• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Parker’s O’Leary commits to Loyola

Photo

Photo by Dan Lassiter

Parker's Catie O'Leary drives by Verona's Aly Bucierka on Saturday night in the WIAA sectional final game in Wilmot.

JANESVILLE — Catie O’Leary is officially a Rambler.

The Janesville Parker High School senior took advantage of the one-week early signing period for college basketball recruits by signing a national letter of intent Wednesday with Loyola University of Chicago.

The 5-foot-10 O’Leary, an Associated Press first-team all-state selection last season, made the announcement in front of family and friends.

“It’s a big relief right now to have the whole process over with,” O’Leary said of her decision. “I’m excited because now that I’ve signed, I can concentrate on the Parker season.

“I’ve got some pretty high goals for myself and the team for this season. With the college-making decision behind me, I can focus on my last year of Parker basketball.”

Loyola University is a Catholic university and a member of the Horizon League. The women’s basketball team was 8-23 a year ago and is picked to finish eighth in the Horizon League this season, according to a preseason poll. UW-Milwaukee and UW-Green Bay are also members of the Horizon League.

O’Leary averaged 19.4 points a year ago en route to being named the Player of the Year in the Big Eight Conference for the second straight season. She led the Vikings to the sectional title game and scored 20 or more points in 10 games, including back-to-back 28-point games in tournament wins over Oregon and Janesville Craig.

The Ramblers have only two seniors on the team this season, but O’Leary still hopes to make an immediate impact next season.

“The coach (Shannon Reidy) told me I’d have a good chance to play as a freshman and maybe start as a sophomore,” O’Leary said. “I’m just going to work hard and do whatever it takes to contribute.”

O’Leary verbally committed to Loyola in early August and did not waver on her decision leading up to Wednesday’s signing. If she had not signed Wednesday, O’Leary would’ve had to wait until the official signing date on April 15. She made her official visit to Loyola three weeks ago, and the weekend cemented her decision.

“The official visit sealed the deal for me,” O’Leary said. “I got to meet the team and spend more time with them, and the coaching staff has always been great to me. It’s just a great fit.”

O’Leary will likely play the two-guard position at Loyola, but her versatility will allow the Ramblers to use her at a number of positions.

Parker girls coach Tom Klawitter said his star player made an excellent choice.

“I’m so happy for Catie because she has worked so hard” Klawitter said. “I know having the whole recruiting process over with takes a lot of pressure off of her. She can just go out and play, and enjoy her senior year.”