Fourteen Student-Athletes Make College Commitments to Continue Athletic and Academic Careers


NEW LENOX (November 2018) – Mr. Doug Ternik, Athletic Director of Providence Catholic High School announced that fourteen 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. 

Taylor Blake of Homer Glen, daughter of Scott and Christine Blake has committed to the University of Wisconsin – Platteville to continue her volleyball career on an academic scholarship. She plans to major in marketing and management. Blake is a graduate of St. Jude in New Lenox. In her four years, she has been a three-time varsity athlete in volleyball and named the captain of the team in 2018

Adam Kowalik of Homer Glen, son of Frank and Theresa Kowalik has committed to St. Ambrose University to continue his bowling career. He plans to major in sports management and minor in marketing. Kowalik is a graduate of Homer Jr. High School and attends St. Bernard Catholic Church in Homer Glen. During his high school career, Kowalik has been a member of the bowling team for all four years and co-captain for three years. In addition, he has been a Marching Band and Concert Band member for four years, and Jazz Band member for one year.

Kowalik credits his coaching and the athletic staff for his success the last for years, “I would like to thank Coach Kevin Kullman who made me the bowler that I am today,” he said. “In addition, I would also like to thank Mrs. Arthurs for giving me the opportunity to bowl for PCHS and my family who made the tremendous sacrifice to send me to PCHS.”

Claudia Utz of Lockport, daughter of Bill and Jill Utz committed to Concordia University-Wisconsin for softball on an academic scholarship. She plans to major in nursing. Utz is a graduate of St. Dennis of Lockport and attends St. Dennis Parish. During her high school career, Utz has been a member of the softball team for four years and volleyball for one. In addition, she is an honors student, a  member of Habitat for Humanity, a Celtic Time Leader and received the gym award her freshman year.

Josh Mrozek of Frankfort, son of Jeff and Tracy Mrozek has signed his National Letter of Intent to Kent State for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in business. Mrozek is a graduate from Peotone Jr. High School. During his high school career, he has been an honors student and a member of the baseball team all four years and basketball for one year.

Zachary Costello of Homer Glen, son of Craig and Jaime Costello has signed him his National Letter of Intent to St. Xavier for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in criminal justice. Costello is a graduate of Homer Jr. High School and a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church. During his high school career, Costello was an honors student and a member for the baseball team for four years and football for one. In addition, he was named Student of the Month his sophomore year. 

Costello credits the spirituality at Providence Catholic for building him into the athlete he is today. “The spirituality at Providence has played a big role by keeping me grounded while competing,” he said. “It helps me remember what is truly important on being a good player, teammate, and opponent.”

Shannon Smith of Channahon, daughter of Shane and Caroline Smith has signed her National Letter of Intent to Carson-Newman University; Tennessee for softball on an academic & athletic scholarship. Her major is undecided. Smith is a graduate from Channahon Jr. High School and a member for St. Mary’s in Minooka. During her high school career, Smith has been a member of the softball team for four years and volleyball for two. During her time in volleyball, she was named Oak Lawn All-Tournament Player and All-Conference Players. For Softball, Smith was named All-Conference Player and MVP her Junior year.

Bryce Barnett of Lockport, son of Russell and Amy Barnett has signed his National Letter of Intent to Arizona State University for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in sports business. Barnett is a graduate of Homer Jr. High School and is a member of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish. During his last four years, Barnett has been an honor student and a member of the baseball team.

Alex Helmin of Frankfort, son of Dan and Chris Helmin has signed his National Letter of Intent to Arizona State University for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He will major in business. Helmin is a graduate of Hickory Creek Middle School and a member of St. Mary’s parish. During his high school career, he has been a member of the baseball team for four years and basketball team for one. During his junior year, Helmin was named to the All-Conference Team. In addition, he was selected for the National All-Area Code tournament in California.

Abby Ragusa of Joliet, daughter of Greg and Liz Ragusa has committed to Loras College for basketball on an academic scholarship. She is currently undecided for her major. Ragusa is a graduate of St. Paul the Apostle and a member of St. Paul the Apostle parish. During her high school career, Ragusa has been a member of the basketball team all four years being named to the All-Tournament Team and a 3 point down State Qualifier. In addition, she has been an honors student, a member of Habitat for Humanity and NHS.

Maggie Joutras of Shorewood, daughter of Mark and Luanne Joutras has signed her National Letter of Intent to Lewis University for softball on an academic and athletic scholarship. She plans to major in nursing. Joutras is a graduate from Minooka Jr. High School and a member of St. Ann Parish in Channahon. During her high school career, Joutras has been a member of the softball team for four years and basketball for two years being named co-captain for one of the two years. In addition, she has been a member of the Providence Catholic’s A.Y.M. Club, Habitat for Humanity, NHS, Respect Life Club, Eucharistic Ministry, Peer Tutoring and Sandwich Patrol. Joutras received the technology award her freshman year. 

Joutras credits Providence Catholic for her success in preparing her for college. “Providence has prepared me for college and being an athlete by constantly challenging me in the classroom and on the playing field”, she said. “Gaining valuable knowledge from my teachers and working alongside my teammates will ultimately prepare me for future college courses and competing on the collegiate level.” “Providence has also taught me the value of community and the importance of having faith during life’s many challenges.”

Jake Walsh of Elwood, son of Frank and Michelle Walsh has signed his National Letter of Intent to Lakeland College for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He plans to major in construction management. Walsh is a graduate from Elwood Jr. High School and a member of St. Joes in Manhattan. Throughout his high school career, he has been a member of the baseball team for four years and basketball and football for one year. In addition, Walsh is an honors student and a member of the NHS. He received the English award his freshman year and economics award his junior year.

Steven Wedemeier of Naperville son of Steve and Shirley Wedemeier has committed to the University of Charleston, West Virginia for volleyball on an academic and athletic scholarship. He is currently undecided on his major. Wedemeier is a graduate of Homer Jr. High School. He has been a member of the volleyball team for all four years. In addition, Wedemeier is an honors student. 

Brennan Geers of Channahon son of Brian and Jill Geers has signed his National Letter of Intent to Triton College for baseball on an athletic scholarship. He is currently undecided on his major. Geers is a graduate of Channahon Jr. High School and a member of Minooka Bible Church. Throughout his high school career, he has been a member of the baseball and football team for four years and wrestling for two years. In addition, Geers is an honors student and played travel baseball for the Rhinos for the past five years.

Matthew Russo of Mokena son of Michael and Christina Russo has signed his National Letter of Intent to Cardinal Stritch University-Milwaukee to continue his volleyball career on an academic and athletic scholarship. He plans on majoring in accounting with a minor in business administration. Russo is a graduate of Heritage Christian School and a member of Hickory Creek Christian Church. Throughout his high school career, he has been a member of the varsity volleyball team for four years, football for two years, and track and field for one year. In addition, Russo is an honors student.
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Kathleen E. Kennedy
Director of Communications

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