Softball: Scouting Cook County teams
They've played 55 seasons of softball at Barrington High School and only one other program in Illinois has won more games.
Barrington's 1,227 victories are second only to Casey-Westfield (1,251 in 45 years) according to the IHSA website.
The 2024 Fillies look to build off their third straight MSL West Division championship and 21st consecutive regional title.
Two of their major players this spring will include a pair of NCAA Division I recruits in Emma Kavanagh (Arizona) and Reese Cullen (Miami University in Oxford, OH).
Following fourth-place finishes in the 2022 and 2023 state finals, Barrington has unfinished business to pursue. Kavanagh is 1 home run away from the career school record and 21 home runs away from the IHSA state record.
Fillies hall of fame coach Perry Peterson's 944 career wins are 100 behind Illinois' all-time leader, retired Randy Wolken of St Joseph-Ogden (1,044).
Second place belongs to Elk Grove hall of famer Ken Grams, who enters the season with 1,019, just 25 away from tying the all-time mark.
Kavanagh, a senior catcher, batted .452 with 12 doubles, 12 home runs, 59 runs and 49 RBI last year. Other statistical leaders who return are junior infielder Erin Thomas (.341, 12 doubles, 7 home runs, 38 runs, 45 RBI), junior outfielder Mimi Cline (.409, 56 runs, 6 home runs, 12 SB), junior infielder Cullen ( .371, 5 home runs, 36 RBI), senior outfielder Gabi Phillis (18 hits,12 RBI), sophomore infielder Mueller (.438, 13 RBI) and sophomore pitcher Katie Taraschewsky.
Top newcomers are Shannon Kenney (jr., IF), Nina Brebach (so., OF), Maddie Van Ryn (so., OF), Samantha Hiles (so., P), Harlow Engel (fr., OF) and Shaylee Hiser (fr., IF).
The Fillies' 16 MSL crowns, 14 under Peterson, are a record.
Buffalo Grove is coming off a 25-6 banner season (12-4 in the MSL East) in which it won the MId-Suburban League championship, a regional and advanced to the sectional finals. Second-year coach Martha Kelly has a good core of returning players that are expected to elevate their game to fill the loss of last year's seniors.
Key returners are Kayla O'Malley (sr.), Maggie Khayyata (sr.), Paige Veller (jr.), McKenna Wagner (jr.), Sammie Kosnoff (jr.) and Leah Hampton (so.). Newcomers include Meagan Ryan (so.) and Erin Ryan (fr.).
Kosnoff will take over the majority of pitching duties along with Wagner. Ryan will take the helm behind the plate.
"I am excited for the group that we have. They bring a lot of energy and passion to the sport," Kelly said. "The entire infield will be together for the next two years, so I am excited about that as well."
Conant starts the season with longtime assistant Kelly Wolff taking over for former Cougars and Illinois star Allie Bauch Jay, who gave birth to twin girls, Audrey and Lacey Jay on Dec 1. While on maternity leave, Wolff steps in as head coach and will be assisted by former hall of fame Conant coach, CathyAnn Smith (2001-2018).
The Cougars feature a strong group of 10 returners and a talented set of underclassmen.
The outfield will be patrolled by Northern Illinois recruit junior Ava Falcone, senior Colleen McMahon, senior Jaina Halman and junior Charlotte Wolf. The corners will be handled by all-conference senior Tia Splitberger at first base and junior Isabella Portogallo.
Middle infield will have a mix of veterans with senior shortstop Liv Mickelson (Illinois Benedictine) and senior second baseman Grace Valenzia along with newcomers senior Callie Barna and sophomore Kiana Leopoldo.
Directing from behind the plate will be senior Ashleigh Simmons (Marion College, Fond du lac, Wis.) who will be receiving from sophomore newcomer Dani Gemmell.
“Natalie Spaitis was a definite force for us the past 4 years, but Dani is ready to take the mound with a strong arsenal of different speed and movement pitches," Wolff said. "She worked incredibly hard in the off-season and we are looking forward to seeing what she can do for us this spring.”
The Cougars have depth with sophomore returner Elena Czosnyka and the remaining new players who have the ability to play in multiple areas such as freshman outfielder Cailyn Kehoe, freshman catcher/third baseman Maddie Ryan, and twin sister pitcher/IF Jenny Ryan. “The enthusiasm and competitiveness we saw during tryout week was impressive from all of the players," Wolff added. "The hunger they have to make a name for themselves in the MSL this season is exciting to see.”
