Team Kirchoff heads for Colorado Springs
While playing high school sports, one of the most special moments athletes will tell you is when they get to play with their sibling on the same team.
For two Barrington girls basketball players, they are looking forward to a bonus.
Former Fillies Anna and Abby Kirchoff are looking forward to reuniting on the basketball court next winter as teammates for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs women’s team.
Abby, who was the Mid-Suburban West Player of the Year this past winter, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Division II Mountain Lions.
Her sister Anna, who was a key player for Harper this season, will be a walk-on and receive scholarship money for academics.
“It’s great, especially because the Kirchoffs are a close-knit family,” said Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro, who had the sisters on her team for one year when Anna was a senior and Abby a sophomore. “When you have two sisters on the floor, the loyalty and having each other’s back is really something special and fun to watch. I’m really happy for both of them.”
The Kirchoffs have also been coached by Dennis Kessel and Kevin Barcal through the years.
Anna and Abby’s brother Aaron, who played football for Barrington and the Air Force Academy, is now living in Colorado Springs, only 15 minutes from the campus.
Anna started to looking at schools in the area on a visit to see her brother and sister-in-law earlier this year.
“It’s awesome that we can play together on the same team again,” said Abby, who plans to study athletic training. “We loved it so much two years ago — that’s why we want to do it again. We’ve always played together so we definitely know how each other plays on the floor.”
Anna said she and Abby have talked about trying to play on the same college team for quite a while.
“I didn’t know if it would happen,” she admitted. “But now we’re so excited.”
When Anna was told she would be given a chance to play at Colorado, she learned the team needed a point guard for the next few years.
“So I asked my sister if she would like to play there (Colorado Springs) too with me, and she said sure,” Anna said. “Abby talked to the coach, and it just worked out well.”
Abby, who hit a 3-pointer and was 2-for-2 at the free throw line, played for the winning West team in last Friday’s Lake County Senior All-Star Game at College of Lake County.
That was Abby’s final high school game. Next up, is the chance to study elementary education and joining her sister at Colorado Springs where they hope to continue their winnings ways.
타 Two other players from Barreiro’s 2010-11 Elite Eight Fillies are also headed to play in college.
Forward Shelby Whigham has verbally committed to Wisconsin-Whitewater and guard Brooke Chandor to Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Whigham, Chandor and St. Viator’s Lauren Rooney were members of the 17-under Illinois Magic Girls team that finished second in the prestigious Adidas Hoosier Classic in Merrillville, Ind.
Baseball
Concordia University junior catcher Nick Skala (St. Viator) enjoyed his finest day of the season in the Cougars’ 17-1, 11-1 sweep of Marian Univerity.
The Long Grove native belted 3 homers and 7 RBI over the two games. He had 4 of the Cougars’ 28 hits while also scoring 5 runs and throwing out two runners, including one at the plate who was attempting to score on a wild pitch.
The wins moved the Cougars to 10-0 in the Northern Athletics Conference and 19-4 overall.
Women’s soccer
Hersey senior Clare Korleski has committed to play soccer at Ohio Northern University.
She was admitted to ONU’s highly selective and competitive pharmacy program, receiving ONU’s Presidential scholarship. The Illinois State Scholar has a weighted GPA of 5.27 and scored a 32 on the ACT.
In addition to playing club soccer with Sockers FC and the Chicago Fire Juniors for the last 7 years, she is a member of the Hersey HS symphonic band, marching band, math team and is a USSF certified referee for the IWSL and the NISL in her spare time.
Women’s softball
Prospect senior Nicole Naranjo has committed to St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where she plans to study nursing.
“Nicole is a great addition to St. Ambrose both on the field and in the classroom,” said coach Ron Ferrill. “Keeping true to the rest of our recruiting class, Nicole is a versatile player who we are hoping can play multiple positions for us.”
Naranjo has been the MVP or member of several all-tournament teams at the national level.
“She brings a lot of experience and personality to the team,” Ferrill said. “She is capable of hitting for average and power both which makes her a great offensive addition to the program. We have prided ourselves in recruiting not only good players, but good people this year and Nicole fits into the mold perfectly.”
타 Palatine senior pitcher Dani Boisvert plans to attend Millikin to study physical education and play softball.
“Dani has been a key contributor on the mound the past few years in a very successful program,” said Big Blue coach Debbie Kiick. “We are excited to have her join our program while she continues her education at Millikin. Her work ethic and passion for the game, along with her talent and experience, will help her make a mark at Millikin in our softball program.”
Boisvert, a three-year varsity pitcher for coach Jeff Manz, is having a stellar senior season (10-2) after going 8-3 with a 2.13 ERA as a junior.
Women’s tennis
Senior Tricia Sapio (Barrington) was named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin “Player of the Week” for women’s tennis.
Sapio was 4-0, earning wins in singles and doubles against Monmouth and Simpson. She paired with senior Sheri Hendricks for an 8-3 victory against Monmouth and Sapio won at No. 3 singles.
Sapio currently has 98 wins for her career and is aiming to be the 17th member of the 100 Win Club for the Augustana women’s tennis program. She has 54 victories in singles and 44 more in doubles.
Men’s track and field
Iowa State freshman Alec Bollman (Palatine), competing unattached, finished first in the 1,500-meter run in a time of 3:57.19 at the Jim Duncan Invitational held at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
Women’s volleyball
Senior Sara Travis of Schaumburg plans to attend Millikin to play volleyball and major in elementary education.
“Sara is a very skilled player with great energy,” said Big Blue coach Debbie Kiick. “Teamwork is vital in the sport of volleyball and Sara is a very focused, committed and talented player who encourages her team constantly. She will have the opportunity to make her mark on Millikin volleyball while she gets an outstanding education.”
Travis earned three varsity letters and was all-area last fall.
타 Schaumburg senior Becca Thompson also plans to attend to Millikin play volleyball and softball while studying in the pre-veterinary program. As a senior in volleyball, Thompson earned all-conference honors in the Mid-Suburban League. She was also named to the all-conference MSL softball team as a junior when she batted .397.
Rugby
Led by a Man-of-the-Match performance from All-American scrum-half Kevin Lydon, the Arlington Stallions Varsity side defeated St. Charles 64-7 to remain undefeated and in first place in the IYRA Tier II/North Division.
The Stallions will have a key match Thursday against the Lake Forest Harriors in Lake Forest. On Saturday, they travel to Indiana powerhouse Culver Military Academy.
타 Please e-mail Sports Notes items to jleusch@dailyherald.com or FAX to (847) 427-1173.