Athletics at Knoxville Catholic involve far more than winning games. Of course, we want our athletes to compete at the highest level and experience the thrill of victory… but we also want them to learn from the moments when things don’t go their way. Being part of a team teaches lessons that reach well beyond the field or court. It builds discipline, resilience, humility, and leadership. And as many parents know… it can also help pay for college.
Most high school athletes will end their playing careers when they graduate. In fact, 93% do.
Of the 8.4 million high school students who played sports last year in the U.S., only about 7% will go on to compete in college at NCAA Division I, II, or III, NAIA, or junior college programs.
That’s what makes today so special.
In just the past five years, Knoxville Catholic has celebrated 115 student-athletes, not counting the seven we’re honoring today, who have signed to play at the next level.
That’s remarkable, especially now when college opportunities are more competitive than ever.
These seven athletes, representing six different sports, are joining an elite group, the “7 Percenters.”
Their stories are still being written, but we already know they are hard-working, coachable, and committed young people who represent KCHS with pride.
These student-athletes are:
– Nadalie Bellinghausen – Lincoln Memorial University (Lacrosse)
– Lauren Murphy – Anderson University (Tennis)
– Kacey Holliday – Campbell University (Cross Country / Track)
– Cade Murphy – Eastern Kentucky University (Basketball)
– Malachi Brown – University of Michigan (Basketball)
– Carter Muth – United States Merchant Marine Academy (Baseball)
– J.R. Fowler – University of Houston (Track & Field)
These students have put in countless hours, made sacrifices, and powered through the tough days.
They’ve raised the bar for what it means to be a KCHS athlete, and we are proud of you.
All the hard work, the early mornings, the late nights, every bit of it has brought them to this moment.
This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Congratulations and Go Irish!
