Each year, high school seniors around the nation commit to playing a sport in college. This issue, we congratulate three seniors who have excelled and displayed leadership in their respective sports. Playing for the school team or extracurricular club teams, these talented athletes have caught the eyes of Division I colleges. Division I teams have complex scheduling, attendance and financial aid requirements. Recently, they have committed to universities where they will advance their athletics and education.

Student: Katherine Nolan

Sport: Basketball

Position: Forward/Center

Teams: RMHS Basketball and All-In Athletics

School: Loyola University Chicago

Quote: “I chose Loyola because of its national academic reputation, Jesuit education and the fact that it is located in Chicago. I chose to continue my basketball career at Loyola because the coaching staff and team are amazing, and I couldn’t picture myself playing basketball anywhere else. I am very blessed to have this opportunity. I knew I wanted to keep playing basketball because basketball has been a huge part of my life since I was 7, and I couldn’t imagine not being able to play in college.  My mom sparked my interest in basketball because she was a multi-sport athlete and she always told me basketball was her favorite.”

Student: Zachary Klancnik

Sport: Soccer

Position: Center/Outside Back

Team: Sockers F.C.

School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: The campus is beautiful and has great opportunities in the business school. I really like the coaching staff and players. I knew it was a possibility when I started playing academy but I decided I wanted to do it junior year when the recruiting process really began. Once coaches started contacting me I knew I wanted to play. I started to play when I was really young, like everyone, and just stuck with it over the years. My dad played soccer in college so he always coached me when I was younger and drove me to get better. I would love to play beyond college, and if given the opportunity, in the MLS or in Europe. My goal for college is to win a Big Ten championship and compete in the NCAA tournament for a National Championship.

Student: Patrick Yim

Sport: Soccer

Position: Midfielder

Team: Sockers F.C.

School: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Quote: Growing up, I watched Big Ten college basketball all the time and wanted to play for a Big Ten team. The combination of good soccer team and coaches, academic prestige of the school and the social environment made Wisconsin the best fit for me. I’ve always wanted to play in college but wasn’t sure I’d be good enough. Soccer runs through my family.  My dad and uncle both played college soccer for Loyola University of Chicago, so it was always a goal for me to play college soccer like them. I would love to play professionally if possible, but if it doesn’t work out, I’ll be very well off in the working world with a degree from Madison.