Columbus Catholic’s Shelby Spata Signs to Play Softball at UW–Eau Claire
MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Columbus Catholic High School senior Shelby Spata officially signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire during a ceremony held Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2025, in the Columbus Catholic Fieldhouse.
Joined by family, teammates, coaches, and classmates, Spata celebrated the culmination of years of dedication on the field and in the classroom.
“I’m so excited to continue playing the sport I love and to join such a great program at UW–Eau Claire. Over the last year I’ve been to many invites for college softball camps in every division level. The Blugolds’ team chemistry, coaching staff, and the new fieldhouse are where I wanted to call home,” said Spata. “I’m really thankful for my coaches, teammates, and my family for always supporting me.”
Head softball coach Troy Zimmermann praised Spata’s leadership, drive, and love for the game.
“When I think of all the memorable moments Shelby has given us over the years, the one that really stands out was the three-run homer she hit in the regional final game last year,” Zimmermann said. “It was a huge moment that helped her team win regionals.”
Zimmermann continued,
“Shelby has dedicated so much time to the sport of softball, and it has really helped shape her into the wonderful student, teammate, and player that she is today. Her work ethic is second to none, and her passion for softball is evident with every teammate that she has played with and every coach that has had the privilege to work with her.
As her high-school coach I’ve had the opportunity to coach her for the last three years and have seen her grow tremendously in that time. I’m fortunate to get one more year with her and have told Leslie and the Blugolds’ staff that they are getting a great one. Columbus Catholic High Schools is extremely proud of you, Shelby, and very excited for your next chapter in your softball journey!”
The event included remarks from Athletic Director Lori Wieland and photo opportunities with Spata’s family and teammates.
Athletic Highlights
- Four-year varsity starter (2026 season will be her fourth).
- Freshman year: starting center fielder; Second Team All-Conference.
- Sophomore year: starting center fielder; First Team All-Conference.
- Junior year: starting center fielder; First Team All-Conference; Cloverbelt East Conference Player of the Year; First Team All-District; First Team All-State.
- Reached her 100th career hit halfway through junior year.
- Team Captain (junior year).
- Had the most home runs in the state across all divisions last spring (15 home runs in 2025).
- Three-time Conference Champion and three-time All-Conference selection.
- Helped lead Columbus Catholic to the 2025 sectional finals, the program’s deepest playoff run to date.
At UW–Eau Claire, Spata plans to major in psychology with a minor in criminal justice. She hopes to pursue a career as a profiler with the FBI after graduation.
The UW–Eau Claire Blugolds compete in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) and finished the 2025 season with a 29–16 record.
About Columbus Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic Schools is a comprehensive educational system serving students from age 3 through high-school graduation. The schools build a strong foundation of faith, knowledge, and skills to help each student achieve success.
All Columbus Catholic Schools campuses are accredited by the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA), reflecting a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Mission Statement:
Columbus Catholic Schools are dedicated to excellence in Catholic education, founded in the love of Jesus Christ, and designed to instill in our students faith, knowledge, and a desire to serve others.
Caption: Columbus Catholic seniors Shelby Spata (softball, UW–Eau Claire) and Jaylee Garneau (soccer, St. Norbert College) are joined by their parents following their signing ceremonies on November 12, 2025, at Columbus Catholic High School.
Caption: Columbus Catholic softball coach Troy Zimmermann congratulates senior Shelby Spata after signing her National Letter of Intent to play softball at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
Caption: Columbus Catholic senior Shelby Spata is joined by head softball coach Troy Zimmermann, athletic director Lori Wieland, and Columbus Catholic Schools president David Eaton following her signing to play softball at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire.
Columbus Catholic’s Jaylee Garneau Signs to Play Soccer at St. Norbert College
MARSHFIELD, Wis. – Columbus Catholic High School senior Jaylee Garneau officially signed her National Letter of Intent to play soccer at St. Norbert College during a ceremony held Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2025, at the Columbus Catholic Fieldhouse.
Garneau was joined by family, teammates, coaches, and classmates as she celebrated her commitment to continue her academic and athletic career at the collegiate level.
“I am so excited to play women’s soccer at St. Norbert College. When I visited SNC I found a small college where I could live my faith, play the sport I love, and become part of a wonderful community,” said Garneau. “I thank God, my coaches, teammates, and family for supporting me. Go, Green Knights!”
