'An Amazing Night': New Lenox Family Awards First Scholarships In Son's Memory

NEW LENOX, IL — It was a bittersweet moment for Kelly Koscinski on May 6, as her efforts to her honor her late son were fulfilled.

Kelly Koscinski, whose son Tyler died in a crash in September 2024, watched as five students from his alma mater were awarded scholarships from the foundation created in his memory.

Tyler, who died at 20, graduated from Lincoln-Way West just two years ago. He was a passionate and fierce athlete and competitor, dual-sport in baseball and football until narrowing his focus on baseball. As the community rallied around them following his death, the Koscinski family channeled grief into creating the Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation, an effort to support athletes like Tyler—those fueled by passion and intense focus.

"We just feel that this is now his purpose," she said previously.

At Lincoln-Way West's Scholarship Night on May 6, five seniors were each awarded $2,000 scholarships—a nod to their pursuit of their athletic goals and dreams, and a tribute to the same passion they shared with Tyler.

Selected from 30 applicants were Reese Geiger, Erin Quigley, Kylie Ludwig, Makenna Avery Zitkus and Nathan Elstner.

"Their applications were all exemplary," Koscinski said. "Our board did a blind read. These five that we picked—they’re amazing kids. They’re all going to do amazing things."

The scholarships, Koscinski said, were funded entirely through combined donations to a GoFundMe created after the crash along with past fundraisers at JBD White Horse Inn, Orange Theory and individual donations. The winners were selected by the foundation's board, which is composed of 26 family and friends on a volunteer basis.

"Tyler made a mark at West," Koscinski said. "These five made their mark there as well, and that was the point."

All five students will continue their athletic endeavors at their chosen colleges. Geiger will attend Davenport University to pursue a degree in sports management, while competing in track and field, pole vault specifically. Quigley will attend Moraine College, where she'll pursue legal studies while playing softball. Ludwig will go on to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she'll study Spanish education and compete in track and field. Zitkus will attend St. Xavier University, where she'll study psychology and compete in track and field, rugby, and cross-country. Elstner will attend Northern Illinois University, where he'll wrestle and major in business.

Though none of the recipients played football or baseball like her son, Koscinski is thrilled to be able to support their ambitions in some way.

"It’s amazing for us to be able to help them in their athletic journey in college," she said. "They’re student-athletes, and college athletes now, and that’s not an easy task."

In creating the foundation, the family shared more about Tyler and his passions, and what inspired the foundation. Though intense in his athletic pursuits, he had not yet determined next steps in his life otherwise. His focus on baseball had been so tight, he couldn't quite see past it. He had had been so supported throughout his sports career, though, it seemed appropriate that trickle down to other high school athletes, Koscinski previously told Patch.

"Tyler's love for athletics and his unwavering dedication to his team and peers inspire us to support the next generation of student-athletes," the foundation's leaders wrote in its introduction. "All donations to the foundation will be directed towards scholarships and support for young athletes in the Lincoln-Way area, ensuring that Tyler’s spirit continues to drive excellence and opportunity in the world of sports. ... We want to assure you that every contribution will have a meaningful impact."

"We want to inspire and help the athletes through the foundation," Koscinski said. "Just like Tyler was helped."

The foundation was started shortly after Tyler's death, when a GoFundMe started by a family friend generated more than $30,000 initially, and nearly $43,000 to-date.

Seeing their plans come to fruition was an emotional moment for Koscinski.

"We were in that position two years ago, where Tyler walked across the stage, and he got scholarships," she said. "It was beautiful, it was an amazing night. The kids were so appreciative. It was just really hard in remembering why we were doing it."

With the scholarships awarded, the foundation and its board now turn their focus to the first annual TK9 Foundation Golf Outing, set for July 26 at Green Garden Country Club. Registration opens soon, at $150 per player and including 18 holes, golf cart, dinner and more. Sponsors are also being sought, as well as donations for the silent auction and gift basket raffle. Find more information on the TK9 Foundation website.

All funds raised through the golf outing will be funneled into the scholarship program, Koscinski said.

"We want it very transparent—everything is going to this scholarship," she said.

The significance of playing a role in students who reflect her son's passions is immeasurable. Though an emotional night, she's proud to see his name live on.

"My biggest thing—what I’ve been saying and what I’ve been realizing, is this foundation is the way for me to be Tyler’s mom still," she said. "Helping kids. It’s the only way I can put it. This first one ... it hit hard.

"It’s just me surviving and trying to do something."