Two of the strongest athletic teams at Bishop Carroll over the last several decades have been the Boys and Girls Basketball teams. What has made these teams great are the student-athletes that participated. Several BC alumni have gone on to play college basketball. Two who are currently playing spoke about their seasons, and how Bishop Carroll helped them get there along the way.
Emily Kutskel graduated from Bishop Carroll in 2018 and currently attends Delaware Valley University majoring in Animal Science/Pre-Professional. Although due to covid they had an abbreviated season, ending with an overall record of 4-5, the Aggies made it to the women’s championship for the first time in many years.
Personally, Emily had a very productive season, and was honored for her hard work. “During the third week of the season, I was recognized as Aggie of the week, named to the D3 National Team of the Week, and I led the nation in blocks in D3 women’s basketball. At the end of the season, I upheld my position as top shot blocker in the nation for the 2021 season with 4.22 blocks per game, was named MAC Freedom Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Year and voted First-Team All-Conference. I also led the team in scoring with 13.3 points per game. I am also a two-time MAC Academic Honor Roll member and am on track to earn those honors for the third year in a row.”
On the boys’ basketball side, 2020 BCCHS graduate Tristan McDannell made waves in his freshman college basketball season. Tristan attends Franciscan University and is majoring in Business Management with a minor in Biology. During his freshman year at Franciscan, he was twice honored as Rookie of the Week, scored 30 points against Geneva (which is fifth-most in a single game for a Franciscan player in the modern era), was one of three PAC players to score 30+ points in a game this season and was the lone freshman to do so, and was also a finalist for conference Rookie of the Year. He helped his team win their first playoff game in modern history.
Both Emily and Tristan credit their time at Bishop Carroll to assisting them in their successes. Tristan remarked, “Realizing now how difficult college can be for student-athletes with the added workload and the continuous grind of their sport, I am very appreciative of the intense demands that were expected of me from all of my teachers, coaches, and staff at BC.” Emily echoed Tristan’s sentiments about the high expectations at BC. “My time at Bishop Carroll was academically rigorous and filled with many life lessons that have made me the successful student-athlete that I am today. BC challenged me to be the best student that I could be by offering AP and college-level courses, dozens of clubs and organizations, and several leadership opportunities, all of which made me a highly qualified perspective student while applying to colleges, and ultimately gave me the foundation to become a successful leader and student in my college community.” Emily earned 31 college credits during her time at BC, which will allow her to graduate college a full year early. She is also extremely grateful for her years in high school athletics. “Being a student-athlete is one of the best ways to feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself. Being on a team and forming bonds with not only your teammates, but your fans, school administration, and fellow students, opens the door for so many relationships and a community of people who are there to support you.” She credits the community atmosphere at BC for fueling her desire to play college basketball. “Although I was sad to leave behind my BC family after four great seasons, starting over and forming a new family in a college setting was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For me, becoming a collegiate student-athlete is all thanks to the encouragement and support of the faculty, staff, and students at Bishop Carroll.”
Both Emily and Tristan encourage student-athletes to consider playing in college. “Take your time when deciding where to go,” said Emily. “Make sure the campus feels like home to you and remember that YOU are the one attending the school so make sure your decisions are based on what you want for yourself.” Tristan added, “Listen to your heart. Go somewhere you know you are going to succeed, and I don’t just mean athletically. Go somewhere where you will have enough room to continually grow and be able to pursue your passions while becoming the person you seek the most.”
“I would just like to thank every teacher, administrator, and counselor at Bishop Carroll who played a part in my Catholic education and supported my dreams and ambitions,” Emily commented. “Without your support and passion for what you do, I would not have become the person I am today and have seen as much success as I have during my college career.”
Congratulations to both Emily and Tristan on your athletic and academic careers! You make the entire BC community proud!