Head soccer coach Jeff Edwards praised Garneau’s leadership, positive attitude, and lasting impact on the program.
“Jaylee consistently gave her all during practices and games, showing a commendable level of dedication to the team. Her unwavering effort and commitment are undeniable,” Edwards said. “Jaylee’s positive attitude and eagerness to improve make her an invaluable team member, inspiring others with her work ethic. She has been an asset to the team in more ways than I can count. Mentoring younger players, mentoring older players, she has the pulse of the team. Thank you, Jaylee, for everything you have given this program over the last four years.”
The event also included remarks from Athletic Director Lori Wieland and photo opportunities with Garneau’s family and teammates.
Athletic Highlights
- Four-year varsity soccer player for Columbus Catholic High School
- Three-sport athlete throughout her high school career
- Helped lead Columbus Catholic to four consecutive conference championships
At St. Norbert College, Garneau plans to major in business while competing for the Green Knights women’s soccer team, which competes in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC).
About Columbus Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic Schools is a comprehensive educational system serving students from age 3 through high school graduation. The schools build a strong foundation of faith, knowledge, and skills to help each student achieve success.
All Columbus Catholic Schools campuses are accredited by the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA), reflecting a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Mission Statement:
Columbus Catholic Schools are dedicated to excellence in Catholic education, founded in the love of Jesus Christ, and designed to instill in our students faith, knowledge, and a desire to serve others.
Caption: Columbus Catholic seniors Shelby Spata (softball, UW–Eau Claire) and Jaylee Garneau (soccer, St. Norbert College) are joined by their parents following their signing ceremonies on November 12, 2025, at Columbus Catholic High School.
Caption: Columbus Catholic senior Jaylee Garneau is joined by athletic director Lori Wieland and Columbus Catholic Schools president David Eaton following her signing to play soccer at St. Norbert College.
For Immediate Release: March 7, 2025
Columbus Catholic Schools Sends 16 Musicians to State Solo/Ensemble Competition
MARSHFIELD, WI – During the WSMA (Wisconsin State Music Association) District Solo & Ensemble Competition on February 21, 2025 (hosted at Columbus Catholic High/Middle School), 16 Columbus events were able to move onto the state competition which will be held Saturday May 3, 2025 at UW-Stevens Point at the College of Letters and Science.
CCS band events who will be going to state include:
1. Flute Choir
2. Mariachi Band
3. Mary Keding, Jazz Brass Improvisation Solo
4. Brass Choir
5. Hawaiian Combo
6. Creative Jazz Combo
7. Jazz Ensemble Open Class
8. African Drums
9. Native American Combo
10. Jackson Bernitt, Bb Tenor Saxophone Solo
11. Appalachian Combo
CCS choir events who will be going to state include:
1. Ella Kadolph, Music Theater – Soprano/Alto Solo – AND –
2. Ella Kadolph, Soprano Solo
3. Trinity Brunzo, Soprano Solo
4. Jenny Schneider, Alto Solo
Since this year’s Solo & Ensemble Competition was hosted at Columbus Catholic High/Middle School, our middle school students also had the opportunity to compete. We are able to send one additional middle school event to state:
Middle school event that will be going to state:
1. Ava Keding & Caspar Kroening, Class A Duet
“To say I am proud of all my students is an understatement,” said Ashley Nikolai, the Columbus Catholic Middle/High School Concert Choir Director. “I look forward to another wonderful performance for those advancing to state in May! Great job band and choir students!”
“I am so pleased to have such success with great kids and musicians at my last Solo / Ensemble at Columbus,” said Mr. Zimmerman, the CCHS Concert Band Director. Finally, our Middle School Band Director, Danielle Wolf, said “For many middle school students, this was their first experience at solo and ensemble, and I am incredibly proud of how they embraced the challenge. I am very excited to see how they continue to grow as musicians in the years to come.”
Photo Caption: Ella Kadolph is a Sophomore at Columbus Catholic High School and a member of the CCHS Concert Choir. She will be going to the State Solo & Ensemble Festival with two of her events.
For Immediate Release: October 29, 2024
Deborah Kennedy Awarded 2024 WAFLT Distinguished Language Educator Award
MARSHFIELD, WI – Marshfield Columbus Catholic Schools is proud to announce that one of its recently retired teachers, Señora Deborah Kennedy, will be receiving the 2024 Distinguished Language Educator Award on November 1, 2024 in Appleton. The award will be presented by the Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT) during its Fall Conference.
