Teen Leader With Orland Park Sting, Tinley Bulldogs Advances To 'Athlete Of The Year' Quarterfinals

TINLEY PARK, IL — A local student-athlete who leads on both the soccer and football fields has advanced as he vies for a $25,000 prize and nationwide recognition, and he needs the community's support.

Benny Parnitzke, a local U14 soccer and football athlete, is now in the quarterfinals for Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year, a nationwide competition that recognizes young athletes for their accomplishments, dedication and passion for sports.

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Parnitzke, 13, serves as captain of the U14 Orland Park Sting FC soccer team, which recently returned from the US Youth Soccer President's Cup after finishing third in the nation in their age group. When he's not on the soccer field, Parnitzke trades his soccer cleats for a football helmet as the kicker for the Tinley Park Bulldogs, whose team has reached the Super Bowl three times in the past four years.

The Youth Athlete of the Year competition gives the winner a $25,000 prize and the opportunity to be featured in a 3BRAND advertisement in Sports Illustrated, along with a brand ambassador opportunity with 3BRAND, the apparel brand founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.

Support from family, friends and the community has landed Parnitzke at or near the top of the voting throughout the competition. As each round concludes, the votes reset, with quarterfinal voting now underway. Since voting in the national competition began on August 17, Parnitzke has made it through five rounds of voting, advancing to the Top 20, 15, 10 and 5, before ultimately finishing first in his group.

Quarterfinal voting runs now through Oct. 8. If he advances, semifinal voting will run Oct. 9–15, and finals Oct. 16–22.

The next rounds will be especially challenging as Partnizke is pitted against the first-place finishers from all other groups.

"Benny truly appreciates everyone who has taken the time to vote for him," his family told Patch. "Many people have become daily voters, and some have even told us they have set reminders on their phones so they don't forget to vote every day.

"The outpouring of support from his family, friends, teammates, coaches and the local community has been incredibly humbling for him and for our family."

Those who would like to support him can scan the QR code accompanying this article and vote. A vote takes only a moment, but for a young athlete chasing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the support can mean a great deal, family said.

To learn more or vote for Benny, scan the QR code below or visit his profile on the Athlete of the Year website.