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Five student-athletes from Lemont High School have announced their commitments to play college sports starting in the fall of 2024. The students include Cooper Black, Natalie Pacyga, Jacob Parr, April Rice, and Ella Simpson.
Cooper Black will join Olivet Nazarene University's golf team under head coach Brent Wright. Black has earned two varsity letters and contributed to teams that won South Suburban Conference-Blue Division titles. He achieved a career-best 9-hole scoring average of 42.0 as a senior and was part of Lemont's eighth-place finish at the IHSA Class 2A State Finals.
Natalie Pacyga is set to play softball for Western Illinois University with head coach Alisa Goler. Pacyga has been a three-year starter in the middle infield and helped her high school team achieve an 84-19 record, including three conference titles and two state championships. She enters her final season with a .364 career batting average.
Jacob Parr will attend Ohio State University to play baseball under head coach Justin Haire. Parr excelled both at bat and on the mound during his junior year, earning All-State selection honors. He led his team in several statistical categories, including batting average (.407) and RBIs (35).
April Rice has committed to Elon University’s volleyball program under head coach Mary Tendler. A setter with four varsity letters, Rice has been instrumental in securing four conference titles for her high school team. She was named SSC Blue Player of the Year as a senior.
Ella Simpson will play soccer at Western Michigan University with head coach Lewis Robinson. As a central midfielder, she ranks among Lemont's leaders in goals (58), assists (52), and points (168). Simpson served as team captain during her junior year when she set a school record with 21 assists.
These student-athletes have shown dedication both on the field and academically, being recognized for their achievements throughout their high school careers.