Elk Grove veteran coach Ken Grams (1019-421 for his career), whose team was 14-16 and 7-9 last spring, returns four-year starter Ariana Trausch (sr., SS, all-conference, Lewis recruit), four-year starter Lexi Goeringer (sr. 3B/P, all-conference, Maryville, St. Louis, pledge), Erika Gore (sr., P), Hannah Kugelberg (jr., 1B), Aliya Garcia (jr., P/OF) and Katie Wirtz (so., 2B, OF). Gore was injured last year (played only one game) and hopes to return to sometime in April.
Gtrams welcomes newcomers Lauren Brunn (sr., OF/IF), Brooke Tanner (sr., OF), Bella Andrade (jr., P,OF,IF), Hannah Carlson (fr., C), Brianna Wagner (fr., P/IF) and Kaylee Romanski (fr., P/IF).
Fremd coach Josh Teschner has directed the Vikings to five straight regional titles. The eight-year veteran, who has been part of the program for 20 years, owns a career record of 132-55.
Seniors Mia Souliotis (C), Leah Sheehan (1B) and Josie Weber (LF) hope to keep the Vikings on track. Junior Hailey Lucas is a ICA all-state pitcher/hitter who will anchor the pitching staff. Two-time all-conference and all-area Avery Sadorf, a junior, moves back to third base after shoring up the outfield last season.
Junior Taylor Piento was an all-conference and all-area selection in 2023 and is back to roam center field for the scrappy Vikings.
The middle infield sees new faces for the first time in three years as sophomore Amanda Poniecki (second base) and freshman Avery Sheridan (shortstop) enter the starting lineup for the Vikes (24-10, 14-3 last spring).
Other key newcomers are senior Tessa Ruttenberg, senior Kiana Matsunaga, junior Alexa Pazur, junior Claire Kanupke, sophomore Amanda Poniecki and freshman Avery Sheridan.
Hersey had nine players graduate from last year's 21-9 team that went 11-5 in the MSL East. "We are very excited to get the 2024 season started," said veteran Huskies coach Molly Freeman, a former Fremd and Illinois-Chicago softball standout. "We have several talented new players and return four key players in McKenna Menczywor (senior), Abby Bailitz (junior), Payton Kee (junior), and Ariya Patel (junior). This group will lead us in our race to a conference championship."
The many additions include (sophomore Gabby Felman, sophomore Daniella Fuller, junior Lilly Cosgrove, Maddy Drury (junior), Grace Grabowy (junior), Reese Izenstark (junior), Ellie Lindberg (junior), Nora Lochner (junior) and Kate Kaiser (senior). "They bring strong bats and solid defense,"' Freeman said. "This group has an inner desire to win and compete and we are very excited to see them get the opportunity to shine. It will be our goal to be East Conference champions this season."
Hoffman Estates coach Lindsey Hamma welcomes back seven players from last year’s varsity squad and adds newcomers Sammie Mares (1B-UT), Victoria Rivera (UT), Bella Rybicki (IF) who are expected to make an immediate impact as the Hawks look to improve over last year's team that was 3-25 and 1-15 Returning players are Maddie Dyer (sr.. SS), Amber Kelly (sr., 3B-C), Josslen Hernandez (jr., P-UT) Kendall Burdick (jr., P-UT), Alexa Jocic (jr., C-OF), Ella Steel (jr., CF-UT) and Bella Velazquez (jr., P-IF).
“I’m extremely proud of the effort all of our pitchers put in during the off-season with their individual pitching coaches," said Hamma, a former Buffalo Grove and Illinois softball standout. "They are a staff that complements each other well.”
The starting battery of Velazquez and Lewis-bound catcher Alexa Jocic return, complemented by fellow hurlers Hernandez and Burdick. Hamma expects Velazquez and Jocic to be key contributors in terms of run production in the Hawks’ lineup in the leadoff and third spots.
Furthermore, Hamma praised senior captain Amber Kelly for her leadership early on. Kelly will return at third base with Maddie Dyer at shortstop.
“Maddie has embraced being more of a vocal leader, and we will count on her to produce runs in the heart of our lineup.” Hamma said. “Ella Steel has clearly emerged as the anchor of the outfield in centerfield.”
