Congratulations to our student-athletes on a wonderful winter season. The Romans closed out 2025 and kicked off 2026 with remarkable individual and team accomplishments that reflect their hard work and dedication. Below are some of the highlights from the season.

Girls Basketball
Girls basketball built on its championship standard this winter behind a strong senior class. The team reached the championship game of Latin's inaugural Thanksgiving tournament and followed that with a strong showing at the Regina winter tournament. Multiple athletes earned Athlete of the Week recognitions; Cali K. was named to an All-Tournament Team; and the team had two 1st Team All-Conference selections, one 2nd Team selection, and one Honorable Mention. The Romans also captured their fifth straight regional championship and made it to the sectional semifinal. 

Boys Basketball
Boys basketball made one of the biggest jumps in the conference this season. After finishing 7-18 and fourth in the ISL last year, the team turned it around with a 20-9 record and a share of the ISL Championship. The group finished second in their Thanksgiving tournament, with Rohin S. and Josh S. earning All-Tournament Team honors. The growth across the roster, combined with senior leadership, helped reset the standard for the program.

Boys Swimming
Boys swimming had a strong growth year both in and out of the pool, with captains Clark S. and Emilio E. setting the tone with steady leadership and accountability. The team finished 4–6 overall and placed 3rd at ISLs. Every swimmer qualified for sectionals, with the group finishing 8th overall thanks to the impressive depth of their roster. Ben R. and Oscar T. each earned Athlete of the Week honors for standout performances during the season. The team also completed three community service projects, continuing Latin's expectation that our student-athletes compete hard and give back. This group laid a solid foundation and gained experience that will pay off next year!

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

Independent School League 1st Team All-Conference

• Ari G. – Basketball
• Ellie S. – Basketball
• Connor K. – Basketball
• Josh S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Team All-Conference

• Cali K. – Basketball
• Thomas M. – Basketball
• Rohin S. – Basketball

Independent School League 2nd Place Individual Event

• Clark S. - 100-yard Backstroke

Independent School League All-Conference Honorable Mention

• Teagan M. – Basketball

Illinois Athletic Director Association All-State Award
Each year, the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) recognizes seniors across the state who stand out in athletics, academics, leadership and service. Congratulations to the following student-athletes for receiving this recognition of their commitment and excellence in athletics and beyond.

• Teagan M. - 1st Team All State
• Josh S. - Honorable Mention

Illinois Basketball Coaches Association - Hall of Fame Inductee, Max Rouse '93
Last year, Latin celebrated the 400th career win of varsity girls basketball coach and Latin alumnus Max Rouse '93. This year, we have the honor of congratulating him on his selection for induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026.

The IBCA Hall of Fame recognizes coaches from across the state for their long-term excellence, impact, and commitment to the game. This honor reflects not just wins, but the culture Coach Rouse has built and the consistency of his program over time. 

Thank you to all of our student-athletes, families, coaches and athletics staff for making this another successful season for the Latin community. We look forward to an exciting spring season for our Romans. Be sure to keep up with the latest spring team schedules with the Latin Athletic Calendar.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in fourth grade at my school and then started playing club basketball in sixth grade.

Why do you enjoy playing basketball at Latin?
I like the sport in general and, specifically at Latin, my team is a core part of enjoying it, including the coaches. We are all very close. 

How have you evolved as a basketball player and teammate over the years?
I’ve learned from my mistakes each year and what I needed to practice for the upcoming seasons. 

As a teammate, I went from watching others lead in previous years to serving as a captain myself, where I try to apply what I appreciated most about the captains before me.

Any pre- or post-game rituals for you?
Recently, the team has been going to Starbucks and Chipotle and getting something from there before each game. We’ve been winning, so I’m keeping that going. 

I’ll also listen to music during halftime of the JV girls basketball game while we’re warming up.  

How do you feel being in your last year of Athletics at Latin? 
Very sad, especially since I’m not playing a sport in college, so my competitive athletic career will be over. I’m sad to leave all of the friends I’ve made from playing sports at Latin.

