NEW LENOX (November 2019) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director at Providence Catholic High School announced that twelve student-athletes from the school will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. “We are extremely proud of these student-athletes for their hard work both in the classroom and on the field. We wish them the very best in college and in the future,” said Ternik.
Brittany Rabe of Plainfield, daughter of William and Karen Rabe, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to St. Ambrose to continue her career in Softball on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She to major in Biomedical Laboratory Science. Rabe is a graduate of Ira Jones Middle School in Plainfield and is a member of Holy Family Parish in Shorewood. Throughout her four years, she has been an honor student and an active member of the volleyball, cross country, and softball teams. Rabe credits her parents and coaches for helping her become the player she is today. “I would like to thank my parents for putting me into softball when I was younger, and dedicating their time and money to help me become the best athlete I could be – and thank you to all my coaches throughout the years that helped me grow not only as a player but as a person.”
Dan Dombrowski of Lockport, son of John Dombrowski and Colleen Barrett, has been recognized for committing to Benedictine University to continue his Baseball career on an Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Marketing. Dombrowski is a graduate of St. Dennis Lockport, where he is also a parishioner. Throughout his four years, he has been an honor student and an active member of the baseball and basketball teams. “Providence has prepared me for college through a rigorous course load full of honors and AP classes. The teachers have set a foundation to excel at the next level. I’m thankful to my family for being supportive in everything I do, and my Providence family and coaches that push me to do my best and have taught me so much. Lastly, thanks to my travel team, Rhino Baseball, a program that I have been a part of since I was 10.”
Ryan Manikowski of New Lenox, son of Keith and Eileen Manikowski, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Creighton University for Baseball on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. He plans to major in Business. Manikowski is a graduate of Martino Jr. High in New Lenox and is a member of Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park. Throughout his four years, he has been an active member of the baseball and football teams. “Every teacher and coach has had every students’ future in mind and has been able to prepare everyone for whatever awaits. Before Providence, I was not too involved with the Church or my relationship with God. After three years of Providence and my Kairos experience, I have learned and engaged in many religious based activities and loved it all.”
Ryan Maloney of Orland Park, son of Colm and Debra Maloney, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Clark State Community College to continue his Baseball career on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. He plans to major in Mathematics. Maloney is a graduate of Jerling Junior High in Orland Park and is a member of St Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills. Throughout his four years, he has been an honors student and an active member of the football and baseball teams. “Providence has prepared me for college by teaching me ways to manage my time and homework to make sure I get assignments in on time. I am continuing to learn more about my faith and Providence has helped me to start on this path.”
Samantha Spencer of Homer Glen, daughter of Gary and Tracy Spencer, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to University of Minnesota to continue her career in Track & Field on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Engineering. Spencer is a graduate of SS. Cyril and Methodius School and is a member of their parish. Throughout her four years, she has been an honors student and an active member of the track and field and volleyball teams. She has earned Track and Field All-Conference honors for three years, Track and Field All-State honors for three years, and was the Pole Vault State Champion her junior year. She credits Providence Catholic for preparing her for her college aspirations. “Providence has prepared me for college by giving me many new opportunities and resources to succeed. They have guided me throughout high school in making choices that would benefit me past my high school years.”
Lauren Knight of Mokena, daughter of Matt Knight, has been recognized for committing to Carthage College to continue her Basketball career. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s Mokena and is also a member of their parish. Throughout her four years, she has been an honor student and an active member of the basketball team. She has served as captain of the basketball team the last two years, was an MVP for two years, came in 4th in the state in the 3-point contest her sophomore year, was an All-Conference player her sophomore and junior years, and was chosen as Athlete of the Week her junior year.
Brendan Slota of Homer Glen, son of Edwin Slota and Michelle Flamm, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Lindenwood University to continue his career in Baseball on an Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Finance. Slota is a graduate of Homer Jr. High and a member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen. Throughout his four years he has been an honors student and an active member of the baseball team. Slota is prepared for college in great part, he says, because of the opportunities he has had at Providence Catholic. “As a college prep school, Providence has prepared me with a college-style environment and mentality in order to be fully prepared for the life in the classroom and extracurricular activities in college.”
Bryce Backal of Homer Glen, son of Broque and Lisa Backal, has been recognized for committing to Wisconsin (Whitewater) to continue his Baseball career. He plans to major in General Business. Backal is a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High Homer Glen and is a member of St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen. Throughout his four years he has been an honors student and an active member of the baseball team. He looks forward to the opportunity to applying what he has learned at Providence to his education and baseball career at Wisconsin. “Providence has taught me how to manage time and have a proper work ethic in my school work and sports.”
Ben Vitas of Shorewood, son of Chris and Lisa Vitas, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Central Michigan University for Baseball on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. Vitas is a graduate of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School in Joliet, where he is also a parishioner. Throughout his four years, he has been an active member of the basketball and baseball teams. He credits Providence Catholic with pushing him to always strive to be better. “Providence Catholic has tested me academically and athletically.”
Aidan Goggins of New Lenox, son of Daniel Goggins and Janet McClarence, has been recognized for signing his National Letter of Intent to Lincoln Land Community College on an Athletic Scholarship to continue his Baseball career. He plans to major in Criminal Justice. Goggins is a graduate of Martino Junior High in New Lenox and is a member of St. Jude’s Parish in New Lenox. Throughout his four years, he has been an active member of the Celtic Nation student spirit group and the baseball team.
Teagan Sopczak of Tinley Park, daughter of Darrin and Anne Marie Sopczak, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to Loyola University (Chicago) on an Athletic and Academic Scholarship to continue her softball career. She plans to major in Business and minor in Sports Management. Sopczak is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Orland Hills and is a member of St. Stephen Deacon in Tinley Park. Throughout her four years she has been an active member of the softball team. She has been named an All-Conference player twice, an All-State and All-Area player her junior year, the IMA Player of the Week her junior year, and will serve as the captain of the softball team this year. She credits Providence Catholic with building a strong foundation for her future path and strengthening her faith. “Providence has prepared me for college through the challenging academic expectations. During my time here, I have strengthened my relationship with God. The all-school masses and morning masses are what I look forward to the most.
Cameron Korhorn of Plainfield, daughter of Neil and Suzie Korhorn, has been recognized for signing her National Letter of Intent to Eastern Illinois University to continue her career in Soccer on an Academic and Athletic Scholarship. She plans to major in Psychology. Korhorn is a graduate of Holy Family in Shorewood and is a member of their Parish. Throughout her four years she has been an active member of the soccer team. She earned Soccer All-Conference honors her sophomore and junior year, All-Sectional honors her junior year, and MVP her junior year. “Providence has matured me academically along with my athletics. The teachers and counselors have prepared us since freshman year giving us reminders and tools to succeed. I’m looking forward to my new journey at EIU as a Panther.”