Athletes Sign for Scholarships

Wednesday was national letter of intent signing day, and Muskego athletes Mary O'Connor and Renee Bennett took the opportunity to celebrate by signing their own letters to attend college on 'full ride' scholarships.

O'Connor is an outside hitter on Muskego High School's Volleyball team, and according to her mom Sue, it's a simple matter of determination.

"Since she's been a freshman, she's had a goal of playing for a Division I school, and it's so good to see that all of her hard work has paid off," she said.

Coach Karen Anderson said, "Mary's been a huge contributor and a leader for us, and was really instrumental in our success this year."

O'Connor's stats include a team-leading 312 kills, and contributed 73 blocks. She was named 1st Team All-Conference and 3rd Team All-State, and will attend the University of Toledo to pursue a major in physical therapy.

On a different court, 6'3 basketball phenom Renee Bennett penned her name to the letter of intent for Ball State University just as her senior season is beginning. She will also be pursuing a degree in criminal justice and communications there.

Coach Brian Hirtz said, "Renee came in as a freshman, ready to work and it has gotten her to this point. She has done a lot of great things for our team, earning her top rankings in the state and in the nation."

Bennett was chosen as a top 50 senior by Wisconsin Sports Net and is nationally ranked through MaxPreps.

Her Playground Elite coach, Jeff "Coach Money" Smith, told the team "Renee has had several D1 schools including Chicago State, Eastern Illinois, and Nebraska-Omaha. She worked her way into a situation to make that choice, and it's a testament to her and the work she's put forth in excelling on the court."