What have you learned from your teammates & coaches over the years?
I’ve learned something new from all of my teammates. It’s specific to each person. They’ve taught me a lot.

Coach Max, specifically, has taught me to keep my composure. I can get easily frustrated when playing sports, and he helped me a lot with that. If you mess up, just play harder to get it back.

What has been a highlight of this winter season?
Beating Regina at home! It was a really good game for us, and our team played really well together. We haven’t beat them at home in a long time, so that was fun. 

You were recently named to the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) All-State Team. How did it feel to 1) be nominated by Upper School AD Katie Johnson and 2) receive that recognition?
I was honored to be nominated because there are so many amazing student-athletes who are also academic- and service-oriented at Latin. It was really nice to be nominated. I got really excited when she emailed me.

To then earn the honor was also a really exciting moment. It proved that all of the hard work I’ve put in over the many years of balancing sports and academics has paid off.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Competitive, leader, caring

Who has contributed to your basketball journey? Who would you thank & why?
My parents and my sisters. I probably wouldn’t have played basketball if my sisters didn’t play because I liked to follow what they did.

I’d also thank all of the Latin coaches–Max, Nikki, Adam, Jade–and my teammates from every year that I’ve played, too.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Each team I’ve played on is insanely different and I love that they’re different. With field hockey, we’re all super competitive and worked really hard, but still had fun.

With basketball, we still work hard, but we goof off a little more. I think our basketball team is probably a little closer since it’s such a small team.

Track is more of an individual sport, but you are still part of a team. It’s a different experience because you connect with your team while focusing on achieving your individual goals. 

Overall, playing sports at Latin was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It helped me connect with people from different grades and different friend groups. At a larger school, I’m not sure if I’d have been able to play all three sports that I love. Being able to do that is the best.  

Who inspires you? Who do you look up to?
My cousins got my sisters and me into sports and we look up to them a lot. I look to both of my sisters for guidance through everything because they’ve already been through it and we’ve played mostly the same sports. And my parents, especially them.

Favorite warm-up song?
The team-wide favorite song is “Jimmy Cooks” by Drake. It’s the first song we play for every warmup. It’s been our walk-out song since my freshman year and we’ve kept it until now. Reese and Megen started that several years ago and we’ve kept it going. 

What are you involved with at Latin outside of basketball?
Field hockey and track. I’m also a Roman Ambassador and the head of the Marketing Club.

Being a senior, what are you looking forward to the rest of this year?
Finishing off the year with my friends and making the most of it. I’m excited to finish out the year with track in the spring season.

What’s next after Latin?
I’m undecided, but I’ll go to college somewhere. I hope to study something with science. I’m not quite sure yet.

We asked long-time girls varsity basketball coach Max Rouse a few questions regarding Teagan’s basketball journey... 

How many years have you been coaching Teagan?
I have coached Teagan since she was finishing up middle school and practiced with the Chicago Sky Basketball Academy. It has been a pleasure working with her over the years!  

What do you enjoy about having Teagan on the team and in Latin's basketball program?
Teagan has always brought a competitive mindset while still having fun. Over the years, she has learned to maximize her athleticism and speed, becoming a menace in our press and a strong finisher at the rim on offense. Her confidence has grown, and she is now a more physical and resilient player.

How could other players learn from Teagan?
One of the most exciting parts of Teagan’s development has been watching her grow into a strong and impactful leader. It has not always been easy for her. She has faced injuries and setbacks along the way. Over the course of her career in overcoming these obstacles, Teagan has developed a leadership style that focuses on bringing positive energy and giving her full effort in practices and games. The foundation of Teagan's leadership has been her actions, and that is a lesson all athletes can use to help themselves and their teams.

Congratulations to the varsity girls basketball team on a successful season that included winning the 3A regional championship.

You can stay up-to-date on the latest spring athletics schedule with Latin’s Athletic Calendar.

When did you start swimming?
My parents got me in swim lessons at around three years old. It’s been a big part of my life since then.

