National Signing Day 2021

National signing day, held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, was an exciting time for eight Bishop Kenny student athletes.  The athletes signed letters of intent committing to play a sport at the collegiate level.  Students will attend seven different colleges and universities with five sports being represented.

Michael Myslinski and Matthew Helow both signed to play football in college.  Michael Myslinski signed to play football for the University of Iowa.  Myslinski will be playing center on the offensive line for the Hawkeyes.  Myslinski said, “BK football has really taught me a lot about teamwork and dedication, and I want to take that to the next level.”  Myslinski comes from a long line of football players.  His grandfather played at the University of Maryland and his father played at the University of Tennessee followed by a long NFL career.  Michael’s brother Thomas also played at the collegiate level.  Myslinski stated, “I’m thankful for my dad and brother taking the time to train me everyday after school and in the off season to make me a smarter and stronger player, without them I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”  Myslinski’s goal is to major in Exercise Science and play in the NFL.

Matthew Helow signed as a preferred walk-on for the University of Georgia.  Helow was one of the team captains for BK and played offensive positions as a safety and wide receiver.  He is excited about extending his football career as a Bulldog and joining a power SEC school.  Helow is the last of ten siblings to attend BK and said, “I come from a very athletic family and I grew up watching BK football.  The program guided me to become a strong leader and to use my spirituality to help those around me.”  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.  Nesmith started playing basketball in middle school and has been a huge offensive weapon as a power forward on Coach Clark’s Crusader team.  She said, “The most successful people see adversity not as a stumbling block, but as a steppingstone to greatness,” and Nesmith will definitely bring that positive attitude with her to play for the Golden Eagles.  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 signed to play baseball in college.  Costa committed to Tallahassee Community College as a pitcher.  Costa has been playing baseball since the age of three and has not missed a season. John said, “My time at BK 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 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 is excited to continue at the next level and said, “The work ethic that I was taught at Bishop Kenny will shape my college career on the playing field and in the classroom.”  

Samantha Morrison committed to Lees-McRae College for Cyclocross and Criterium racing.  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.  She said, “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 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 and William Weinbecker both signed to sail in college.  McLauchlin committed to the University of South Florida.  McLauchlin has been a member of the BK sailing team for four years and stated, “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 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.  McLauchlin works at the Florida Yacht Club giving sailing lessons to younger children and she sees many life lessons in sailing.   She would like to major in Biology and Psychology with the goal of becoming a Pediatric Psychiatrist.

William Weinbecker committed to sail at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, sponsored by Senator Mark Rubio.   Weinbecker started sailing when he was very young and began sailing competitively at the age of seven stating, “I love sailing because it gets me out on the water, and I get that instant calm feeling.”  Sailing is a relatively new sport at BK and Weinbecker enjoys working with the students who are newer to the sport teaching them the skills needed to be competitive.  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 serve in the U.S. Merchant Marines. 

Pictured:  (L to R) John Costa, Matthew Helow, Maggie McLauchlin, Samantha Morrison, Michael Myslinski, Jamia Nesmith, Charlie Pellicer, Will Weinbecker