L-W East Student-Athletes Announce College Plans

Lincoln-Way East softball coach Katie Meader told the story of how Kacyee Hart tossed a 6-0 shutout against her alma mater, Lockport, in a bounce-back game for the Griffins last spring.

Then, Meader recalled how Brianna Morell leaped at the fence to rob a Joliet West hitter of a home run. Meader’s emotions were working overtime as she spoke about her two latest recruits during a college signing-day ceremony Wednesday in the Griffins’ Lair.

She choked back tears—happy tears. Eight East senior student-athletes announced their college plans during the ceremony.

Before—and after the formal part of  the program—proud parents took photographs for their scrapbooks. Athletic director Dave Brost reminded the outgoing recruits the doors at East always will be open for them to return, that they will be a part of the Griffins’ history books for many years to come. And then—the best part—cookies were served.

Katie Allen

Sport: Women’s volleyball.

College: Drake University.

Parents: David and Karen Allen, Mokena.

Why she’s going there: “When I went to Drake, I definitely felt like I could see myself going there. The girls were really welcoming, and the coaches were cool. I’m not really sure what I want to do with business. But it’s such a broad major I could go into a lot of different things. I’m sure something will spark my interest.”

Lauren Behrens

Sport: Women’s volleyball.

College: St. Peter’s College (N.J.).

Parents: Richard and Eva Behrens, Frankfort.

Why she’s going there: “I loved the coach and the team. They all made me feel welcome and at home. And, also, I hope to work in New York City. Jersey City is really close. So, I hope to get the internship there after school. Yes, pre-law. I hope to do something along those lines or possibly finance.”

Rebecca Grynevich

Sport: Women’s golf.

College: University of St. Francis.

Parents: David and Donna Grynevich, Frankfort.

Why she’s going there: “It’s a great school and I feel like it really fit me. As soon as I walked on campus, the atmosphere and everything was great, the pre-med program, not to mention the golf. The team is great and the coaching staff, I really connected with Coach (Tom) O’Connor.”

Kacyee Hart

Sport: Softball.

College: Western Illinois University.

Parents: Mike and Lisa Hart, Frankfort.

Why she’s going there: “I picked Western Illinois because I feel like the school is a perfect fit for me, and I really like the coaches and the team. We all meshed well together. It just felt right. And, yeah, it’s Mr. Brost’s alma mater.”

Taylor Johnson

Sport: Girls basketball.

College: Loyola University.

Parents: Ansel and Tangee Johnson, Frankfort.

Why she’s going there: “I loved the campus. The coaches made me feel welcome. The team made me feel welcome. I feel like I’ll fit right in, and, academically, it’s a prestigious school. I think that will help me in the future. And I can see myself helping them make history in getting to the NCAA tournament.”

Sloane McDermott

Sport: Women’s swimming.

College: University of Illinois.

Parents: John and Laurie McDermott, Mokena.

Why she’s going there: To compete in the Big Ten, both academically and athletically, and to follow in the footsteps of her two older sisters who both attend Illinois, Darragh and Caitlin.

Caitlin McMahon

Sport: Girls basketball.

College: St. Xavier University.

Parents: Dermot and Jennifer McMahon, Mokena.

Why she’s going there: “It’s close enough to home so that my family can come watch. It’s a well-respected program. They’re nationally ranked for basketball. I’m going to study pre-med or nursing, and they have a really good nursing program.”

Brianna Morell

Sport: Softball.

College: Florida Gulf Coast University.

Parents: Gabriel and Kelly Morell, Frankfort.

Why she’s going there: “I chose it because of the warm weather, of course, and because it’s a Division I school with everything that could possibly be offered for me. It’s a perfect fit. I love it there. And my grandmother will be five minutes away.”