You’ve been a part of Latin Aquatics since 2017 - what’s kept you coming back?
We’ve always had really good coaches here who know how to keep you motivated and inspire you to keep going. They've allowed me to push myself and become a better swimmer because of that. They want to see you thrive and get better.

How have you improved as a swimmer over the years? How has your role on the team evolved?
As a swimmer, I’ve improved by being able to focus more in the pool and on setting my own goals. Having goals in your mind helps you remember why you’re doing this.

We had a very welcoming community my freshman year. The seniors and juniors that year - Hugh and Julian - took me under their wing and provided me with the ground rules on how to lead. I learned that it’s not always the athletic skill that helps you connect with other people and lead. I’ve wanted to be a captain since day one. 

This year, we have a much smaller team than we’ve had in the past. A lot of it is just making sure people still feel connected to the sport. You should take it seriously, but focus more on your personal best and having a team that’s connected and enjoys each other’s company. I make sure we all want to put our best into the season. 

What’s something you’ve learned from your teammates over the years?
Nate Weldon, prestiged breaststroke record holder and captain last year, taught me a lot about work ethic. I did both Latin and club swimming with him. Seeing him put in the work to achieve his goals pushed me and led me to have the mindset that anything is possible. Nate was super valuable to my swimming career.

Hugh also made a difference for me as a person. He helped me destress and acclimate to Latin as a freshman.

How do you feel being in your last year at Latin and your last season with the team?
I’ve enjoyed my time at Latin and I’m definitely excited for college. I’m also bummed to leave, but know the guys will continue to do great things in and out of the pool. 

How have you contributed to the swim team culture at Latin?
Our focus this year was making the team feel “wholesome” and “whimsical.” Emillio and I have done that as captains by encouraging team bonding outside of the pool - shoutout Dave’s Hot Chicken - and helping with the girls season in the fall by timing meets and attending practices.

I also help my teammates understand what they’re there for - to swim, yes, but also to make friends and enjoy the community. We really try to be as supportive of one another as possible.

Why do you enjoy swimming?
Swimming is like an art form. It’s both an individual and team sport. Seeing your own progress but also motivating your teammates is really rewarding. There are no downsides. JOIN THE SWIM TEAM!

Every time I’m done with practice or a difficult set, I’m always grinning ear to ear. I’m having a good time. It’s easy for me to romanticize swimming. It's a blissful event in my life.

What event(s) do you swim? Do you have a favorite?
I swim 200 IM - individual and relay, 100 backstroke, and 400 relay.

My favorite is the 100 backstroke. I get to breathe the entire time and it is the easiest to process. Shoutout Coach Logan for engraving the bpm to Staying Alive while in backstroke.

Who has contributed to your swimming journey at Latin? Who would you like to thank and why?
The obvious - Coach Danielle! She’s coached me since I was 7 years old. She’s been a huge factor in my life. She has allowed me to appreciate swimming more and has also made me infinitely better. As a kid, I didn’t have a competitive edge. Now, I want to beat our competitors. If you have the opportunity to work with her, she’s fantastic. She's one of the greatest coaches you can ever have. 

Coach Ryan, who took over during Coach Danielle’s maternity leave my sophomore year, gives the most legendary pre-meet pep talks. They are engrained into my mind, specifically “it’s you versus you.” That sticks with me at meets. Big ups to Coach Ashlyn, too.

From Latin Aquatics, Coach Logan, a force to be reckoned with, and Coach Nick, relentless guy who really knew his stuff. 

Coach Jon got me to love swimming as a kid, gave me all the fundamentals, and let me be myself and enjoy life.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?
Whimsical, determined, LOCKED-IN

Favorite warm-up song?
Gliding Through Everything by Four Tet

Goldie by A$AP Rocky

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?
Being a part of a team allows you to find a community who have a shared interest. You’ll never find a better bond than after a brutal practice. It’s the easiest way to connect with anybody and there’s instantly a friendship connection there.

