Benny Parnitzke has made it through five rounds of voting in the Sports Illustrated Youth Athlete of the Year competition, and the 13-year-old athlete is now hoping his community will continue to support him.
“I would be honored to win,” Benny said.
Benny, a soccer captain and football kicker, finished first in his group after advancing through the Top 20, Top 15, Top 10 and Top 5 rounds. He is now competing in the quarterfinals, which run through Oct. 8.
The votes reset at the start of each round, giving Benny and the other group winners a fresh start.
Benny said seeing people continue to show up for him has been one of the best parts of the experience.
“It’s really nice to see all the support from family, friends and all the different people that are showing up to vote,” he said.
His father, Palos Heights Deputy Police Chief John Parnitzke, said the response has been meaningful for the entire family.
“I am not surprised by support for Benny in this competition, we are very humbled by it,” John Parnitzke said. “Some people have told us they set a reminder in their phone to vote every day. That kind of support is really appreciated.”
The support has come from family, friends, teammates, coaches and people throughout the local community.
John said Benny’s personality has also helped him connect with his teammates and those around him.
“Benny is always a great teammate and a kid others are drawn to because of his personality,” he said.
Benny is captain of the U14 Orland Park Sting FC soccer team and a kicker for the Tinley Park Bulldogs. His soccer team recently returned from the US Youth Soccer President’s Cup after finishing third in the nation in its age group.
Benny said he is particularly excited about the opportunity to partner with Russell Wilson’s clothing brand if he wins.
The competition winner will receive $25,000, an opportunity to be featured in a Sports Illustrated advertisement and become a brand ambassador for 3BRAND, the apparel company founded by NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.
A win also could help offset some of the expense that comes with Benny’s athletic pursuits.
“Winning this competition would be a great way to cover some of the costs of travel sports and training,” John said.
The competition gets tougher in the quarterfinals because Benny is now facing the first-place finishers from the other groups.
“These coming rounds are going to be more competitive with each person being someone who won their group,” John said.
The quarterfinals run through Oct. 8. The semifinals are scheduled for Oct. 9-15, followed by the finals Oct. 16-22.
Benny and his family are hoping the people who helped him reach this point will continue to vote as he takes on the other group winners.
Voting for Benny is available at https://athleteoftheyear.org/2026/benny-2b57.
