×

Lasting memories

—Messenger photo by Dana Becker 2018 Carol donnelly AWARD WINNER Audrey Kolacia with her parents, Jayne and Keith. The Donnelly Award is given annually to the top female senior athlete at St. Edmond High School.

Audrey Kolacia was just like many other freshmen when they were told “high school will be over before you know it.”

Kolacia, who was honored with the 2018 Carol Donnelly Award by St. Edmond as the top female athlete, admits that her final four years at the school did sail by.

During her time as a Gael which started back in preschool, Kolacia was a standout in both cross country and softball, along with a handful of other school-related activities.

“I would want the next generation of Gaels to take pride in themselves, their team and everything they do,” Kolacia said, “and to appreciate and make the most of the time they have at St. Edmond because it’s over before you know it.”

Kolacia was a four-time individual state qualifier for SEHS, placing in the Top-15 each season at regionals. She concluded her career with a 65th place finish at state this past October on her home course at Lakeside.

She was also part of four teams that reached state, placing eighth her senior season.

Currently, Kolacia is the starting centerfielder for the Gael softball team. She has recorded over 80 career hits, 30-plus RBI and 30-plus steals.

“Athletics have always been a big part of my life,” she said. “As a high school student-athlete, I learned a lot about real commitment to others and the value of hard work. It also shaped many of my relationships. I have grown so close to coaches and teammates, and they have all had an impact on me and made me who I am today.

“There’s so much I’ll remember. I have so many good memories from my time at St. Edmond. I think I’ll remember the people, teachers and my classmates the most because they are what made going there so enjoyable.

“It’s a small community, so I really got to know a lot of good people.”

Kolacia admits her parents, Keith and Jayne, “were my first role models and supporters, and they still are today.”

“I can’t say that I’ve had a single greatest influence because my family, teammates and coaches have all impacted me and helped me become a better athlete and person then I ever could have on my own,” she added. “It’s a great honor to have won this award. The other nominees were all so deserving, so I’m honored to have been chosen because it’s a testament not only to athletic involvement, but to character, as well.”

Along with being active in cross country, track and softball, Kolacia was also the student body vice president, a member of student council, in the honors and National Honor Society, earned the Governor’s Scholar award, was in NCYL, choir and musicals.

She plans to attend the University of Iowa in the fall, majoring in nursing.

The criteria for the Carol Donnelly Award is a varsity letter in two sports by the winter season of their senior year, academic excellence, good citizenship in school and community, and participation and service in activities for the school and community.

Named for Carol Donnelly, the first girls physical education instructor at St. Edmond, the award has been handed out every year since 1997.

The other finalists for the award were Riley Mayer, Hannah Schaeffer, Livi Huss and Hannah Huss.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today