Swimming is the most rewarding sport you can do. 

What do you enjoy doing at Latin outside of swimming?
I like sewing a lot. I’m trying to get more into that. I enjoy DJing with friends and watching TV, particularly anything with Danny McBride.

What’s next after Latin?
I will be class of 2030 at Babson College in Massachusetts, studying entrepreneurship and literary and visual arts. I’m very excited. 

What is a favorite memory you have from being on the swim team at Latin?
When Nate broke Latin’s breaststroke record, we were all huddled around his lane cheering at Sectionals. That moment is forever solidified in my mind.

Any upcoming swim meets that you want to shout out for fellow Romans to come to and cheer on you and your teammates?
We’re hosting ISLs at home this year on Saturday, February 7, which would be great to have people at.

I’m the only senior this year, but I’ll plug our team’s Senior Night, AKA Clark Night, on Wednesday, February 11, since it’s the final home meet of the year. 

We asked Latin Aquatics Director and Varsity swim coach Danielle Carlson a few questions about Clark’s swim journey at Latin…

How long have you coached Clark?
Clark has been a part of Latin Aquatics since 2017, and it’s been an honor to be a part of his swim journey for the last decade. 

What do you enjoy about having Clark on the team and in Latin's swimming program?
Clark is a really fun athlete to coach. It has been a privilege to celebrate his successes with him each year. 

I am really appreciative of how Clark shows up for this team. As a senior and team captain this year, he consistently demonstrates both the dedication and resilience needed to be a successful varsity swimmer. He keeps the atmosphere light and whimsical, even through the most challenging sets and practices. He is personable, funny and knows how to connect with everyone, creating a really inclusive environment in the pool. 

How could other players learn from Clark?
Clark has found a way to maintain wonderful balance as a student-athlete. He is dedicated both to the sport and his team, while also accomplishing success in his academics and his other passions, including the arts and community service. While Clark makes it look easy, this balancing act can be very difficult!

The latest Roman Rockstar is Ron Pen '69, Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky.

Latin was a formative experience for Ron that shaped how he thinks, writes, listens, and lives his life. He calls his education remarkable and classic, noting that it has strengthened his critical thinking, refined his writing, built his confidence as a speaker, and deepened his engagement with the arts.

Ron defines his time at Latin as stimulating, centered on the pursuit of excellence and focused on community. He fondly remembers the impact of teachers like Isabelle Lawrence, Dick Dolezal, John Austin, Mary Maj, Louis DeGryse, Ellie Lambrakis, Muriel Anderson, Courtlandt Gilmour, and Humphrey Cordes. He shares that their teaching methods fostered a way of engaging with the world that has stuck with him.

One of Ron’s most vivid memories of school life was the annual mock debate between Dr. Gilmour and Dr. Dolezal over the proper pronunciation of “Adeste Fideles.” This highlights what Ron describes as a serious joy in learning. Ron also recalls community traditions like the full school singing “Let There Be Music,” “Quaecumque Sunt Vera,” the school anthem by Mary Maj and Isabelle Lawrence, and “In Loyal Song We Praise Thee Alma Mater.”

Ron embraced the many opportunities to explore his interests at Latin. As a student, he was involved in numerous clubs and activities: Chief Justice, Chorus, The Forum, Football, Basketball, Drama Club, Science Club, Senate, and the Lettermen’s Club.

After Latin, Ron pursued music academically and professionally, earning a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky and building a career as a musicologist, educator, author, and cultural steward. Over decades at the University of Kentucky, he served as Professor, Associate Director of the School of Music, Director of Appalachian Studies, and longtime Director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music, helping to preserve and elevate American folk, Appalachian, jazz, and traditional music on a national and international scale. His scholarship, teaching, and public humanities work earned numerous awards and left an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and communities.

Ron continues to reflect on his experience at Latin, including the power of language, the joy of shared music, and a community that believes in ideas. We are grateful to Ron for sharing these reflections and the impact Latin has had upon him well beyond graduation.