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It's official: O'Leary will become a Badger

JANESVILLE — It’s official.

Catie O’Leary is a Bucky Badger.

The Janesville Parker High senior basketball standout signed a national letter of intent Monday with the University of Wisconsin.

The 5-foot-10 O’Leary, a two-time Associated Press first-team all-state selection and three-time Player of the Year in the Big Eight Conference, met with UW head coach Lisa Stone and her staff on Monday and was offered a full-ride scholarship.

O’Leary still has to complete her formal application to attend the Big Ten Conference school, but as a honor-roll student, that is only a formality.

“Playing for the UW has always been my dream,” O’Leary said. “After meeting with coach Stone and the rest of the staff today, and touring the facilities, I’m even more excited to be getting the chance.

“It’s definitely a win/win situation for me. I love the city and the campus, and playing basketball for UW is a great way to maximize my opportunities.”

Finishing as the third-leading scorer in the storied history of Parker girls basketball, O’Leary originally signed with Loyola University of Chicago. But when Rambler coach Shannon Reidy resigned under pressure on March 10, O’Leary decided to follow her heart and see if Stone would be willing to let the local star stay home by offering a chance to walk-on or fill one of two scholarships that opened up at the UW with the departure of two players.

O’Leary wrote a letter to Stone on April 19, and was offered a scholarship Monday.

“I wish nothing but the best for Loyola,” O’Leary said. “I would’ve gone there, and I’m sure enjoyed the experience, but I couldn’t let an opportunity like playing for the UW slip away. This was my dream since I started playing back in grade school.”

A University of Wisconsin board meeting on the contract status of Stone is scheduled for Wednesday. Stone has been Wisconsin’s head coach since 2003, but she’s been on the hot seat the last few seasons for a being in charge of a program that has battled mediocrity and has failed to attract any top recruits.

O’Leary said the UW’s decision on Stone’s job status would not sway her decision—one way or another.

“I really like coach Stone, and I hope I get the chance to play for her,” O’Leary said.

O’Leary will wear No. 22 for the Badgers—the same number she wore for Parker—and will likely move from point guard to shooting guard in college.

“My goal as a freshman is to get on the floor and get minutes,” O’Leary said. “I need to work on my mid-range jumper and become a better defender.

“Obviously, the college game is a lot quicker than the high school game. But to get the chance to play for UW, I can’t wait to get up there and get started.”