Three Providence Student-Athletes Commit To Collegiate Athletics

LOCKPORT, IL — Three student athletes from Lockport who attend Providence Catholic High School will continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level, according to a release from the school. The Lockport student athletes are Jude Allen (baseball), Annalise Pietrzyk (basketball) and AJ Vinci (baseball).

“As always, we are extremely proud of these athletes. They are academically accomplished students who are leaders in the classroom and in their respective sports. We wish all of them the very best in college and in the future, and are excited to see them continue playing at the next level,” Doug Ternik, Athletic Director, said in a release.

Providence provided the following info on each student athlete:

Jude Allen of Lockport, son of Chris and Anastasia Allen, has been recognized for committing to University of Wisconsin-Parkside to continue his baseball career on academic and athletic scholarships, according to the school. Allen is a member of St Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox and a graduate of Oak Prairie Junior High. A member of the honor roll, he has also been involved in National Honor Society and baseball at Providence Catholic.

“The college prep classes have really prepared me for college,” Allen said in a release. “The teachers and coaches are helpful and guide us along the way. I would like to thank them and my parents for helping me to achieve this goal.”

Annalise Pietrzyk of Lockport, daughter of Michael and Tiffany Pietrzyk, has been recognized for committing to Hillsdale College to continue her basketball career on a full athletic scholarship, according to the school. She plans to major in Biology. Pietrzyk is a member of St. Jude’s Parish New Lenox, and a graduate of St. Joseph Middle School in Lockport. A member of the honor roll, she has also been involved in National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, Take A Stand to Cancer, and the Respect Life Club. As an athlete, she has been a member of the girls basketball team all four years. She has been recognized for her athletic talents, earning the GCAC Player of the year as a junior; voted team MVP her junior and senior years; earning All-Conference and All-Area her sophomore, junior and senior years; and earning an IBCA All-State Special Mention as a junior.

“I’ve had great teachers and amazing coaches here. I’ve been challenged academically at Providence so that can only help me in college,” Pietrzyk said in a release. “Thank you to my teachers, coaches and parents for always believing in me.”

AJ Vinci of Lockport, son of Brandon Levy and Alexandra Vinci, has been recognized for committing to Saint Louis University to continue his baseball career on athletic and academic scholarships, the school said in a release. He plans to major in Business Finance and minor in Business Real Estate. Vinci is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Lockport, where he also graduated from. At Providence, he has been inducted into the National Honor Society, and has been a member of the baseball and basketball teams.

“Providence has prepared me for college through its excellent academic curriculum and by teaching me how to work hard, stay consistent, and be motivated,” Vinci said in a release. “I will carry what I have been taught in the classroom and on the field by my teachers and coaches, as well as from my family and friends, as I continue my baseball career in college.”