“I was really surprised and honored that they would chose me for this award,” said Bazan this year’s winner from the state of Wisconsin.

The award is presented annually by the Catholic Knights and Sports Faith International.

Bazan was nominated by Fr. Bob Wheelock, a former pastoral minister at Dominican High School.

The letter noted Bazan’s strong commitment to her Catholic faith, along with her dedication to academics and athletics. A triple-sport standout in volleyball, basketball, and softball, Bazan carries a 3.8 Grade Point Average and she’s president of the Senior Class Council.

Bazan has received numerous scholarships including the highest awarded Presidential Scholarship from Dominican University in River Forest, IL; Presidential Scholarship from St. Xavier University in Chicago; Trustees Distinguished Scholarship at St. Norbert's College in De Pere, and a Merit Scholarship from Loyola University in Chicago.

“When Fr. Bob told me he had nominated me, I was especially interested in the faith aspect of the award,” said Bazan. “I think this award helps remind athletes how important it is to have a strong spiritual life, and it means a lot to me because my faith is such a huge part of my life.”

Bazan is also a semifinalist for the All Star Catholic High School Sports Faith Hall of Fame.

HONORED…

Later this month, Bazan will be presented with the Hometown Heroes Award.

During an interview with Preps on the Net, Bazan said she was “especially interested in the faith aspect of the award.”

“This award helps remind athletes how important it is to have a strong spiritual life, and it means a lot to me because my faith is such a huge part of my life,” she said.

“I've always tried to live in a respectful, positive manner and let my actions speak for themselves. I hope my peers see me as someone who they can trust and go to if they ever need support. I just want to be here for people and make others happy, and I think that these intentions are a good way to show my faith in everyday life.

“On the court or out on the diamond, I've always tried to lead by example. I think keeping a positive attitude and encouraging teammates is really important, especially in high school athletics. It is also important to be a good sport and play the game with integrity.

“Referees, opponents, coaches and teammates are only human and everyone makes mistakes. As a Catholic, I was always taught to treat everyone with respect and this definitely also applies on the athletic field. I am lucky because I've had the opportunity to play under some amazing coaches who exemplify what it means to be a strong person of faith.

“My faith has definitely helped my performance, especially in the last few years. I've found that having a strong sense of spirituality and definite trust in God makes you a more relaxed person, and because of this I don't get as upset or frustrated as I used to while competing. Ultimately, things always work out for the best, and this belief has helped me get through some tough losses,” said Bazan.

COACHES INPUT…

A couple of Dominican High School coaches also spoke at length about Bazan’s contributions. Ben Weiler is the varsity softball coach who has known Bazan since her freshman year. Weiler also has had Bazan as a student in AP English class.

“Through my interactions with her in these capacities, her drive to succeed has become very evident,” said Weiler.

“Jessie is a talented student who is self-driven toward success. She sets very high standards for herself and understands the importance of reaching her goals. Her work ethic manifests itself well in her coursework, her ability to steer her class council, and her athletic performances, as she stands out amongst her peers in all these endeavors.

“Over the last four years, Jessie has grown to be a dependable, thoughtful, and mature person. She is always willing to listen to the advice that her teachers, coaches, and peers may have for her, and when she decides upon a course of action, she pursues that course with concentration and ambition. She thrives under pressure, and her competitive spirit spurs her to produce the highest quality work, but also to inspire her peers in group projects to do their best as well. In these group settings, her input is appreciated by her group, and she understands the challenges and necessary balance of leadership.

“Finally, the quality that perhaps makes Jessie stand out among other talented students is her willingness to help others. Whether she is working with young volleyball players at a middle-school level camp, or helping a classmate write a topic sentence, Jessie loves to reach out to those who can benefit from her talents, knowledge, and skills. She keeps the promises she makes, and she values integrity and honesty. Jessie avoids the traps of selfishness that high school students often face, and it shows in her daily interactions at school,” said Wieler.

Kevin Schramka is the basketball coach at Dominican.

“I don't get to see Jessie in the classroom, but the first thing that really struck me when I met Jessie for the first time was how willing she was to help with anything,” said Schramka. 

“I was a new coach at Dominican and hardly knew anyone there, but Jessie came right up and introduced herself and offered to help with anything I needed.  She made me feel welcome, and I think that she's been able to make many others in her life feel that way, too.

“With all of the activities that Jessie is involved with, there is not a single student at Dominican who hasn't noticed her efforts.  A student-athlete with that much energy and eagerness to serve can't help but make an impact.

“I am very proud and happy that one of our team captains has received such a great honor,” said Schramka.

PROUD PARENT…

Peg Flahive is a proud parent to Jessie and her twin brother Sam, who is also an avid golfer and a strong academic student.

Questioned about Jessie, Flahive notices the little things that make her daughter stand apart from the rest.

“Her unyielding work ethic and solid dedication to whatever sport she is playing. However, even moreso, an exceptional quality is the way she treats fellow teammates, coaches, and others who help out with the team such as student managers or trainers,” said Flahive.

“She has a kind and caring, Christian attitude towards people in general and this comes across on the court and softball field. She takes that attitude one step further by often meeting and greeting players and/or coaches from opposing teams. How many young athletes do that!?

“Jessie has proven time and time again that, even at a young age, she has integrated her spirituality and faith beliefs into everything she does and the person she is. This is demonstrated in her attitude, her sincerity, her determination, and in the realization of what the gift of athleticism can do for a person - by this I mean everything from team comradery, to self-health and wellness, to forming a drive to succeed in life and not just on the court/field.

“I have had parents come up to me and say what a wonderful role model Jessie is for their daughters. She makes a point to try and help the younger, more inexperienced players feel comfortable and even gives pointers now and then.

“It is not so much “sports tips” that make Jessie have an impact as it is her ability to relate to students and show a kind and caring attitude – especially towards younger athletes just starting out. She has helped out with several middle school and high school sports camps at Dominican in the summer and this helped her see her “gift” of working with young people.

“As a senior she makes a point to attend as many freshman or JV games as she can and has developed friendships with underclassmen. I know this makes an impression on them and helps them feel welcomed and rightfully important in their high school. An extension of this attitude in sports is that Jessie shows the same caring attitude as a student leader and a retreat leader and may want to pursue a profession some day that allows her to work with teenagers facing various social/family problems,” said Flahive.

AWARDS BANQUET..

Jessie Bazan will be honored during a Feb. 21 awards banquet in Illinois. Bazan is also a semifinalist for the All Star Catholic High School Sports Faith Hall of Fame.