5 IL Star Student Athletes Serve As Leaders, Mentors, Volunteers

ILLINOIS — From leading their teams to victory — and inspiring school spirit along the way — to giving back to their local communities, Illinois has no shortage of star student athletes.

This year, Patch is looking to recognize great student athletes who are also great kids. If you know a stellar student athlete, nominate them here.

Here are five local athletes identified by Patch readers whose stories you should know:

1. Tyler Holubek didn't let injuries stop him from chasing his dreams.

New Lenox native Tyler Holubek is a senior at Concordia University Chicago who has battled back from injury several times to live out his passion as a volleyball player.

A secondary education major, Tyler was off to a promising start as an opposite side hitter and setter during his freshman year when he tore both his labrum and rotator cuff during the fourth game of the season.

After surgery and a year of intense rehab, Tyler attempted to return in his sophomore year only to find out that his shoulder actually “over-healed,” causing significant scar tissue, and a second season-ending surgery ensued. Undeterred, Tyler focused on his studies, earning a spot on the dean's list and taking on a role as a CUC Student Ambassador welcoming potential incoming freshman, transfer students and volleyball recruits.

After another season of intense rehab, Tyler returned to the court with a vengeance, dominating both offensively and defensively; Tyler topped the Cougars' leader board in all categories: 1st in assists, 1st in digs, 2nd in kills, 2nd in blocks, and 3rd in aces. This performance earned him 2022 NACC All-Conference Honors and 2022 NACC Scholar Athlete Honors. For his senior year, Tyler was named 2023 Team Captain for the Cougars, looking to not only build on his own skills, but be a leader to his fellow teammates.

This spring, Tyler will return to his alma mater, working as a student teacher at Lincoln-Way Central.

2. Hannah, age 10, puts service over self.

Hannah, a 10-year-old golf and lacrosse player from Highland Park, isn't just a leader on her teams, she also takes every opportunity to make a difference, according to Ida Fiore, co-founder of Service and Learning Together, or SaLT.

Fiore nominated Hannah as a Patch Star Student Athlete, writing, "In the wake of the Fourth of July Highland Park Parade shooting tragedy, SaLT (Service and Learning Together) students mobilized to help our community heal. Hannah took action to make a difference as they motivated her friends, families, and service networks. This young woman worked tirelessly to provide thousands of 'Highland Park STRONG' T-shirts, yard signs, wristbands, and car magnets to raise funds for victims and their families — but also lift the spirits of our community in pain.

"... After a summer filled with intense emotions and hundreds of hours of volunteer work, this strong young leader and her team donated over $55,000 to the Highland Park Community Foundation to support the victims and families of this tragic shooting. She turned their pain and loss into empathy and action!"

3. Inessa 'leads by example' with a kind heart.

Despite having a chronic illness, 12th-grader Inessa is a leader both in the classroom and out, according to her mother.

Inessa, a cross-country and track star from Glenview, has managed a 4.0 GPA.

"She thrives on success and knows that the challenges that life gave her, have made her a stronger person overall," her mom Michelle Kaufman wrote.

4. Jameson, a Loyola Academy senior, inspires younger players.

Jameson is a four-year varsity lacrosse player and All-State selection last season who has committed to Bates College next year.

"Jameson provides excellent energy and leadership for our team. He has improved every year," Loyola Academy Head Coach Rob Snyder said earlier this year following a letter of intent signing ceremony. "He has demonstrated that hard work can lead to academic/athletic opportunities at the next level, but more importantly, he shares those learnings with the young kids he coaches and inspires."

5. Eduardo is both an athlete and a youth football coach.

Nominated by his mom, Eduardo is a senior at Evergreen Park Community High School, where he is the starting defensive end on the varsity football team as well as a state qualifying wrestler.

On top of his own sports and maintaining a 3.75 GPA, he volunteers to coach players on the Evergreen Park Stallions youth football team, where he got his start playing.

"His teachers email me regularly regarding his hard work in school," his mom wrote. "He helps at home and prioritizes time with family. He recently had unofficial visits with prospective universities, including UPenn, and is looking to continue playing football at the undergraduate level."