Congratulations to Marist's 27 student-athletes who recently committed to college athletic programs. We are proud of all they have accomplished in competition and in the classroom and give thanks for their families, coaches, and teammates.
The class of 2020 now has 47 members committed to collegiate athletics.
BOYS’ SOCCER
Ethan Fit – Carroll University
Ethan Fit has decided to play for Carroll University, a Division III school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Ethan is a three-year starter for Marist that has scored 31 goals over the past three seasons. By his senior season, he was a player that all opposing defenses tried to plan for, but it still did not stop him from being our leading scorer two of the last three seasons. He was recognized as an ESCC All-Conference player, he was also selected as an All-Sectional Player and was Marist's overall most valuable player in 2019. He looks forward to sharing his talents with Carroll University and playing with two of his Marist teammates, John Kennedy and Aidan Gleeson, who will also play for Carroll.
Aidan Gleeson – Carroll University
Aidan Gleeson has decided to play for Carroll University, a Division III school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Aidan is a shifty player that gives opposing defenses headaches with his fancy footwork and his great decision making in the offensive third. He was a team captain for Marist this year and looks to make his mark at the next level. He looks forward to sharing his talents with Carroll University and playing with two of his Marist teammates, John Kennedy and Ethan Fit, who will play for Carroll.
John Kennedy – Carroll University
John Kennedy has decided to play for Carroll University, a Division III school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that competes in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. John has been a three year starting goalie for Marist that has made a huge difference in the team’s success through those years. Though John is small in stature, he is always working to improve his game and this has made a huge difference. John was one of the team captains as a senior and was also recognized as an All-Sectional goaltender and was named to the ESCC All-Conference team. He looks forward to sharing his talents with Carroll University and playing with two of his Marist teammates, Aidan Gleeson and Ethan Fit, who will also play for Carroll.
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Reese McMullen - North Central College
“As an incoming freshman picturing my high school career, I never once thought that a sport would have such a strong impact on my life. From the moment I found my spot on the Marist girls’ lacrosse team my freshman year, I knew that this was where I was going to grow. Throughout my four years playing lacrosse for Marist and for New Wave lacrosse my love for the sport continued to grow. I want to thank every single one of my coaches, my teammates, my family, and my mentors for pushing me to be my best and to never give up on my dreams,” McMullen said. Reese was elected as one of the team captains for the 2020 season by her peers and was also awarded the One Heart Award by New Wave. Reese will continue her lacrosse career at North Central College.
Emily Moran - Clarke University
Emily started playing lacrosse during her freshman year at Marist. She made the junior varsity team. She started playing on the varsity team in her sophomore season, and was a major contributor on offense as a midfielder. After playing varsity lacrosse at Marist and club lacrosse for New Wave Lacrosse Club, Emily decided to continue her academic and lacrosse career at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa.
Cecelia Kowalczyk - Saint Ambrose College
Cece originally tried lacrosse just for fun and like most ended up really liking the sport. Although she did not make the team her freshman year, she continued to work hard and improve and made the JV team as a sophomore. Her hard work and love for the game continue to show as she made the New Wave travel team. The following year she was a major contributor on the JV defensive team. Her senior season she would have been part of a very strong defensive team at Marist. She will continue her lacrosse career at Saint Ambrose College.
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Christian Czarny - Lincoln Memorial University
Congrats to Christian on your commitment to Lincoln Memorial. At LMU the lacrosse program competes in the Division II -South Atlantic Conference. Christian was a four-year varsity member of the Marist lacrosse organization and finished in the top 15 in points, goals, and assists in program history. Christian plans to study biology in the fall at Lincoln Memorial University.
Alex Menendez - Otterbein University
Congratulations to Alex on your commitment to Otterbein University. Otterbein lacrosse program competes in the Division III -Ohio Athletic Conference. Alex has been a four-year varsity member of the Marist lacrosse organization and started more than 30 games in the past two years. Alex sits at fifth for all-time in scoring and was in store for a breakout senior season. Alex plans to study business management in the fall at Otterbein University.
BASEBALL
Hugh Sullivan – Spring Hill College
Congratulations to Hugh Sullivan on his commitment to Spring Hill in Alabama. Spring Hill is a Division II program which has won its conference two of the last three seasons. Hugh is a right-hand pitcher that really made a nice jump this off-season adding 4-5 miles per hour to his fastball. Hugh has developed three pitches now and was going to be one of our top arms this spring. In spring of 2019, Hugh pitched 16 innings going 1-0 with 1 save. He struck out 10 opponents had a low .177 batting average against him. Congratulations and good luck to Hugh!
