Heat will field new 23U team
A staple of the Elgin fastpitch softball scene since 1996, the Elgin Heat Girls Fastpitch softball program will introduce a 23U team for the first time in program history this summer.
Coached by Steve Cooper, the Heat will welcome some familiar faces from lower level programs of years past as well as several newcomers.
Returning to play at the next level are Nicole Dimiceli (Lake Park/Judson), Brittney Carnell (Kaneland/Benedictine), Carrie Sensor (Burlington Central/Judson), Bridget Metzger (Rochelle/Tennessee State), Kylie Holtz (Larkin/Eastern Illinois University), Maggie Yagen (Kaneland) and Lauren Snyder (Lake Park).
Of those returning to the Heat, Carnell and Metzger will both spend time inside the circle. Carnell will also play infield and outfield, while Metzger will spend her time off the bump at shortstop or the hot corner.
Sensor will also alternate time between shortstop, third base and the outfield. Holtz will play first base when she isn't behind the plate, Yagen will bounce between second base and the outfield and Snyder will play both first base and outfield.
"Our returning players have advanced their individual strengths and talents which is great to see," said Cooper. "The past two years, we finished among the top teams at the NSA World Series and I think we have an even stronger team than what we've seen in the past."
Newcomers include Judson athletes Brenda Perry (C, OF) and Kristen Krueger (OF/IF) as well as Eastern University's Taylor Lawson (P, 1B) and Kelly Ritchey of Aurora University. Ritchey will spend time at catcher and in the outfield.
Additional first-time players for the Heat include Shannon Starr, Jaimie Bauerlein and Laura Bohannan. Starr will play in the outfield. Both Bauerlein and Bohannan show versatility and can be effective both in the infield and outfield throughout the summer season
"We have more speed and more power than last year," said Cooper. "Overall, our strength will be defense, but when our speed and power come together, it will make our offense very difficult to stop.
In their inaugural season, Cooper would like to see the group place in at least three tournaments this season.
"The girls haven't played together much, but are showing great things in practices," said Cooper.
"When I pick a team, I look for talent and coachability. We choose girls that are interested in learning and improving and each of these girls are doing that. It looks like an excellent group and these girls are ready to go."