From Northwestern to Loyola, Student-Athletes Commit on National Signing Day

The pandemic has thrown schools a lot of curveballs this year, but one tradition endures: National Signing Day for students committing to play their sports at the college level.

This year’s ceremony took place via Zoom, but it was no less empowering for these student-athletes, who have sacrificed much during these last few months.

“I haven’t smiled this much in a long time,” said Jason Kuffel, athletic director.

Included in the group was Serafina DeMunno of Barrington, who will take her lacrosse game to Northwestern University. The powerful midfielder was a two-time MVP of her team, as well as East Suburban Catholic Conference player of the year, all-sectional, and an all-state honorable mention last year.  

“From an early age you had a goal to play in college, but little did we know it would be at Northwestern,” said Coach Suzanne Rich. “It’s been a privilege to coach you. You’re an inspiration to so many young women.”

Golfer Cate Reisinger of Park Ridge will be teeing off next fall for the Loyola University Ramblers. She was named MVP of her team all four years at Saint Viator. She also was ESCC conference champion three times and a state medalist twice. Cate led her team to the state finals her freshman and junior years and would have done so again this year, says Coach Mick Drewes, had her season not been cut short.

“Cate is a great golfer, but she’s a better person,” Coach Drewes says. “She was loved by her teammates and coaches alike and was the perfect example of what a student-athlete should be.”

Emma Morrisey of Hoffman Estates was part of a powerful guard combination that helped lead the Lady Lions to successive sectional championships, her sophomore and junior years. Next fall, Emma will be bringing her ball-handling skills to the Green Knights of St. Norbert’s College. 

“Emma was a huge part of two really good teams,” Coach Jason Raymond said, “including the first sectional championship in girls’ basketball at Saint Viator.”

Matthew Wilder of Arlington Heights plays midfield for Saint Viator’s boys’ lacrosse team. Next fall, he’ll be playing with the Polar Bears at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. The program is relatively new, says Coach Patrick Gaeger, having been added as a varsity sport in 2016.

“Their program is rooted in a commitment to the classroom, community, and team, all key areas that the Lions lacrosse program focuses on to prepare our boys for life after Saint Viator,” Coach Gaeger says. “Matthew has all the tools to excel in college and make memories that will last him a lifetime."  

For Lizzie Rymarcsuk of Lake Zurich, in choosing to play lacrosse at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, she will be playing behind her older sister, Rebecca. Both play goalie and will play together for the next two years.

Lizzie was an anchor in net for the Lady Lions, who went 14-2 in the regular season last year, before losing in the second round of the playoffs.

CiCi Roney of Barrington also will be playing lacrosse in college next year, with the Flyers of Lewis University in Romeoville. As a defender, she specialized in takeaways and winning ground balls to take possession. 

“I want to thank these three girls for all they’ve done for the girls’ lacrosse program at Saint Viator,” Rich added. “You’ve put us on the map.”

Watch the full ceremony on Youtube.
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Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.