DGS High School Hosts National Signing Day for Athletes

Submitted by Randall Konstans, director of athletics.

It is with great pride that Downers Grove South High School held the National Letter of Intent Signing Day for College Athletics on Nov. 12 at Downers Grove South.

The ceremony began at 7:30 a.m. with the introduction of athletes. Parents, grandparents, other family members, coaches, the DGS administration, were invited to help recognize and honor the following individuals:

• Kristen Bialek (Murray State University) -- Softball

• Nicole Bowman (Rutgers University) -- Softball

• Michaela Hackbarth (University of Missouri) -- Cross Country/Track

• Caroline Hedgcock (University of Arkansas) -- Softball

• Megan LoBianco (St. Louis University) -- Softball

• Danny Oriente (University of Louisville) -- Baseball

• Christian San Andres (University of Illinois at Chicago) -- Tennis

• Rachel Schneider (Oakland University) -- Volleyball

Kristen Bialek

3 year varsity starter and West Suburban Gold All Conference all 3 years

Has the school record for stolen bases in a season (33)

Is seven stolen bases away from the DGS career stolen base record (80)

Second all-time in runs scored in a season at DGS (75)

First Team All-Area by the Daily Herald 2015

Nicole Bowman

2 year varsity starter in the outfield

2 year West Suburban Gold All Conference

Hit .475 with 18 doubles and 42 RBI as a junior

Has made only one error in two years as an outfielder at Downers South

Michaela Hackbarth

Michaela Hackbarth has competed in cross country for 4 years, the last 3 years as a member of the varsity team. She has earned all-conference honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior. She has been a part of 3 state qualifying teams (9th place in 2013, 21st place in 2014), including this year’s team.

Michaela will complete 4 years of Track & Field as a varsity athlete this year. She has earned all-conference honors each season and has been named the DGS MVP each of her first 3 seasons. Michaela has been a state qualifier each year. As a freshman she was part of our state 4x800m relay team. Her sophomore year, she qualified for state in the 800m and 400m, placing 2nd in state in the 800m run. As a junior, Michaela qualified for state in the 800m, 400m, and 4x400m relay. The 4x400m relay team placed 5th and she was the state champion in the 800m. She holds the DGS school records, both indoor and outdoor, for the 800m run.

Caroline Hedgcock

3 year Varsity pitcher compiling a record of 48-12 with 14 shutouts and 367 strikeouts

3 year West Suburban Gold All Conference

Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year nominee 2015

2015 First Team All-State by the Illinois Coaches Association

Hit .545 as a junior with 10 home runs and 68 RBI. The 68 RBI is a Downers South one year record

First team All-Area by the Daily Herald, Downers Grove Reporter/Progress, and Bugle newspapers 2015

Megan LoBianco

2 Year Varsity starter

West Suburban Gold All Conference shortstop as a junior

Named Second Team All-State by the Illinois Coaches Association 2015

Batted .526 with 8 home runs and 57 RBI in 2015

Danny Oriente

Danny will be playing baseball next fall for the University of Louisville. This spring will be Danny’s third season as a varsity starter. Danny earned all-conference honors as a sophomore when he hit .390 with 44 hits and 36 RBI. As a junior, Danny earned all-conference, all-area, and all-state honors. During his junior year, Danny hit .560, with 61 hits and 40 RBI. His .560 batting average and 61 hits are both Downers Grove South all-time records. In addition to his stellar play on the field, Danny also serves as a captain and leader for the Mustangs Baseball Program. Danny has been a part of two undefeated conference championship teams, 2 regional championships, one sectional championship and an elite eight appearance in the summer state finals. Overall, Danny has been part of 58 varsity victories over the past two seasons. Danny’s work ethic, coachability, toughness, and team spirit make him a truly exceptional student athlete.

Christian San Andres

3 time WSC Conference Champion

3 time all-conference Selection

3 time All-State selection

135 wins across just 3 years, the most in school history

Downers South team captain

Four star recruit

Rachel Schneider

6’2’’ Outside Hitter

As a 3rd year Varsity player, Rachel led this year’s team as the Most Valuable Player to a 20-16 season. They made it for the 2ndyear in a row to the regional final vs McAuley. Rachel had 19 aces 71 blocks, and 159 digs. She led the team in kills with 242. Rachel made the All-Conference team for West Suburban and also the All-Tournament team for Rich East. Rachel has spent 4 years maintaining her GPA above a 3.0, receiving the All-Academic Award. Rachel is going on to continue her career in volleyball in college at Oakland University in Michigan and the coaching staff and her teammates couldn’t be prouder!