Naz Academy Baseball Student-Athletes Make College Commitments

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

La Grange Park, IL - Nazareth Academy is proud to announce that multiple baseball student-athletes from the Class of 2016 have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the college level.

Nazareth wishes continued success to the following students:

NCAA Programs

Shane Gipson (Stickney) – University of New Mexico
According to Coach Milano, “Shane had interest from many Division One schools because he is one of the top catchers in the state. His arm strength and power separate him from most players.” The University of New Mexico Lobos are an NCAA Division I program who compete in the Mountain West Conference.

Kyle Kane (Westchester) – Lewis University
Kyle is not only a great baseball player, he’s a Nazareth Honor Roll student and an Illinois State Scholar. “Kyle is the total package,” says Coach Milano. “He is an excellent student, talented baseball player and a role model for younger players in the program. Lewis is looking forward to having Kyle in their line up.” The Lewis University Flyers are an NCAA Division II program and part of the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

Will McKenna (Burr Ridge) – New York University
“Will is versatile player who can catch, play the infield and play the outfield,” says Coach Milano. “Will has a great work ethic and is a fabulous team player.” Will is also an Honor Roll student who performs at a high level in the classroom and is known at Nazareth for his student video productions in addition to his play on the field. The NYU Violets participate in the NCAA's Division III and the University Athletic Association.

John Zalewski (Chicago) – Illinois Institute of Technology
John finds a great balance as a student-athlete at Nazareth, succeeding on the field as well as a Nazareth Honor Roll student and an Illinois State Scholar. “John is a crafty right handed pitcher. He has worked hard to get stronger and improve his pitching skills,” says Coach Milano.The IIT Scarlet Hawks are an NCAA Division III program.

NJCAA Programs

Carson Bartels (Westchester) – Heartland Community College
At Nazareth, Carson has been a leader on the baseball diamond, as the quarterback of Nazareth’s State Champion Football team and as a Service Team leader with Campus Ministry. “Carson is a leader and a fierce competitor. Carson will be an excellent middle infielder in college,” says Head Baseball Coach Lee Milano. The HCC Hawks compete in the Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Brandon Bossard (Lemont) – Heartland Community College
Coach Milano says, “Brandon is an extremely talented baseball player. He has an excellent arm and works extremely hard to improve his baseball skills. He is one of the top infielders in the state. Brandon will be an excellent addition to Heartland.” The HCC Hawks compete in the Mid-West Athletic Conference (MWAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Dominic Carmignani (Westchester) – Harper College
Dominic plays both Soccer and Baseball for Nazareth, where he is also an active student-ambassador with Roadrunner Club. “Dominic is a solid third baseman. He is in phenomenal shape with an endless work ethic. He will make an instant impact on the field in college,” says Coach Milano. The Harper College Hawks compete in the North Central Conference as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Richie Kiernicki (Chicago) – College of DuPage
“Richie can do it all. He can play every infield position as well as pitch. Richie has an exceptionally strong arm and is a true team player,” says Coach Milano. The COD Chaparrals are part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Photo 1: Shane Gipson. Photo 2: Nazareth Head Coach Lee Milano, Will McKenna and Nazareth President Dennis Moran. Photo 3: Nazareth Head Coach Lee Milano, John Zalewski and Nazareth President Dennis Moran