On Dec. 6, Willowbrook hosted a signing ceremony for three senior student-athletes who signed National Letters of Intent to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. To watch a video of that event, click the video above.
Elissa Haake
Haake has committed to join the Purdue University Women’s Swimming & Diving Team, where she will compete in freestyle.
Haake celebrated with teammates, friends, administrators, staff members and family members. Haake is a four-year member of the Addison Trail-Willowbrook Girls Swimming Team and said highlights of her high school career include:
Haake has only been swimming competitively since she was 13 years old and said the competitive nature of the sport is what makes her want to continue at the collegiate level.
“I just love swimming so much!” Haake said. “I tried so many sports before I ‘dove’ into swimming. In my mind, none of the other sports compared. I love the intensity and competition of swimming, and I’m so excited to swim for four more years.”
Haake plans to pursue a degree in actuarial science at Purdue University.
Holly Helsper
Helsper has committed to join and compete for the University of St. Francis Women’s Bowling Team.
Helsper celebrated with teammates, friends, administrators, staff members and family members. Helsper is a four-year member of the Willowbrook Girls Bowling Team and said highlights of her high school career include:
Helsper has been bowling competitively for four years and said the collegial nature of the sport is what makes her want to continue at the collegiate level.
“Everyone who bowls is super nice,” Helsper said. “And the sport is just a lot of fun to do all the time.”
Helsper plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at University of St. Francis.
Victoria Palma
Palma has committed to join the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Women’s Cross-Country Team and Women’s Track & Field Team, where she will compete in mid-distance or distance events.
Palma celebrated with teammates, friends, administrators, staff members and family members. Palma is a four-year member of the Willowbrook Girls Cross-Country Team and Girls Track Team and said highlights of her high school career include:
Palma has been running competitively for four years and said the competitive nature of the sport is what makes her want to continue at the collegiate level.
“I love how running helps me set goals, work hard and exceed any limits I had on myself,” Palma said. “Running taught me perseverance and confidence. The team environment and friendships that come with the sport also make me love it.”
Palma plans to pursue a degree in mechanical or civil engineering at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.