Eight Crusaders sign to play college athletics
Eight Bishop Kenny student athletes signed letters of intent committing to play a sport at the collegiate level on National Signing Day Feb. 3. The students will attend seven different colleges and universities with five sports being represented.
Michael Myslinski signed to play football for the University of Iowa. Myslinski will be playing center on the offensive line for the Hawkeyes. “BK football has really taught me a lot about teamwork and dedication, and I want to take that to the next level,” he said. Myslinski’s goal is to major in exercise science and play in the NFL.
Matthew Helow signed as a preferred walk-on to play football for the University of Georgia. Helow was one of the team captains at Bishop Kenny and played offensive positions as a safety and wide receiver. “I come from a very athletic family and I grew up watching Crusader football. The program guided me to become a strong leader and to use my spirituality to help those around me,” he said. Helow would like to pursue a business major and return to Jacksonville to work with his father.
Jamia Nesmith signed to play women’s basketball for the University of Charleston. She started playing basketball in middle school and has been a huge offensive weapon as a power forward. “The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a steppingstone to greatness,” said Nesmith. She is currently the historian for the Diversity Student Union and would like to major in psychology with the goal of joining the FBI and working in the Behavioral Science Unit.
John Costa and Charlie Pellicer both of San Marco, signed to play baseball in college. Costa committed to Tallahassee Community College as a pitcher. He has been playing baseball since the age 3 and has not missed a season. “My time at Bishop Kenny has been an awesome experience and Coach Edwards and Coach Pasqual have really helped me continue my dream of playing at the next level,” Costa said. He is active in Crusader life and is a member of the Science and Spanish Clubs and is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. He would like to major in finance and become a certified financial planner after graduation.
Pellicer committed to Daytona State College as a shortstop. He also is excited to continue at the next level. “The work ethic that I was taught at Bishop Kenny will shape my college career on the playing field and in the classroom,” he said.
Samantha Morrison committed to Lees-McRae College for Cyclocross and Criterium racing. An Avondale resident, Morrison has been cycling since seventh grade and trains six days week and is a four-time Cyclocross State Champion and a State Criterium Champion. “I embrace the freedom I feel when cycling, and I truly enjoy the peace of being alone and bring that strength against my competitors at each race,” she said. She is active in Crusader life and is a member of the Interact Club and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Morrison would like to major in exercise science and continue Cyclocross and Criterium racing after college.
Mary McLauchlin of Ortega and William Weinbecker of San Marco both signed on to sail in college. McLauchlin committed to the University of South Florida. She has been a member of Bishop Kenny’s sailing team for four years. “I love being on the water sailing in the sun, it challenges me to factor in the wind current each time I am on the boat to be competitive,” she said. She is active in Crusader life and is a member of the Latin and Science Clubs and honor societies. She is also a member of the Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, and the National Honor Society. In her spare time, McLauchlin works at the Florida Yacht Club giving sailing lessons to younger children. She would like to major in biology and psychology with the goal of becoming a pediatric psychiatrist.
Meanwhile, Weinbecker has committed to sail at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and has been sponsored by Florida Senator Mark Rubio. Weinbecker began sailing competitively at the age of 7. “I love sailing because it gets me out on the water, and I get that instant calm feeling.” He is a member of the History and Spanish Clubs, a four-year NJROTC cadet and a member of the sailing team. He would like to major in mechanical engineering and eventually serve in the U.S. Merchant Marines.
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