Dan Murczek - University of Indiana at South Bend
Congratulations to Dan Murczek on his commitment to Indiana South Bend. This is an NAIA school that competes in the same conference as local schools such as St. Xavier, St. Francis, and Olivet Nazarene. Dan is a two-way player as he both pitches and plays a position. “Dan has a long lanky body that should add weight as he gets older. He will be one of those late bloomers as he grows into his body and I wouldn’t be surprised if he really develops in college,” Coach Sefcik said. In 2019, Dan pitched 11 innings and had 1 win and 1 save. He posted a 3.08 ERA and opponents hit .209 off of him. In 2020, Dan was having a great early spring with the bat in practice and was ready for a good senior season. “I am glad Dan has this opportunity in college because the potential is there and it will be exciting to see how he grows the next four years as a player,” Sefcik said.
Ryan Adasiak - St. Xavier University
Congrats to Ryan Adasiak on his commitment to NAIA St. Xavier University. St. Xavier has a great baseball tradition. They have qualified for the regionals the last two years and always play one of the best schedules in the country. Ryan has developed himself into a great athlete. He has very good foot speed and power along with the ability to pitch. Ryan was going to help us in the outfield and on the mound this spring. He is a great kid and teammate. In 2019, Ryan had just eight at bats but he also was playing behind 3 Division I players, so this was his year to get more playing time. “I am very excited to follow Ryan in college and to see what direction he goes whether it’s as a pitcher or outfielder. He is a hard worker and the best is still yet to come,” Coach Sefcik explained.
Caden Carr - Southeastern Iowa Community College
Caden would have been the ace of the staff this spring. He has been a varsity player since the beginning of his sophomore year. In 2018, Caden pitched 39 innings and went 4-0 with 1 save. He had 30 strikeouts with a 1.60 ERA. In 2019, Caden pitched 45 innings and went 5-4 with 1 save. In those 45 innings he had 43 strikeouts and a 2.60 ERA and opponents hit .222 off of him. Caden pitched in a lot of big games and is a very competitive individual. Caden chose Southeastern over some DII schools as he looks to continue to develop and land at a D1 in a couple of years. “Caden’s fastball was up to 87mph this spring and I think when his body fills out more he will be a high velocity guy soon in college,” Coach Sefcik said. Congrats to Caden Carr!
BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL
Jake, Gene, and Jake are three of the most dedicated individuals the Marist volleyball #program has ever had. All three had a huge impact on winning the 2019 IHSA State Championship in full-time roles on the court. It is fitting to mention these three together as they have grown as players and young men with each other and become the best of friends. They have been great role models for our younger players and will be a big part of any success we have in the next few years. Many have seen their physical talents on the court in the biggest matches, but few have seen the amount of work they have put in to be considered the best. They are as competitive as it gets and make everyone around them better. Jake, Gene, and Jake will shine at the next level and represent the #Program well at Loras, Carthage, and SXU!
Jake McClain – St. Xavier University
Middle Blocker, 6’5 Captain
State Champion, Daily Southtown 1st Team All-Area, team leader and school record for hitting percentage. 2020 Preseason All American (AVCA)
Jake Bonnett – Loras College
Outside Hitter, 6’1 Captain
Three-year varsity player, 2 time Smack Attack Champ, two-time regional/conference champ, 2019 State Champion.
Gene McNulty – Carthage College
Setter 6’1 Captain
State Champion, Daily Southtown All Area, All-State, Smack Attack & WWS All-Tournament. ESCC All Conference. 2020 Preseason All American (AVCA). Illinois POY Preseason Candidate
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK
Thomas Leonard - Marquette University.
After six meets, Thomas is currently undefeated in 2020 in both the 3200m run, 1600m run, and 4x800m Relay, including victories at Evanston, Rockford Auburn, and the ICOPS Invitational. He qualified for the IHSA State Cross Country Championships for three consecutive years (2017-2019), and the IHSA State Track and Field Championships last year (2019). He was ranked #2 in Illinois on the Illinois Top Times (Indoor State) Leader boards in the 1600m run prior to the 2020 Track and Field season being suspended. Thomas Leonard is going to be studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University.
GIRLS' TRACK
Kaylin Strahan – Clark Atlanta University
Kaylin Strahan has decided to run track as a sprinter for Indiana State University, a Division I school in Terre Haute, Indiana. Kaylin is four-year varsity athlete for Marist and served as a team captain her junior and senior year. She is a two time IHSA outdoor state qualifier (2018 and 2019) in the 100 and 200 meter dash, 2019 indoor state qualifier in the 60 meter, holds the school record in the 200 meter dash, and helped anchor Marist's first IHSA state 4x100 relay in 2019. Kaylin was also a key contributor and team leader in 2019 leading Marist to multiple invitational championships and the school's first ESCC Conference Championship. She is the defending conference champion in the 100 and 200 meter dash.
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Javari Alderson - Culver Stockton College
Javari Alderson is a two-year varsity letter winner and member of the class of 2020. He played multiple positions while on the varsity team, filling in wherever the team needed him. He was one of the team’s vocal leaders, always offering ideas for the betterment of the squad. He appeared in 16 games this season, shooting 50% from the field averaging 1.6 ppg. Javari is the 2019-2020 Paul Simmons Award winner due to his hard-work, dedication, team spirit, and ability to persevere through hardship. Javari will continue his basketball career at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri.