Leyden coach Kurt Schuett welcomes back five seniors and eight returning players, including Arlette Guzman, a Triton recruit.
The Eagles had a tough game schedule last year, finishing 14-10 overall (8-4 in the West Suburban Gold).
"But last year’s schedule is nothing compared to this spring as we are picking up several tough nonconference opponents (York, Elk Grove, Lyons Township, Fremd, Palatine, Trinity, Lane Tech, Sandburg, Barrington, St. Ignatius, Resurrection, Regina Dominican, Elmwood Park, and Glenbard North)," Schuett said.
Returning seniors Arlette Guzman and Isabella Kimilek will provide defensive stability in both the outfield and infield. Several juniors are also seasoned varsity players, including Abigail Cortez (P/SS), Arianna Gallo (1B/P), Carmen Richardson (IF/P) and Gianna Olan (C/OF) along with sophomore Elise Bertsche (P/Utility). "They will all play key leadership roles,": Schuett said. "Newcomers include Angelina Guillen (sophomore), Natalia Hernandez (senior), Giulia Incandela (freshman), Gethsemane Jimenez (senior), Brianna Martinez (junior), Zoe Palma (senior), Sabrina Galizia (junior) and Olivia Peredo (junior).“
Schuett said Rosemont has given the Eagles the opportunity to return to Parkway Bank Sports Complex, formerly Bandits Stadium, to play the majority of their home games.
"Our Leyden student-athletes, their parents, and softball coaches couldn’t be more excited," said Schuett, who along with coach Scafidi and statistician Mal Ranallo move into their 18th season with an overall record of 299-212-1
Kyle Eller takes over the Maine East program (9-18, 3-5 last spring) and he will have the services of returning assistant coach Amy McBride, who has been with the team for four years.
Senior Jayden Coppe batted .484 last year and was an even more effective pitcher where she racked up 216 strikeouts. Also back is Emma Asien, who had three of the wins last season and a .360 average with 5 home runs.
"We are also returning seniors MacKenzie Walker (.343 average) and Ashlyn Polydor," Eller said. "And we're introducing senior Mariah Scott, (an all-area basketball player committed to Schoolcraft College in Detroit).“
Maine West returns 14 of the 15 rostered players from last season with its only senior, Faiza Rogaria, returning as part of the coaching staff.
"We have a mix of improved upperclassmen and talented sophomores," said Maine West coach Jim Dvorak who works alongside co-coach Chris Addante for the second straight season. "We continue to work on the technical side of the game with a focus on hitting. We are working on daily drills and position specific skills.“
Junior all-area Kaitlyn Marsh will be a force on the mound with her increased speed and two years of varsity experience.
Other key returners are junior Alondra Contreras, senior second baseman Leiah Cardona, junior shortstop Abigail Garcia, junior first baseman McKayla Garnett, sophomore centerfielder Ily Nanthavinh and sophomore right fielder Kara Lindenmuth,
Catching duties will be handled by sophomores Sammi Mattson and Ava Roback. "Our infield returns with 2 full seasons playing together," said Dvorak (75-67) whose team was 10-11 and 7-3 in the Central Suburban North last season. ""We have several players working hard to earn the remaining position in left field."
Maine South coach Emmy Paiser returns nine players from last year's 17-7 team which was the Central Suburban League champion (9-1) and a regional champion. The Hawks also have four juniors and two sophomores who would love to break into the starting lineup.
"This makes for some competitive practices where they are pushing each other every day," said Paiser, who owns a 352-260-7 record in 21 seasons.
Twin sisters Jessica and Hannah Hoffman (seniors) return to split time on the mound. Ryan Mullarkey will catch for them and Ava Amelio will be at third base. They will also serve as the team captains.
In addition to the Hoffman's, the Hawks have another set of twins with Maeve and Maura Lawlor, also seniors.
Palatine coach Nicole Capalbo said her team combines a good mix of experience and youth. "We are very athletic and our team versatility will play to our advantage regardless of who is on the mound for us," she said. "We have a strong senior class with varying leadership skills that will help teach our younger players our program’s philosophies and expectations of what it means to wear the Palatine Pirate jersey."
The Pirates were 17-15 and 6-10 last spring when they advanced to the Warren sectional final. Key players back from that team are Angie Delgado, Paige LaSalle and Grace Adame.
