Rising Star Brenna Garrigan Shines in Volleyball at Providence

Freshman outside hitter Brenna Garrigan had her sights set on following the high school journey of her brothers, Brayden and Blake. Last autumn, Brenna decided she wanted to attend Providence. But an eighth-grade experience at the Class 3A Washington Supersectional solidified her choice. During the event, she watched the Celtics qualify for state in girls volleyball with a decisive two-game win. “That was really fun to watch,” she expressed. “It was a great team. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.”

Now, as a varsity rookie, the 5-foot-5 Garrigan is undeniably a part of the team. She plays a significant role as Providence’s leading hitter this season. On Wednesday night, Garrigan achieved seven kills, leading the Celtics to a 25-13, 25-14 nonconference victory over Andrew in Tinley Park. Kennady Kotowski added six kills for Providence (8-1), with Olivia Healy contributing 20 assists. Lily Lipke delivered five aces, and Juju Batshon added four. From Andrew (3-5), sophomore outside hitter Lainey Pranckus contributed five kills, while Kodi Campbell added three.

In addition to volleyball, Garrigan plans to play basketball and softball at Providence. Despite her busy schedule, she is already making her mark in volleyball. Providence coach Lee Rucinski noted, “Having a 5-5 player who can jump over me made it a lot easier to decide she can play in the front row.” Seven years ago, Rucinski committed to promoting the best players to the varsity level regardless of their year. “If I pull up an underclassman, they are going to start. There’s no reason to bury an underclassman on the bench. That’s a bad philosophy.”

Garrigan also plays libero for her club, making her effective in both the back and front rows. “She could have been our starting libero when she was in sixth grade,” Rucinski said. “Her ball control and volleyball IQ are off the charts, and you can see it in the way she started her volleyball career in these first nine games.” Providence’s Brenna Garrigan (2) passes the ball against Andrew during a nonconference match in Tinley Park on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Garrigan went into the match against Andrew with 67 kills, 69 serve receptions, and was second on her team with 39 digs and 12 aces. Olivia Healy quickly realized Garrigan’s potential. “Where do I start? She’s amazing,” Healy said. “I know that when I set her the ball, she’s going to do something with it. I never set her before, but our connection was fast and she picks up tempo so easily. And she can jump out of her shoes. It’s incredible to watch her on the court, and I’m excited to have the next two years with her.”

Garrigan had a significant role last season for Oak Prairie, leading the team to a third-place finish in Class 4A in the Illinois Elementary School Association state finals. Providence’s Brenna Garrigan (2) connects for a kill against Andrew during a nonconference match in Tinley Park on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

Playing varsity isn’t daunting for her, either. She has played against older groups during club seasons, even moving up an age group or two. Garrigan’s mother, Jane, was asked to coach a fourth-grade rec league team in Homer Glen. “I was in kindergarten at the time and my mom said she would coach but wanted me to play with her team,” Brenna explained.

Doctors have suggested Brenna could grow a bit more, but she remains focused on proving doubters wrong regardless of her height. Providence’s Brenna Garrigan (2) celebrates a point against Andrew during a nonconference match in Tinley Park on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

“I love the challenge,” she asserted. “I love the adversity with it. People come in and look at me and say, ‘Aw, you’re not very tall.’ I just love rising to the challenge, and the adrenaline is what motivates me.”