Josh Morris – Highland Community College
Josh Morris is a two-year varsity starter and his senior season was a Coach Selection Honorable Mention for the ESCC. Josh was also selected as a team captain for the 2019-2020 season by his teammates. Josh scored 9.1 ppg while hauling in 3.7 rebounds a game in his senior year campaign. Josh is a very versatile player who can score in multiple ways. He can shoot the three or he has great knack for getting to the basket and finishing around the rim. Josh is a tremendous athlete and is ferocious on the ball defense. Josh will continue his academic and basketball career at Highland Community College in Freeport, Illinois.
SOFTBALL
Anna Lipinski - Eastern Illinois University
Anna has been an important player in our program for the past 4 years. She is the most improved player in the past couple years of the program and that is due to her work ethic, dedication to her game, and drive to improve. She is a strong power hitter who can play multiple positions and will be an asset to EIU’s roster.
RUGBY
Isidro Molina - University of Wyoming
Izzy is part of the first class of four-year players for the Marist rugby team. He has shown tremendous growth from his time as a freshman to a two-time forward MVP. He has been instrumental in growing the game at Marist with his passion for rugby and everything that it entails. His energy, tenacity, and his drive to leave it all on the field is contagious. He is routinely top-two on the team in tackles and stops each week and is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the front row.
Patrick Collevy - Western Michigan University
Pat is part of the first class of four-year players for the Marist rugby team. Pat, from the time he was a freshman, found his way onto the starting lineup because he was and has continued to be one of the top conversion kickers in the state. His dedication to his craft to continue to be a top performer as well as working on the rest of his skills has earned him the reputation as one of the hardest working players on the team. From playing fullback and wing to stepping into his role as scrum half, Pat was a must-have on the field.
Nino Ruiz - Western Michigan University
Nino is part of the first class of four-year players for the Marist rugby team. Nino committed to learning as much about rugby in a short amount of time by showcasing his work ethic as well as participating in all off-season workouts. His ability to understand and put into action his knowledge of the game paired with his athleticism allowed him to quickly find a starting spot on the varsity side. Nino led the way as a wing and transitioned to fly half where he orchestrated the offense and defensive game plan.
Andrew (Kai) Beluso - American International College
Kai is part of the first class of four-year players for the Marist rugby team. Kai, who started on the team with zero experience and zero knowledge of rugby, has had exponential growth each year. Kai works tirelessly during the season as well as in the off-season finding additional ways to improve his skills. As a result, Kai has earned himself MVP honors of the back line and has set himself apart as a valuable member of the team. Kai is truly knowledgeable of all the positions and has complete control of the field as he has played wing, fullback, center, scrum half, and even flanker.
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Bridget Kennedy – Wittenberg University
Bridget Kennedy will play Division III basketball at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. Bridget played basketball at Marist freshman, sophomore, and junior year. She received the First Class award her freshman year for being a leader on and off the basketball court. She has played for the Illinois Defenders Basketball Club for four years leading the team with leadership, enthusiasm, and the will to never give up. Bridget was noticed while playing for the Illinois Defenders and was recruited by several Division III coaches before ultimately deciding that Wittenberg was the right fit for her.
Morgan Flynn - St. Mary’s College - Notre Dame, Ind.
Morgan played on the sophomore team as a freshman and then got pulled up to varsity in the middle of her sophomore year. She then played 3 1/2 years on varsity. Morgan missed some of her varsity career due to surgery to repair a torn ACL. Morgan had a great senior year, starting every game and averaging 6.0 ppg. She will continue playing basketball for St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind.
POMS
Reese Losieczka will continue her dancing career on the dance team at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. A team leader and experienced dancer, Reese contributed to the great success and growth of the Marist poms program. She will no doubt elevate the program at Wisconsin, too.
HOCKEY
Michael Fischer – Lewis University
Congratulations to Michael Fischer who has committed to Lewis University. Michael will continue to play hockey there for the Flyers. He has played varsity hockey at Marist all four years. This past season, Michael was selected as a CCHL All-Star. His work ethic is second-to-none on the ice and in the classroom. Michael’s play was without a doubt the biggest reason we were able to be a finalist in the Illinois High School Hockey League Hayes Division. He is sure to be a tremendous asset to Lewis as he was at Marist.
GIRLS' GOLF
Tyler Murray – Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Tyler has been on the varsity golf team since her freshman year. She has placed in the top ten the past four conference tournaments. She was Captain of the RedHawks in 2017. In the 2019 season, Tyler averaged a 9-hole score of 43. Tyler placed in the top 10 at the 2019 regional tournament with an 18-hole score of 87. Tyler will be a member of Howard University's inaugural women's golf team.