"We are competitive and want to reach many goals that we have set for our team this season," said Pauly, who is 153 and 96 in her career. "The girls have put a lot of hard work in during the off-season."
Prospect graduated 10 seniors and is looking to rebuild under coach Krystina Mackowiak, a former Elk Grove and Carthage standout pitcher. "We have several talented new faces on the team this year and we are excited for the energy they will bring." said Mackowiak, who owns a 92-76 career record after her team went 19-12 and 9-8 in the MSL East. "This group has been working really hard and it will be key for us to grow and play as a cohesive group." The Knights will rely on senior four-year starter Rachael Sasanuma's leadership.
Rolling Meadows starts the season with a great balance of youth and experience. "I really want to see how our freshmen play at the varsity level," said Tony Wolanski, the winningest coach (249-366 record in 20 seasons) in program history. "They are a nice group and we have five experienced varsity players to help guide them."
Key returnees are junior Ashlyn Ferguson (SS/C), junior Kelly McQueen C/OF, senior Mia Pilipauskas P/2B) and senior Sophia Cobos SR. (3B/1B). Key newcomers are freshmen Abby Ciccone (P), Caylee Del Boccio (CF), Vanessa Cobos (OF/2B), Taylor Brand (1B), Iris Jordan (P) and Nell Osterhues (P/SS). Rounding out the roster are sophomore Lea Graziani (2B/OF), senior Alena Sabella (2B/OF), freshman Taya Rozanski .(2B/OF), freshman Chelsea Trousdale (3B) and freshman Giselle Vasquez (3B/SS).
"We have a nice freshman class, mixed in with some solid experienced players," Wolanski said. "If we can improve in the field, it will make it easier for our pitchers to have success."
Schaumburg returns 10 players and welcomes two newcomers as it comes off an 11 — 17-1 and 7-9 MSL West season.
Returners are all-area basketball forward Madison Dolecki (sr), Allyson Caldwell (sr), Alexa Evans (jr.), Kennedy Apple (jr), Ella Oakley (jr.), Aubrey Kosek (jr.), Madison Mueller (jr.), Victoria Villegas (jr.), Jordan Murtaugh (jr.), and Taylor Dolecki (so.). Newcomers are Francheska Manding (so.) and McKenna Davis (so.).
Dolecki, an all-conference selection last spring, is committed to play Division I softball at Belmont University. Taylor Dolecki, who started in center field last year, also returns as all-conference player. "With the bulk of our team returning from last year, we look forward to the season ahead," said Saxons veteran coach Ellen Abreu. "We are excited to see what everyone on our team will do this upcoming season."
St. Viator coach John Scotillo expects a different experience for his 2024 team. "With no established pitchers, two of our captains (senior Hannah Grossman and junior Alexis Horn) have stepped up and have been throwing since June," he said. "lt will be new to them but they will be in good hands throwing to our other captain, senior and Illinois Wesleyan commit, Jillian Bollard."
When not pitching Grossman will be in the infield with juniors Maggie Ratzki and Ellen Denten and sophomore Katie Stevens. In addition to pitching, Horn will be returning to center field joined by sophomore Kayli Burke and junior Grace Ardito on the corners. Other senior leaders are Sophie Vernoski and Maggie Giroux.
Additional juniors Stella Zafiris, Gemma DelBoccio, and Anastasia Papaioannou are third-year varsity players with a lot of experience. "We are also excited to have freshman Ava Moreno (C/INF) with us this year," Scotillo said.
Wheeling coach Mike Caringella says his his 18th team will feature a scrappy offense and will work on getting the best defense it can behind its pitchers.
The Wildcats graduated Amanda Bann and Teresa Petzold and return senior Kaitlyn Fielding (will play center field), Katie Moser, Ava Shrake, Taylor Ashe, Alaina Costello, Mia Smith and Viansa Pollina. Newcomers are senior Kate Ruelos Reyes, junior Bella Lagunas-Hernandez and freshman Ryn Less.
Shrake is healthy after battling injuries her freshman and sophomore seasons. She will handle the pitching duties along with Smith.
Moser and Costello will be at top of order and the anchor infield. Smith and Polina are sophomores who can play all over the field.
"We are looking forward to a competitive season in the MSL," Caringella said.