Nazareth Academy Student Athletes Make College Commitments

LA GRANGE PARK, IL — In conjunction with National Signing Day, Nazareth Academy announced multiple student- athletes from the Class of 2018 have officially committed to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the college level.

For Basketball

Alyssa Geary of Elmhurst has had a standout basketball career in her two seasons at Nazareth, the school said.

“I’ve had the pleasure of coaching Alyssa since she was in fifth grade. She has transformed her game to fit the Big East, which comes from countless hours in the gym,” Head Girls Basketball Coach Edward Stritzel said in a release.

The Providence College Friars are an NCAA Division I program.

For Football

Jacob Oquendo of Melrose Park was a huge asset to Nazareth football, the school said.

“He’s a selfless, team-first player who always gave 100 percent in practice and games,” Head Coach Tim Racki said in a release. “His leadership was infectious and he was willing to accept any role in order for the team to be successful, going out of his way to assist younger players. With Jacob it was always like having another coach on the field.”

The Loras College Duhawks are an NCAA Division III program.

For Golf

George King of Hinsdale has been a four year starter on the Varsity Boys Golf team where his leadership has
been invaluable to his teammates and the coaching staff, the school said.

“George not only was the best player on our team throughout the last two years, but his unselfish ability to work for team goals instead of his own personal goals has been remarkable,” Head Coach Mike Morris said in a release. “He was a pillar of strength for his teammates as they had their highest finish in the East Suburban Catholic Conference Tournament in school history and won the IHSA Regional.”

Placing 48th out of 109 golfers, King represented Nazareth in the 2017 IHSA State Golf Tournament and won the Chicago Tribune Athlete of the Month Contest, according to the school. The Hamilton College Continentals are an NCAA Division III program.

For Soccer

Tiernan Guinn of Clarendon Hills has been a difference maker on the soccer field all four years at Nazareth.

"Ty is a great team player,” Head Boys Soccer Coach Alex Wilkinson said in a release. “His vision on the field is clear and he does a great job of distributing the ball. He is a playmaker whenever he has the ball.”

The St. Norbert College Green Knights are an NCAA Division III program.

For Volleyball

Kelsi Chambers of Chicago has been playing volleyball since age 7 and was a four year starter for Nazareth’s
Varsity team, the school said. Her other school activities included membership in Just Us, a social justice organization, and the Go Green environmental club. Chambers was also recognized by the school’s faculty for her leadership and led several retreats.

The Clarke University Pride compete in the NAIA Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Photos provided by Nazareth Academy.