year varsity letterman, and was selected for the All-Conference team her junior year. “Providence Catholic High School has prepared me for college in a few ways. First, the rigorous academic curriculum challenged me to think critically and develop strong study habits. Second, the emphasis on values and ethics has helped me navigate moral decisions and make responsible choices. Lastly, the supportive community of teachers and peers has taught me the importance of teamwork and forming meaningful relationships. Overall, I feel confident and ready to take on the next chapter of my educational and athletic journey at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.,” says Thormeyer. “I would like to thank all of my former and current teammates for pushing me to become a better athlete on the field. I would also like to thank my coaches throughout the years who have taught me meaningful lessons about life through the sport I love. Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank my parents for the sacrifices taken to achieve this dream of mine to play at the Division 1 collegiate level. Without their time and dedication I would not be where I am today.”
Gabrielle Bednar of Lockport, Illinois, daughter of Kurt and Rachel Bednar, has been recognized for committing to the University of St. Francis to continue her basketball career on academic and athletics scholarships. She plans to major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and minor in Marketing. Bednar is a graduate of Kelvin Grove Junior High. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and serves as a Pastoral Aid. As an athlete, she has been a basketball player all four years at Providence Catholic; has been named an All-Conference Player her freshmen and sophomore years; and will serve as Team Captain this season. “I was able to take classes that will benefit me in the future based on what I want to do after my schooling. Counselors were a very big help in getting me where I needed to be and kept me on top of things. My teachers motivated me to do my best in classes to keep my grades up,” says Bednar. “I would like to thank my family, friends, Coach Copenhaver, Coach Jimmy, Coach Maziur, and Coach Karr.”
Payton Mandac of Elwood, Illinois, daughter of Jason and Lisa Mandac, has been recognized for committing to Maryville University to continue her volleyball career on academic and athletics scholarships. She plans to major in Secondary Education and minor in Pre-Law. Mandac is a member of St. John Lutheran, and graduated from Elwood School. A member of the honor roll, she also served as a Student Ambassador her junior year. Athletically, she has been a volleyball player all four years at Providence Catholic; played soccer her freshman year; was named MVP once; and was All-Conference twice in addition to making multiple All-Tournament Teams. “Providence prepared me to be organized and helped me become a better overall student,” says Mandac. “I would like to thank my parents and my club coaches.”
Kailee O’Gorman of Shorewood, Illinois, daughter of Raymond and Angela O’Gorman, has been recognized for committing to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to continue her lacrosse career on academic scholarship. She plans to major in Nursing and minor in Spanish or Kinesiology. O’Gorman is a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood, from which she is also a graduate. A member of the honor roll, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She is also a member of Habitat for Humanity, the Augustinian Youth Ministry, and the International Club. As an athlete, she has been a lacrosse player all four years at Providence Catholic in addition to softball her freshman year. She has been named an All-Conference player and served as captain her junior and senior years. “Providence has prepared me for college by providing me with the resources to confidently further advance my education and taught me that I am loveable and capable no matter the circumstance,” says O’Gorman. “I would like to thank my high school coach, Coach Kat, and all my travel coaches from Team ONE. Also, I’d like to thank my family, friends, and anyone who has supported me along the way. I thank God for giving me many blessings in lacrosse and leading me to where I am today.”
Joe Brasky of Mokena, Illinois, son of Steve and Carrie Brasky, has been recognized for committing to Denison University to continue his golf career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Brasky is a member of St. Jude’s Parish, and is a graduate of Martino Junior High. He is a member of the honor roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Athletically, Brasky has been a member of the Varsity Golf Team for all four years at Providence, in addition to playing baseball his freshman and sophomore year. He has several athletic accolades, including All-Sectional Player his senior year, becoming a state-finalist his senior year, Most Improved Golfer, and Most Valuable Golfer. He also served as Captain of the golf team his junior and senior year. “I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Providence as it has challenged me both academically, athletically, and spiritually. As a college prep school, I feel Providence has prepared me for the next chapter in my life,” says Brasky. “I would like to thank my family and friends, for they have been through this journey with me and I wouldn’t know where I would be without them. Also, I’d like to thank all the coaches who have helped me along the way and the influence they’ve had on me and who I am today.”
Michael Groos, Jr., of Tinley Park, Illinois, son of Michael and Mary Groos, has been recognized for committing to Anderson University to continue his lacrosse career on academic scholarship. He plans to major in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology. Groos is a member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr – Tinley Park, and is a graduate of St. George School. He is a member of the honor roll and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He also is a member of the Book Club and the Table Top Games Club. As an athlete, Groos has been a member of the of the lacrosse team all four years at Providence, and was a member of the bowling team his freshman year. He has been named All-Conference his junior year, as well as MVP. He has also served as Captain of the team since his sophomore year. “Providence introduced me to the college process early. The teachers and the college prep classes helped me feel ready for college,” says Groos. “I want to thank my parents for sacrificing their time and money to help me accomplish my goals, and for always being my biggest fan. I want to thank the coaches who have helped and taught me never to give up, along with never giving up on me. I especially want to thank Coach Pignotti, Coach Steve, and Coach Kat for letting me join Providence Lacrosse and help lead the team. I want to thank Providence for having a lacrosse program that taught me about leadership. I want to thank Coach Ashton for allowing me to spend the next four years of my life at AU. Thank you to all of my teachers who helped me learn new things and taught me new ways to write and discuss in groups.”
Patrick Wajda of Mokena, Illinois, son of Frank and Jen Wajda, has been recognized for committing to Milwaukee Area Technical Institute to continue his baseball career on athletic scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Wajda is a member of St. Mary Mokena Catholic School, from which he is also a graduate. He is a member of the honor roll, in addition to being a member of the Respect Life Club, Habitat for Humanity, and serving as a Student Ambassador. Athletically, Wajda has been a member of the of the baseball team all four years at Providence; a member of the football team his junior and senior year; and a member of the basketball team his freshman and sophomore year. “Providence has prepared me academically and athletically,” says Wajda. “I would like to thank my parents, my siblings, Coach Smith and Coach Godfrey, Coach Plantz, and Coach Forystek, and my friends.”
Bobby Kutt of Orland Park, Illinois, son of Tim and Karen Kutt, has been recognized for committing to University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to continue his baseball career on academic scholarship. Kutt a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and is a graduate of Century Junior High. Athletically, Kutt has been a member of the baseball team his junior and senior year at Providence. “Providence has provided me with skills to succeed in and outside of the classroom,” says Kutt. “I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for all of their love and support.”
Jackson Smith of Channahon, Illinois, son of Shane and Caroline Smith, has been recognized for committing to Bradley University to continue his baseball career on athletic scholarship. Smjith is a member of St. Mary’s Minooka and is a graduate of Channahon Junior High School. He is a member of the honor roll. Athletically, Smith has been a member of the of the baseball team all four years at Providence; he also played basketball his sophomore year. He was selected for All-State and All-Conference his junior year. “Providence helped me with faith and realizing that God is the only thing that matters,” says Smith. “I would like to thank my parents and Coach Smith for their support.”