When did you start playing basketball?

I played on club basketball teams in elementary school and at Latin starting in Middle School.

What are your goals for this season? What are your hopes for the Latin basketball program?

We’ve made it further in the playoffs the past couple of years, which I think has helped change the narrative about Latin basketball. One of my main goals is to keep that narrative going by helping younger teammates understand that we’re a team that can win big games.

I was out last year early in the season due to an injury. I worked hard in the offseason, so my individual goal is to contribute on both sides of the ball this year.

How has your role on the team evolved over the years?

As a freshman on the varsity team, I was focused on learning from my teammates and cheering people on.

Last year, with my injury, I led more from off of the court. This included watching a lot of game film and giving my teammates tips.

This year, I’m combining both of those experiences and using the things I learned from older players as a freshman and while watching from the bench when I was injured. I am going to use communication, my performance and positive energy to be a leader on the court this season. 

What has basketball taught you?

One of the biggest things basketball has taught me is that good performance comes from proper preparation. The work you put in is the improvement that you’ll see. I try to apply that mentality to school, as well.

What is a favorite memory you have from basketball at Latin?

This season, we had a really cool win in a close game against Montini, a big school with great basketball players. 

Also, when we went to super sectionals my freshman year, having a bunch of fans drive two hours to come support was really memorable. Even though we didn’t win, that memory pushes me to get our team back there in the playoffs.

Do you have any pre- or post-game rituals, routines, or snacks?

It’s not quite a superstition, but one time someone offered me Twizzlers before a game and I played really well, so I have Twizzlers before every game.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?

Dedicated, leader, supportive.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?

The bonds you develop with your teammates. I’ve been able to build friendships with teammates in all different grades over the years.

Favorite warm-up song?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Migos before games. 

What are you involved in at Latin outside of basketball?

I run on the varsity track team at Latin. Three of my teammates and I set the school record for the
4x100 meter relay my freshman year.

I also serve as the junior prefect of Student Government and am on Latin’s SAAB.

Great segway! You’re a member of Latin’s first Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) - what has that experience been like for you so far?

It’s been a really cool experience to talk about ways to improve teamwork and leadership in Latin’s Athletics programs. 

You recently attended the IHSA Leadership Conference with fellow SAAB members…what was that like? What stood out to you?

I got to meet students from across the state and talk to them about the challenges we face in Athletics and ways to approach them.

What stood out to me is the fact that we’re from all over, yet we have similar experiences with our sports teams. It was cool to bond over that and learn from other students about how they lead their team and build teamwork.

Who would you like to thank for contributing to your journey as an athlete and why

First, my parents. My mom and dad are very supportive of me. 

I’m also thankful for our coaches at Latin - Justin, Harris, Loomey, and our former coach DeNard. I’ve built really strong relationships with them while on the team. They push me to be the best possible version of myself.

Any particular games that you’d like to shoutout for fellow Romans to come cheer you and your teammates on at?

After we come back from winter break, we’ll have a lot of conference games. Fans at any home or away game against an ISL school will help us get those tough wins and get that ISL title!

And, of course, the Big Games on January 30. 

Coach Halloran, you’ve coached Rohin since his freshman year on varsity. What do you enjoy most about having him on the team?

Rohin is a joy to coach. He cares deeply about the program, and brings great energy and a competitive spirit every day. He has adapted to new roles and stepped up to new challenges each year, and always does everything he can to help the team win. 

This year, Rohin is a vocal leader on top of being our leading scorer and rebounder. His commitment level is something that other players can learn from. Last year, he suffered an unfortunate injury that caused him to sit out the majority of the season; and, to his credit, he still showed up every day with positive energy, cheered on his teammates, and found ways to help the team.

Mark your calendars for January 30, as Latin’s varsity basketball teams take on Parker in the annual “Big Games” at UIC’s Credit Union One Arena. The girls team plays at 5 p.m. and the boys team plays at 6:30 p.m.

Our latest Roman Rockstar is Joey Letchinger ‘11, Executive Vice President at JDL Development.

Joey spent 10 years working in restaurants and food and beverage at prestigious establishments such as Graham Elliot and L20 in Chicago, and Restaurant DANIEL, Maialino, and Del Posto in New York. During this time, he simultaneously ran a wine brokerage and became a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Joey is a Latin “Lifer,” having grown up at Latin from JK through senior year. He views his time in the Upper School as the most impactful period of his life. It was the first time he had the freedom to explore interests beyond the core curriculum, guided by teachers who encouraged not just curiosity, but real depth of discovery.

It was at Upper School that Joey solidified his passions, curating his own independent studies centered on food, cooking, food science, and even food in literature. Through these explorations, Joey learned how to use independence to pursue passion in a focused and productive way, an approach he has carried into his professional life.

It was this drive that enabled him to make a successful career switch, as he returned to Chicago and joined the family business, JDL Development. Here he has helped develop One Chicago, North Union, and other major projects.

Joey describes his time at Latin as curious, supported, and formative. He credits Jeff Windus as one of his favorite and most influential teachers and fondly remembers the “Reindeer Games” as his favorite tradition.

We look forward to following Joey's continued success!

Connor Kaniewski '17 is an associate at Wellington Management on the Private Placement team. After attending Latin School, he received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Wake Forest University. 

