Northlake Christian School graduate Brandi Chesne is attending Hollins University, a private liberal arts college in Roanoke, Va., on an academic scholarship at the Division III school.

Chesne a two-sport athlete for the Lady Wolverines, was a member of the basketball and softball programs.

Chesne was a five-year starter on the softball team and started for two-years with the basketball squad. She also played volleyball her freshman year and also served as a volleyball team manager for the state champion Lady Wolverines, which she said was special sharing it with so many of her friends.

Seated, Northlake Christian School graduate Brandi Chesne, signs her academic scholarship to attend Hollins University in Roanoke, Va. Pictured at left is her mother Sylvia Morter of Hammond and NCS athletic director and former girls’ head basketball coach Tony Agresta. (Staff Photo by Mike Pervel)

Chesne plans on playing forward on the basketball team, but would also be interested in playing softball if they come up with a team, while she is there.

Chesne talked about making her decision to attend Hollins University.

“I did a lot of praying before making my decision. Hollins University was the college that really seemed to stick out to me. I have heard that Roanoke is a beautiful place and I’m looking forward to attending college there,” Chesne said.

Chesne said her fondest memory of playing sports at NCS was making the basketball playoffs in her junior year.

“We hadn’t made the playoffs in about four or five years so that was a big accomplishment,” Chesne said.

In her senior year, the Lady Wolverines advanced to the bi-district round, falling to Winfield 51-35. Chesne tallied eight points in the playoff game. Chesne was selected to the District 8-2A Second Team as a senior.

In basketball, she considered herself a strong rebounder and could score when asked to by her team.

Chesne said she enjoyed playing softball the most.

”I also love basketball, but softball was the most fun for me,” Chesne added.

She played the outfield before injuring her throwing arm specifically her rotator cuff. She also played first base and did some catching.

As a senior, she was named to the District 8-2A First Team All-District squad as a utility player. She batted .484, driving in nine runs and scored seven times for the Lady Wolverines.

Chesne described herself as a hitter who usually made good contact at the plate.

Chesne, who attended Northlake Christian School for six years, graduated with a 3.4 grade point average and said English is her favorite subject. She plans on majoring in education and wants to become a special education teacher.

“I have been interested in doing that for quite awhile and I am focused on accomplishing that. Northlake Christian has definitely prepared me for what lies ahead,” Chesne said.

“I volunteered for Special Olympics for community service for two years. I ended up really liking it. I felt like that is something I could do to help others. I’d rather work doing something that I love than just having any type of ordinary job,” Chesne said.