Providence Freshman Brenna Garrigan Shines in Volleyball
Brenna Garrigan has seamlessly followed her siblings into high school sports. Influenced by her brothers’ paths, Brenna decided to attend Providence after witnessing the girls volleyball team excel in the Class 3A Washington Supersectional. Her experience at the event solidified her choice. “That was really fun to watch,” she said. “It was a great team. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.”
Standing at 5-foot-5, Garrigan has quickly established herself as a key varsity player in her freshman year. Her impressive performance includes leading the Celtics in kills, contributing seven in a recent 25-13, 25-14 nonconference win over Andrew in Tinley Park. Teammates Kennady Kotowski and Olivia Healy supported with six kills and 20 assists, respectively. Lily Lipke and Juju Batshon added aces, while Andrew’s Lainey Pranckus and Kodi Campbell offered resistance with their own kills.
Brenna also plans to participate in basketball and softball at Providence. Her coach, Lee Rucinski, is confident in her abilities. “Having a 5-5 player who can jump over me made it a lot easier to decide she can play in the front row,” Rucinski remarked. He emphasized the importance of elevating talented underclassmen to varsity levels, stating, “There’s no reason to bury an underclassman on the bench. That’s a bad philosophy.” Brenna’s versatility extends to her role as a libero in club volleyball, showcasing her skills both in front and back rows.
Coach Rucinski praised Brenna’s exceptional ball control, noting she could have started as libero in sixth grade based on her volleyball IQ, which is evident in the first nine games of her high school career.
During the match against Andrew, Brenna delivered a commanding performance, entering with a team-high 67 kills, 69 serve receptions, and placing second in digs and aces. Olivia Healy expressed her admiration, saying, “Where do I start? She’s amazing. Our connection was fast and she picks up tempo so easily. Watching her on the court is incredible, and I’m excited to have the next two years with her.”
Last season, Brenna was instrumental in helping Oak Prairie achieve a third-place finish in Class 4A at the Illinois Elementary School Association state finals. Her experience with higher age groups has prepared her well for varsity competition.
Brenna’s mother, Jane, initiated her daughter into the sport, coaching a fourth-grade rec league team. “I was in kindergarten at the time, and my mom said she would coach but wanted me to play with her team,” Brenna recalled. Though doctors suggest she might grow slightly taller, Brenna is determined to excel regardless of her height, expressing her love for challenges and proving doubters wrong.
“I love the challenge,” Brenna stated. “I love the adversity with it. People come in and look at me and say, ‘Aw, you’re not very tall.’ I just love rising to the challenge, and the adrenaline is what really gets me going.”
Jeff Vorva contributed this report for the Daily Southtown.