Thanks to the impact of teachers like Mr. McArthur, Mr. Kendrick, and Ms. Ross, Connor had a multifaceted experience at Latin that went beyond academics. He says that Latin laid the groundwork for intellectual development, social maturity, personal growth, and practical life skills. All of this was beneficial for his time at both Wake Forest University and the early stages of his professional career. 

When asked to describe Latin in three words, Connor replied, "growth, friendship, and academic challenges." His favorite memory is a tie between winning the state championship with the boys' soccer team and creating an MLB season prediction statistical model for his senior project. 

While at Latin, Connor participated in Roman-2-Roman, varsity soccer, varsity tennis, Roman Ambassadors, yearbook, VIDI, and Model UN. He also received the Kelly McKinnell Award for Excellence in Photography, an accolade presented to a graduating senior who shows a deep passion and talent for photography in honor of the late Kelly McKinnell '95.

As an alumnus, Connor remains highly engaged with the Latin community. He connected with senior alumni through personalized phone calls during the pandemic and has served as the chair of the Alumni Board Giving Committee since 2021. 

Congratulations to our student-athletes on a wonderful fall season. Romans started the school year strong and completed the season with many remarkable individual and team accomplishments that reflected their hard work and dedication. Below are some of the highlights from the season.

Boys and Girls Cross Country
Showcasing their commitment and integrity, the boys and girls cross country teams overcame obstacles early on to finish the season strong. Both teams took second at conference and regionals, and rose to the occasion at sectionals to qualify for state. At the state meets, the girls team finished 16th and the boys finished 23rd. Francesca M. placed 17th overall and earned All-State honors for a second straight year and Nico R. broke the school record for boys cross country.

Boys Golf
Boys golf had a huge year. They won the ISL title for the first time since 2022 behind a strong performance by Jack Z., who finished four strokes off the course record at Cog Hill #1. Jack, Thomas A., John R., and James G. all advanced to sectionals. Jack then advanced to state where he finished 16th and earned All-State honors. Jack was even or under par in almost every match that the team played this season. This group showed up every week, stayed consistent, and earned every part of this historic run!

Girls Golf
Girls golf wrapped up their season at IHSA sectionals with three qualifiers—Senior Caitlin C., junior Fia B., and freshman Caroline R.. The team finished the regular season 2-11 in duals and placed third at the ISL tournament. Caitlin and fellow two-time captain Gillian H. led the group all year. They will graduate this fall along with senior Ava N., each leaving an impact on the program. The girls golf team continued to build consistency and competitiveness throughout the season.

Field Hockey
Field hockey had a strong year. They finished 13-6-1, won the ISL, secured the fifth seed in the state, and stacked big conference wins along the way. Our Romans had a versatile season, taking the top-ranked field hockey team in the state into an overtime thriller, hosting a meaningful Play Without Limits memorial and charity game with Lake Forest High School, winning their Homecoming game by five goals, and even hosting out-of-state team St. Ignatius California for a match. The team scored 71 goals this season and goalie Joey F. made 106 saves.

Boys Soccer
Boys soccer finished 10-10-2 overall, hitting double digit wins again and going 4-3-1 in the ISL. They picked up exciting wins against Parker that included a 1-0 road win and a 4-1 win at home. The team also posted a winning record against 3A opponents at 2-1-1. Charlie D. led the team with 13 goals and Diego F. led the team with six assists. The group scored 44 goals and had 20 assists across 22 games. These Romans could compete with anyone and showed it across the schedule.

Girls Swimming
Girls swimming had a strong and memorable season. They finished eighth at the Shepard Invite and stacked big dual meet wins including Homecoming over Trinity, a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night win over Eisenhower, and a Senior Night win over Thornton. At the ISL championship, the team finished third and earned 15 medals. Greta T. won the ISL title in the 100 fly and finished runner up in the 200 free. The 200 free relay of Dylan K., Clare S., Channing G., and Greta T. also finished second. The girls then finished fifth at sectionals and medaled again in both the 200 free and 400 free relays. Almost every swim was a PR, which speaks to how much they improved over the course of the season.

Girls Tennis
Girls tennis had a dominant run from start to finish. The team won conference and sectionals and finished ninth at state. Nicola K. finished fourth in the state singles draw, winning multiple rounds 6-0, 6-0. Sahana A. and Mary H. also had a strong performance this season, finishing in the Top 32 of the state doubles draw. The girls played through long days, tough draws and quick turnarounds, showing true grit through it all.

Girls Volleyball
Girls volleyball finished 24-14 and picked up a long list of major wins this fall. The team won the Christian Heritage Tournament, went undefeated to win the ISL, and captured a regional championship. The ISL named senior Gisele J. Athlete of the Year and the team had four players awarded with All-Conference titles. This group competed hard every week and continued to level up their play as the season went on.

The following student-athletes earned individual accolades for their performances this season.

Independent School League Athlete of the Year Award

• Gisele J. - Volleyball
• Joey F. - Field Hockey (Goalie)
• Abby K. - Field Hockey (Defensive)
• Caroline G. - Field Hockey (Offensive)
• Francesca M. - Cross Country
• Nico R. - Cross Country
• Jack Z. - Golf

Illinois High School Association All-State Award

• Jack Z. - Golf
• Francesca M. - Cross Country
• Nicola K. - Tennis