McAuley's McGivern always willing to pitch in

Mother McAuley High School senior Jackie McGivern hasn't exactly decided what she wants to do in life, but doctor, pharmacist and psychologist are high on her list.

Before making her college decision, she's also carrying around the dream of being a softball pitcher at the next level of competition.

"I've been playing softball since I was 5," McGivern said. "I was able to make the All-Conference team last season and I've been working hard in the offseason to get better. Mr. (Bob) Dillon, last year's coach at McAuley, brought out the best in me. Our new coach (Colleen Kilduff) has us doing a lot of conditioning this winter. We're looking forward to the new season in the spring."

McGivern's connection with the Lemont Rockers travel team has given her more reason for high hopes.

"Coaches like Mr. (Jim) Didi, Mr. (Mike) Paulo, Mr. (Pat) Rzegocki and a person we call 'Coach Cliff' have made a big difference in my progress," McGivern said. "I've developed a mental toughness as a pitcher and I love being a team player. My dream is to pitch for a Big Ten team."

Whether that dream happens or not, McGivern is determined to get involved in the medical field.

"When I was in sixth grade, I was attacked by a pit bull," she said. "I had three large scars. I remember how the doctors helped me heal and overcome an attack like that. By getting involved in pre-medicine or psychology, I'll be able to help other people. I can share with them what it was like to go through a scary experience."

At Mother McAuley, McGivern, an 18-year-old resident of Evergreen Park and Illinois State Scholar, has accumulated a 4.0 grade-point average and 29 ACT score. Besides softball, she has been part of basketball, cross country, National Honor Society, student ambassador, mathletes and the Primary Colors art club.

"I'm going to remember my years at Mother McAuley as a time of great bonding with my classmates and teachers," she said.

McGivern has given back to the community by being part of the Christ Renews His Parish retreat at St. Christina Parish in Mount Greenwood.

"I was a leader during the spring, which was very rewarding," she said. "We worked to solve problems. The whole experience left strong impressions with me."

McGivern's sports hero is U.S. Olympic softball pitcher Lisa Fernandez. She liked watching the movie "Dumb and Dumber," reading the book "Nights in Rodanthe" by Nicholas Sparks, tries not to miss "Gossip Girls" on television and would pay to see the musical group O.A.R. in concert. When she gets to travel in the future, McGivern would love to go to New York City, Paris and a beach in California.

And keep playing softball in college.