Reese Reilly

Senior Reese Reilly knew even before her shadow day that Roger Bacon was the place for her. As a former St. Nicholas Academy student who later moved to All Saints, she had already seen the school through the eyes of her brother, Jonathan ’24. “I just loved the community, and I loved how close and tight-knit it felt,” Reese recalls. “It really feels like a family when you walk through the halls. And I loved that it was coed—that was important to me, because I wanted to be somewhere that felt like real life.”

A Scholar, Leader, and Champion

Now beginning her senior year, Reese has already left a remarkable legacy at Roger Bacon. A strong student and constant presence on the Academic Honor Roll, she serves as both a Senior Leader and a member of the Student Ambassador Council. Beyond the classroom, she has become one of the most decorated athletes in Spartan history.

Last winter, Reese became the first Roger Bacon student-athlete to win multiple individual state championships, defending her crown in the 100-yard breaststroke to claim back-to-back titles. The achievement placed her firmly among the greatest athletes to ever wear Spartan colors. “Winning state was an incredible personal moment, but even more a Roger Bacon moment,” she explains. “This community I love so much rallied around me with so much support. My teammates like Madison Stecher ’25 and Matthew Schomaker ’27 were amazing, and my coach, Erica Schomaker, is truly the best. I got so many emails, phone calls—even two t-shirts, including one with my picture on it! I really felt celebrated.”

Celebrating as a Spartan

Reese’s pride in Roger Bacon extends far beyond her own victories. Among her favorite memories is cheering on the girls volleyball team as they marched to their own state championship in 2024. “It was so much fun to celebrate from the other side,” she says. “Watching them win, seeing them bring home a state title for Roger Bacon—I was so proud to be a Spartan!”

Inspired in the Classroom

Though her favorite subject is math, Reese credits Mrs. Welt in the English department as her most impactful teacher. “There are so many great teachers at Roger Bacon, but Mrs. Welt is someone who has always been understanding and supportive,” Reese shares. “She’s comforting, whether in class or on things like sophomore retreat. She’s just awesome.”

And in case you didn’t know—Reese has a hidden talent: she can place her hands flat on a table and rotate them a full 360 degrees.

Beyond the Pool

Outside of Roger Bacon, Reese devotes countless hours to swimming for the Mason Manta Rays, one of the nation’s top club programs. Still, she’s determined to savor every moment of her final Spartan year. “I’m looking forward to all the senior activities—homecoming, Kairos, prom—and of course, the upcoming swim season,” she says. “I don’t have expectations for myself this year. I just want to enjoy the time with my teammates and have fun.”

One of the biggest joys of senior year has been walking the same halls as her sisters, Elise ’27 and Denise ’29. “It makes me so happy to see them during the day,” Reese smiles. “It brings the Roger Bacon family even closer—literally—to share this experience with my siblings.”

Looking Ahead -

Though her senior year has only just begun, Reese already has her future mapped out. She will attend Duke University next year to study marketing while competing on the swim team. Recruited by several programs, she knew Duke was the right choice. “It’s such a great school, and one that’s difficult to get into,” she reflects. “They have a smaller, close-knit community, like we do at Roger Bacon, and a low student-teacher ratio. It just felt comfortable. To receive a scholarship to attend a school like this—I feel so blessed.”

Advice to Future Spartans

With recruiting season for the Class of 2029 underway, Reese has heartfelt advice for eighth graders considering Roger Bacon. “I love Roger Bacon. I love the coed environment, because that’s what real life is like, and I feel like it’s prepared me so well for college and beyond,” she says. “This community truly takes care of each other. From students to staff, everyone is supportive, encouraging, and always there to celebrate you. That just adds to the idea that Roger Bacon really is a family.”