Tomorrow night, January 31, will be the last home game of the year for the girls’ basketball team. The Lady Miners will face the Piasa Birds after the JV game is finished. It will be the time to recognize the senior athletes for everything they have done throughout their high school career.
Look at it as a graduation preview for this handful of girls. Their parents have molded these girls into the student athletes they are today and it could very well be the last time these young women will be playing organized sports.
Take a look at who will be recognized tomorrow evening:
Alexis Burns
Daughter of Jack and Kim Burns of Benld, Alexis has played volleyball, basketball, softball, and ran track during her four years at Gillespie High School. Alexis plans on attending the University of Illinois in Champaign or SIU Edwardsville to become a dentist. She sees herself practicing dentistry in 10 years while spending her free time with her family.
Alexis’ favorite past time during high school was winning regionals last season where the Lady Miners defeated Southwestern in their home gymnasium. “It was amazing,” she recalled. “Very intense.” Before the game, Alexis listens to a variety of music but mostly rock, country, and a little pop. “Cherish your high school years,” Burns advice to younger classmen. “They will fly by before you know it.”
Kaily Frensko
Daughter of Brian and Gina Frensko of Benld, Frensko plans to attend a four year college to become a pediatric oncology nurse. Kaily ran cross country for 2 years, played basketball for 4 years, played softball for 2 years, and ran track for 1 year. Kaily’s favorite past time was winning the regional championship last year as well.
Kaily’s iPod is comprised of a lot of country and hip-hop music, but it helps her out when she is studying. “Study, study, study,” she advised her peers. “Work hard in everything you do.” In 10 years, Kaily sees herself as a successful nurse and possibly be married with kids.
Chelsea Gill
Chelsea Gill is the daughter of Billy and Karrie Gill of Gillespie. She has played basketball for 4 years and volleyball for 3 years. After graduating, she plans to attend SIU Edwardsville to pursue a degree in nursing and she plans to be a successful nurse in 10 years. In addition to practicing nursing, Gill would like to reside in Edwardsville.
Her most recalled past time was beating Southwestern last year in the regionals and becoming regional champions. “Yeah dawg,” she told us. Her iPod is comprised of rap, pop, and country music. Chelsea is looking forward to college and advises her peers to make good memories.
Shelby Jarman
Daughter of Troy and Stacy Jarman of Benld, Shelby’s favorite past time was winning the regionals last season. She has played basketball for 4 years, volleyball for 4 years, soccer for 1 year, and participated in student council for 4 years.
She plans to attend SIU Edwardsville where she looks to be studying business. In the future, she would like to be a successful business woman residing in Chicago. Shelby advises younger classmen to go with the flow, study, and learn how to manage their time.
Haylie Kirkwood
Haylie is the daughter of Jeff and Tracie Kirkwood of Dorchester. She has ran track for 4 years, played basketball for 4 years, ran cross country for 1 year, and has been a member of the National Honor Society for 2 years. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Illinois College in Jacksonville to major in pre-med.
Haylie too treasures winning regionals last season, but also holds close the sectional title won last track season. Haylie sees herself married in 10 years and finishing up college while looking for a steady job to support her family. Her advice to younger classmen is to earn good grades. “Grades really matter when apply to colleges, it all pays off in the long run.”
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