"Señora Kennedy is one of the most dedicated and passionate teachers I've met," said Michael Lambrecht, Principal at Columbus Catholic Middle and High School. "It has truly been an honor to work with her since I started here at Columbus in 2019. We are so pleased to see her receive this much deserved award!"
According to Andrea Behn, WAFLT President-Elect, “This prestigious accolade is WAFLT’s highest recognition, awarded to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement and service to the language teaching profession.”
About Señora Kennedy
Señora Kennedy's illustrious career as a Spanish teacher spans over 45 years, beginning with her graduation from Kalamazoo College in 1978. Throughout her tenure, she has dedicated herself to not only teaching the Spanish language but also fostering a deep appreciation for the cultures where Spanish is spoken. Her innovative approach to language education has left an indelible mark on her students, colleagues, and the broader community.
Kennedy's teaching philosophy emphasizes immersive, practical experiences. She has led numerous trips abroad, providing her students with the invaluable opportunity to use their Spanish skills in real-world settings. For those unable to travel, she has brought the world into her classroom through guest speakers, cultural events, and engaging multimedia resources. Her creative methods, including the beloved "Sr. Toro" Beanie Baby Bull and interactive activities, have made learning Spanish a joyful and memorable experience for students of all ages.
Throughout her career, Kennedy has been a pillar of Columbus Catholic Schools in Marshfield, WI. She rejuvenated the language department with her dedication and innovative ideas, creating programs that span from elementary to high school. Her initiatives, such as the Saturday Language Camps, Theatre in the Square, and a comprehensive K-12 Spanish program, have enriched the educational experience for countless students. Most notably, the mission trips she takes with her older students have left a lasting legacy of service and international connections.
Kennedy's contributions extend beyond the classroom. She has presented at numerous WAFLT conferences, sharing her expertise and inspiring fellow educators. Her mentorship has guided many new teachers, and her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellowship Award and the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry Crystal Apple Award.
Señora Kennedy's legacy is one of passion, dedication, and a profound impact on the language teaching profession. Though she is now retired from full-time teaching, she plans to continue sharing her love for Spanish and Hispanic cultures through guest teaching and community engagement.
About the Peru Mission Team
Every two years the Columbus Catholic High School Spanish students (Peru Mission Team) have an opportunity to travel to Casa Hogar, Peru for 10 days to do service projects and put their Spanish language skills to the test. So far, they have traveled to Peru five times, starting in 2014 (the 2020 trip was canceled due to COVID-19). Casa Hogar is a mission of the Diocese of La Crosse, WI and was created by Father Joe Walijewski, or Juan Pablo II. It is an orphanage that has become a leader in the treatment and care for children who come from poverty stricken and high risk backgrounds in Peru. In between trips, the Mission Team is holding fundraising activities to raise money for the trip including bake sales, a fall Language Camp and Piñata Sale.
This past summer, the 16 members of 2024 Peru Mission Team (which included some of our Spanish students, CCS alumni, parents and staff) worked on volunteer projects such as sorting 28 suitcases of shoes/donations, playing games with the orphans, painting park equipment, watering trees and putting up a volleyball net.
Photo Caption: Señora Kennedy displays one of the donations her team brought along during their recent trip to Casa Hogar in Peru.
Photo Caption: During “Theater in the Square” Spanish students from Columbus Catholic High School perform plays for elementary students twice: once in Spanish and again in English. Pictured here is a performance from May, 2024.
Photo Caption: Toward the end of each school year, Señora Kennedy’s elementary students at Our Lady of Peace Intermediate School had an opportunity to barter for Hispanic toys, candy and souvenirs. Pictured here is Spanish Bartering in May, 2023.
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About Columbus Catholic Schools
Columbus Catholic Schools is a comprehensive educational system for students age 3 through high school graduation. Columbus Catholic Schools builds a strong foundation of faith, knowledge and skills to help each student achieve success.
Columbus Catholic Schools and all its educational sites are nationally accredited by the WRISA (Wisconsin Religious and Independent School Accreditation). National accreditation standards require a high degree of excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
About WAFLT
The Wisconsin Association for Language Teachers (WAFLT) is dedicated to the promotion, support, and improvement of teaching and learning languages. Through advocacy, professional development, and resources, WAFLT strives to enhance the language teaching profession and advance language education.