9 Providence Catholic HS Student-Athletes Commit To Play In College

NEW LENOX, IL — Nine student-athletes at Providence Catholic High School will continue their careers at the collegiate level, Athletic Director Doug Ternik announced Wednesday.

Four will go one to become D1 athletes, two D2 athletes, one D3 athlete, and two Junior College athletes.

“We’re incredibly proud of these nine student-athletes and all they’ve accomplished during their time at Providence Catholic,” said Ternik. “Their commitment to excellence—both in the classroom and in competition—truly embodies what it means to be a Celtic. We look forward to watching them continue their academic and athletic journeys at the next level.”

Abbey Knight of New Lenox has committed to Wright State University, where she will continue her athletic career on a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball. The daughter of Daniel and Colleen Knight, Abbey is a graduate of St. Mary School in Mokena and a member of St. Mary Mokena Parish.

A consistent Honor Roll student, and member of the National Honor Society and Proviscope during her junior and senior years, Abbey has excelled both on the court and in the classroom. A four-year varsity volleyball athlete, she has earned numerous accolades including GCAC Athlete of the Year (sophomore and senior), Team MVP (senior), All-Conference honors (sophomore through senior years), and selection to the IHSA 3A All-State First Team as both a junior and senior. She also served as team captain her junior and senior seasons.

Abbey plans to major in Nursing at Wright State University.

“PCHS has prepared me for college by making me work hard not only in the classroom, but also on the court,” Abbey said. “I have learned many values of discipline and hard work and truly know what it means to be a student-athlete.” She adds, “I would like to thank Coach Troy, Coach Seth, and Coach Lee for helping me accomplish my dreams! Faith is the root of success and God gave me the talent and gifts to play at the next level.”

Demi Carbone of Frankfort has committed to Colby College, where she will continue her academic and athletic journey as a member of the volleyball team. The daughter of Demetri and Kristen Carbone, Demi is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School and a member of St. Anthony Parish.

A dedicated student-athlete, Demi has consistently earned Honor Roll recognition and is a member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She has also served as a Sacristan during her junior and senior years, exemplifying leadership and faith within the Providence community.

On the court, Demi has been a four-year varsity volleyball athlete, earning All-Conference honors her junior and senior seasons, as well as All-State Academic recognition both years. She was named to the De La Salle All-Tournament Team as a junior and the Wilmington All-Tournament Team as a senior.

Demi plans to major in Pre-Med with a minor in Business at Colby College.

“The class load and amazing teachers have given me the confidence and knowledge I need to succeed at any level,” said Demi. “Providence was essential in making me the person I am today.” She adds “I would like to thank my father and mother, as well as Coach Lee, who recruited me to come to PCHS.”

Sammy Atkinson of Darien has committed to Heartland Community College, where he will continue his baseball career on an athletic and academic scholarship. The son of Bob and Staci Atkinson, Sammy is a graduate of Cass Junior High School and a consistent member of the Honor Roll.

A well-rounded student-athlete, Sammy is a member of the National Honor Society and has balanced academic excellence with a strong athletic career. A four-year member of the Providence Catholic baseball program, he has been named All-Conference and served as team captain his senior year.

Sammy plans to major in Business at Heartland Community College.

“PCHS has shown me how to succeed academically and athletically,” Sammy said. “Spirituality has played a huge role in my life at Providence. It bettered my relationships, increased my love for others, and taught me to always put my faith in God.”

He added, “I would like to thank Coach Smith, all of my baseball coaches, my family, friends, and God for helping me get to this point.”

Landon Ehman of Frankfort has committed to Kankakee Community College, where he will continue his baseball career on a full-ride scholarship. The son of Brian and Becky Ehman, Landon is a graduate of Summit Hill Junior High School.

A dedicated member of the Providence Catholic baseball program for two years, Landon has demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment both on and off the field. His growth as a student-athlete has been marked by discipline, perseverance, and faith.

“Providence Catholic prepared me by helping me grow in discipline and become a better student and person overall,” said Landon. “I want to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates for all their support and encouragement.”

Sam Webb of Channahon has committed to the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, where he will continue his baseball career. The son of Shaun and Kate Webb, Sam is a graduate of Channahon Junior High School and a consistent Honor Roll student.

A member of the National Honor Society during his junior and senior years, Sam has exemplified excellence both academically and athletically. A four-year member of the Providence Catholic baseball program, he served as team captain his senior year and is recognized by coaches and teammates alike for his leadership and dedication.

Sam plans to major in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.

“PCHS has prepared me for college by showing me a similar workload that I will experience in college, which has prepared me for the day that I step on campus,” Sam said. “Providence has led me further down my path of spirituality and allowed me to continue to grow my faith and follow God.”

He added, “I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way – my family, coaches, teammates, friends, and God.”

Angelina Cole of Mokena has committed to Western Michigan University, where she will continue her softball career on an athletic scholarship. The daughter of David and Maria Cole, Angelina is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

A dedicated student-athlete, Angelina is a consistent Honor Roll member and has been actively involved in the Providence Catholic community through National Honor Society, Augustinian Youth Ministry, International Club, Book Club, and as a Celtic Time Leader.

