Jags’ lacrosse leader gets scholarship to Rutgers U.

Jackson stand-out Katie Batiuk signs her letter of intent to play lacrosse at Rutgers. She is surrounded by coach Lori Johnson (left, seated), her mother Ann Marie (right, seated), her father, Dennis (left, standing) and Jackson Memorial Principal Linda Jewell.

Jackson Memorial High School Senior Katie Batiuk has already had a great lacrosse season.

She leads the team in most goals scored in a game (10), holds the school record for total points, and has scored more career goals than any other lacrosse player in the school (214).

And the season isn’t even over yet.

While Batiuk continues to showcase her skills at Jackson, she will also look ahead to a lacrosse career at Rutgers University, which has offered her a four-year scholarship.

"I’m excited about playing there," said Batiuk just moments before she signed her letter of intent to attend Rutgers. "It’s a big school, but I found my way around, and I’m looking forward to it."

Batiuk will have at least one friendly face on the Rutgers team right away, 2000 graduate Ashley Schauder.

"Katie definitely deserves this because she’s worked extremely hard for it for four years," said coach Lori Johnson. "It’s great that she’ll be able to join a former teammate as well. I can’t wait to see her get even better."

Batiuk’s parents, Dennis and Ann Marie, said they were excited to see their daughter sign the letter that puts her one step closer toward her college career.

"I’m so happy for her," Ann Marie Batiuk said. "I just loved the coaches, and I know she’ll be happy."

Dennis Batiuk said the campus itself is in the perfect place.

"It’s far enough that she gets that college experience, but close enough that we can go visit," he said. "We’re very proud of her, and we know she’ll do great."