Senior Issue
Claire DeRosa Golf
Claire DeRosa, a two-year varsity golfer, is known for her great energy in practice and in tournaments. “She is an absolute bundle of joy, someone who lights up a room, makes every practice and match better, and someone they would not want to be without on a team,” said Coach Matt Ellefson. DeRosa had her best round of the year at one of the hardest tournaments in the state, the Pekin Lady Dragon Invite at Lick Creek Golf Course. She will leave behind a legacy of optimism and energy that will pass on to younger players. DeRosa will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall as an Evans Scholar, because of her work and dedication as a caddie.
Carly Berns Gymnastics
Carly Berns has been on varsity all four years and was a co-captain this year and last. She’s a great role model and helped her teammates on the sidelines when no one was looking. Berns has been a committed member of the team and is dedicated to the sport; she rarely missed a meet or practice. She’s also a hard worker and is self-directed. Berns has dealt with injuries but has never complained. She was an all-around performer throughout her high school career and consistently contributed top scores on bars and beam. She was always ready to step in and participate in any event for which was needed. In the fall, Berns will be attending the University of Missouri.
Kalina Gardiner Track & Field
Kalina Gardiner, a three-year varsity member, has been an integral distance runner on the girls’ track and field team during her time at Maine South. Gardiner has been named All-Conference on two occasions and has qualified for the state track meet. Gardiner had an important role for the team as she was the lead leg of the school record 3,200-meter relay team. She is described as being a respected teammate who exceeded standards in her role as the team captain. Gardiner is also known for her tireless work ethic, which has helped the Hawks’ long-distance program to be highlyranked in the state.
Alexis Basso Hawkettes
Alexis Basso has been a Varsity Hawkette her entire four years at Maine South, and she was a varsity captain her junior and senior years. Basso began her career as a freshman winning the first ever 3A IHSA State Dance Championship. She’s the only athlete in Maine South that currently has an IHSA state ring. Alexis continued her next three years with top-three placements at the National Dance Team Championship. She has been highlighted on ESPN for her many award-winning performances during the four years. Basso is a strong athlete who motivated her teammates and made sure they knew she believed in every one of them. She will be attending Elmhurst College.
Olivia Post Volleyball
Olivia Post, a two-year varsity athlete and the team’s senior captain was a leader for the varsity team. More importantly, she was a teammate who was the caring and cohesive player that is essential on any team. She was always someone who picked up the team when they were down. Post performed very well on and off the court from a volleyball perspective with her attitude, but what truly stands out is her high emotional intelligence to keep herself, her team, and the program moving positively in the direction it needed to. She will be attending Vanderbilt University in Tennessee in the fall.
| FEMALE ATHLETES
Christina Karlson Lacrosse
Christina Karlson, a four-year varsity lacrosse player, is not only great on the field, but also in the classroom, as evidenced by her perfect score on the ACT. Throughout her high school career, she has become a great lacrosse player and leader as a captain of the team which has led many to believe she will have a bright future.“Whatever Christina puts her focus to, she will continue to do great things,” said Coach Charles Solomon. Karlson leads the team this season in assists and is the most consistent player on the field, making stops on the defensive end and feeding the attackers on the offensive end. Christina will continue her education at The University of Notre Dame.
Leigh Friedman Tennis
Leigh Friedman, a four-year varsity member, “was one of the hardestworking athletes I have worked with,” said coach Gerald Smith. She was selected for team captain for her hard work and leadership skills. Not only was she a star athlete, she also took time to mentor younger athletes throughout the season. Her leadership will have a lasting effect on the underclassmen she played with. Friedman qualified for the state tennis tournament all four years of her career. She helped Maine South tennis reach their first sectional in 10 years. She will be continuing her tennis career at Lehigh University.
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