On the field, Angelina has been a four-year standout for the Providence Catholic softball team, earning All-State honors as a freshman, sophomore, and junior, as well as All-Conference recognition during those same years. She was named Team MVP as a junior and received All-Area honors, while also setting school records for hits and RBIs in a single season.

Angelina plans to major in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Western Michigan University.

“PCHS has prepared me for college because I have been able to take college prep courses which I fully believe will bring me a step ahead of the game when I get to college,” Angelina said. “Providence taught me how to be a good friend, how to be a leader, how to speak up when I need to, and how to carry out the values of Truth, Unity, and Love. Most importantly, Providence taught me how to grow my faith with God. I am so blessed to have been able to attend such an amazing school and culture.”

She added, “I would like to thank my travel softball coaches Josh Baer and Gaby Magnifico; my high school coaches Jim Holba, Gianni Iannantone, and Dawn Gura; all of my current and past hitting coaches John Martin, Ben Hewett, and Dean Anna; my throwing coach Ryan McWilliams; my strength and performance coach Cam Galgano; and my college coaches Marlee Wilson, Morgan VanderBor, Erika Kloosterman, and Mike Wallace for giving me this amazing opportunity to play collegiate softball at the Division I level. Most importantly, I want to thank my mom and dad, Maria and David Cole, because without them I would not be where I am today. Thank you to everyone who has helped me achieve my dream!”

“Spirituality has played a huge role in my life at PCHS,” Angelina reflected. “I have learned countless ways to grow my relationship closer to God and to put Him at the center of my life. Providence has led me spiritually in the right direction and has made such a positive impact on me. I am so thankful for my experience here and for the community Providence has given me.”

Alyssa Thulin of Shorewood has committed to Lewis University, where she will continue her soccer career on both academic and athletic scholarships. The daughter of Scott and Missy Thulin, Alyssa is a graduate of Minooka Junior High School, a member of Holy Family Parish, and a consistent Honor Roll student.

Alyssa has been deeply involved in the Providence Catholic community, serving with Habitat for Humanity all four years and as a member of the National Honor Society during her junior and senior years.

A four-year standout on the Providence Catholic soccer team, Alyssa has earned numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named All-Conference three times, All-Sectional twice, Team MVP three consecutive years, and All-Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore. She also served as team captain her junior and senior seasons. In addition, Alyssa competed in volleyball during her freshman and sophomore years.

Alyssa plans to major in Nursing at Lewis University.

“Providence Catholic has taught me good study habits and helped me grow as both a student and an athlete,” Alyssa said. “I would like to thank my family, my teammates, and my coaches for all their support along the way.”

Landrie Callahan of Morris has committed to Pepperdine University, where she will continue her basketball career on a full-ride athletic scholarship. The daughter of Brennan and Laney Callahan, Landrie is a graduate of Seneca Middle School and a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Now in her first semester at Providence Catholic, Landrie is excited for her first basketball season as a Celtic. Landrie has competed in both volleyball and basketball throughout high school. On the court, she has earned All-Conference honors as a freshman, sophomore, and junior; All-State recognition her sophomore and junior years; and All-Area accolades each of her first three seasons, including First Team All-Area honors as a sophomore and junior. A team captain and MVP, she also became her school’s all-time leading scorer.

Landrie plans to major in Education with a minor in Psychology at Pepperdine University.

“Providence has given me a better understanding of what college will be like,” Landrie said. “It has also shown me a broader aspect of how God is continuously involved in my life.”

She added, “I would like to thank my mom and dad, the Providence coaching staff and teammates, my travel coach Randy Weibel, and my family for all of their support and encouragement.”

Cali Tierney of Tinley Park has committed to Canisius University, where she will continue her volleyball career while pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Business. The daughter of Scott and Heide Tierney, Cali is a graduate of Summit Hill Junior High School and a member of St. Anthony’s Parish. She is also a consistent Honor Roll student at Providence Catholic.

Throughout her four years at Providence Catholic, Cali has been actively involved in the school community through Augustinian Youth Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, the National Honor Society, and the Spanish Honor Society. A four-year varsity volleyball player, Cali has earned recognition on the All-Conference Team her junior and senior years, as well as the All-Conference Academic Team as a junior.

“Being a part of the Providence community has strengthened my character and work ethic,” Cali said. “Through its balance of faith, academics, and athletics, it has taught me dedication, perseverance, and integrity – qualities that will guide me as I continue to compete at the next level with confidence.”

Cali expressed her gratitude for those who have supported her journey.

“I would first like to thank God for all my blessings, my family for believing in me, and my teammates for inspiring me. A special thank you to all my coaches, specifically Coach Lee and Coach Withers, my 1st Alliance family, and Meghan for supporting me in finding my new home. Finally, I would like to give a huge thanks to Coach Hanna and Coach Morgan for this amazing opportunity to play the sport I love.”