Regina Dominican Announces Cross Country Team as 2025 McDonell Award Recipient

Wilmette, IL- Regina Dominican High School is proud to announce that the Cross Country Panthers have earned the McDonell Award for the fall 2025 season. This honor recognizes the athletic team with the highest collective Grade Point Average (GPA) each sports season. This year marks the second consecutive McDonell Award for the cross country program.

“We extend our congratulations to the cross country program and to Coach Tully, Coach McNeil, and Coach Bohlke,” said Athletic Director Brian Mancuso. “The team recorded an extraordinary 3.95 GPA which is the highest in the seven-year history of the McDonell Award. We are very proud of their commitment, dedication, and excellence both on the course and in the classroom.”

The team’s accomplishment will be permanently commemorated with a dedicated plate displayed outside the Regina Dominican gymnasium.

2025 McDonell Award – Cross Country Team Members

Seniors (2026)

Hannah Lynch

Olivia Mauer

Carina Montoya

Ella Smolka

Claire Stieve

Samantha Svachula

 

Juniors (2027)

Lily Chuchro

Grace Wrigley

 

Sophomores (2028)

Niamh Byrne

Quinn Christensen

Madeline Haran

Andreea Pasca

Lulu Tamayo

 

Freshman (2029)

Harper Lewis

About the McDonell Award

The McDonell Award honors former Regina Dominican administrator Patricia “Pat” McDonell, who retired in June 2019. Pat believed deeply in the partnership between academic achievement and athletic excellence—values she championed throughout her decades of leadership. A mentor and beloved presence within the Regina Dominican community, her legacy lives on through this award, presented every fall, winter, and spring sports season.

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Rooted in the Dominican tradition, we challenge young women to be independent thinkers, relentless truth-seekers, and confident, compassionate leaders. Regina Dominican is located at 701 Locust Road in Wilmette, Illinois.