Freshman Volleyball Prodigy Brenna Garrigan Excels at Providence

Freshman outside hitter Brenna Garrigan had planned to follow the educational path of her brothers Brayden and Blake. By last fall, Brenna was certain about attending Providence. However, an eighth-grade visit to the Class 3A Washington Supersectional changed everything. Witnessing Providence Celtics achieve a spot in the girls volleyball state finals confirmed her choice. “That was really fun to watch,” she shared. “It was a great team. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.”

As a varsity newcomer, standing 5-foot-5, Garrigan plays a significant role in the team. She led Providence with seven kills to secure a 25-13, 25-14 nonconference win over Andrew in Tinley Park. Kennady Kotowski added six kills, with Olivia Healy providing 20 assists. Lily Lipke contributed five aces, while Juju Batshon added four. For Andrew, sophomore Lainey Pranckus managed five kills, with Kodi Campbell contributing three.

Garrigan plans to take on basketball and softball alongside volleyball at Providence, showcasing a busy athletic schedule. Her influence is already felt in volleyball. Providence coach Lee Rucinski praised her abilities, saying, “Having a 5-5 player who can jump over me made it easier to decide she can play in the front row.” Rucinski has a clear strategy of promoting talent: “Seven years ago, I promised everyone we’d elevate the best players to varsity. If I bring up an underclassman, they start—not sit on the bench. That’s a bad philosophy.”

Garrigan’s versatility includes playing libero in club, making her effective in both front and back rows. “She could have been our starting libero when she was in sixth grade,” Rucinski said. “Her ball control and volleyball IQ are exceptional, evident from her early career stats in these first nine games.”

Before the Andrew match, Garrigan topped the team with 67 kills, 69 serve receptions, and ranked second with 39 digs and 12 aces. Setter Olivia Healy recognized Garrigan’s potential instantly: “She’s amazing,” Healy said. “When I set her the ball, she always capitalizes. Though new to setting for her, our connection was immediate, and her tempo is impressive. She can jump incredibly high, making it thrilling to watch her play. I look forward to two more years with her.”

Last season, Garrigan played for Oak Prairie, helping achieve a third-place finish in Class 4A Illinois Elementary School Association state finals.

Playing varsity doesn’t intimidate her. Garrigan honed her skills in higher age groups during club seasons, starting young in the face of older competitors. Her mother, Jane Garrigan, coached a local fourth-grade rec league team in Homer Glen. “I was in kindergarten,” Brenna recalled. “Mom agreed to coach only if I could join.” Doctors suggest she might grow more, but Brenna remains undeterred by potential doubts about her height. “I love the challenge,” she said. “The adrenaline and overcoming adversity excite me. People notice my height immediately, but I embrace the challenge.”

Brenna Garrigan is proving herself a formidable competitor at Providence, eagerly meeting and overcoming each challenge.