Softball: Scouting 2026 Cook County season
As Ken Grams begins his 46th season at the helm of the Elk Grove softball team, the sport's all-time winningest coach in Illinois obviously has seen it all with his Grenadiers' teams that date back to 1980.
Well, not quite.
For the first time in five decades, he'll direct a team with two sets of sisters in the starting lineup.
Those siblings are senior infielder Katie Wirtz and sophomore catcher JJ Wirtz along with senior outfielder Aubrey McHorney and freshman infielder Kiera McHorney.
Grams begins the season with a record of 1,054-421.
Last year, the Grens were 10-16 and 7-9 in the Mid-Suburban East.
"We started out well," Grams said. "Then we kind of struggled toward the end of the season."
EG returns seven players: four seniors Katie Wirtz, Audrey McHonrey, infielder/pitcher Mari Tan, outfielder Haley Willis; junior pitcher/infielder Brianna Magner, junior infielder Kaylee Romanski and sophomore catcher JJ Wirtz.
Newcomers include seniors Aryanna Huerta (catcher/first baseman), Ashley Braude (first baseman), junior Hannah Carlson (catcher, infielder) and freshmen Isabella Aguirre (pitcher, first baseman). Olivia Arciniegas (outfielder, pitcher) and Keira McHorney.
Barrington: Fillies coach Perry Peterson begins his 34th season as head coach (33 at Barrington and one at St. Viator) with a career record of 1,006-219-1, the second-most wins in IHSA softball history behind Grams.
The Fillies, second in Class 4A last season in their 13th trip to the state finals, went 35-4-1 and 16-0 in the MSL West last spring, winning their 17th conference title in program history (record 15 under Peterson) and a 23rd consecutive regional title (28th overall)
Top returners are senior pitcher Katie Taraschewsky (.392 avg., 49 hits, 5 doubles, 8 home runs, 44 RBI, 31-4-1 pitching record with 146 strikeouts, 1.90 ERA, 15 shutouts), senior OF Nina Brebach (.465 avg., 43 runs, 25 SB), senior OF Madi Van Ryn (.398, 26 RBI), junior IF Harlow Engel (.375, 45 runs, 27 RBI), junior IF Shaylee Hiser (.378, 39 runs, 38 RBI) and junior IF Liana Maggio (.458, 13 doubles, 34 runs, 35 RBI).
Top newcomers are Samantha Hiles (sr.-P), Izzy Zwolinski (jr.-IF/OF) , Morgan Donahue (so.-IF/C), Lilly Goshe (sr.-OF) Emma Zorzy (jr.-C), Alyssa Devich (so.-P), Ava Glosny (sr.-OF), Sophia Choyce (jr.-P), Leia Baran (so.-C), Lucciana Pazdan (sr.-OF) and Vivian Bernardi (jr.-OF).
Barrington has won 1,289 games in the past 57 seasons, second in Illinois according to the IHSA website.
Taraschewsky (Saint Michael’s College in Vermont), Engel (Wichita State) and Van Ryn (Quincy College) are the Fillies' three college commits.
Buffalo Grove: After leading Buffalo Grove's girls basketball team to the MSL West championship, fourth-year Bison softball coach Martha Kelly (51-34 overall) would like to see her spring club move up even higher than its third-place finish in the division (14-16, 8-8) last season.
Returning players for Kelly are senior Leah Hampton, junior Erin Ryan, junior Brooklyn Edler, junior Hayley Cohen, junior Natalie Whitson, junior Sammie Wolverton, sophomore Emaline Sara, sophomore Lily Kim and senior Hailey Barbakoff.
Newcomers are sophomore Maddie Haber and freshman Annie Sadowski.
"We have a core group of returning players, many of which have years of varsity experience," said Kelly, a former three-sport standout at Driscoll High School (now closed) in Addison. "We are in a good position to be competitive. With the change in the new conference alignment we will be facing some good competition that myself and the team are excited for.“
Leading the charge will be four-year varsity player Hampton and Ryan, a Northwestern commit who is on the roster for the USA National team this summer.
Edler, Cohen and Wolverton have two years of varsity experience behind them and will be big pieces in the lineup.
Returners Kim, Sara and Whitson all got good experience last year and the Bison expect big things from them.
Newcomers Sadowski and Haber are ready to go. Whitson and Haber will share duties in the circle, but will have Ryan anchoring them behind the plate.
Conant: After graduating three seniors from last year’s team (15-9, 10-6), two of whom were starters Ava Falcone (four-year all-conference outfielder) and Charlotte Wolf (all-conference outfielder), Conant will start this season looking to fill some key roles, particularly in the outfield, where returner junior Cailyn Kehoe will lead.
Senior pitcher Dani Gemmell and sophomore catcher Sophia Gomez are returning all-conference players.
In all, the Cougars return nine solid players from last year’s roster while adding six talented freshmen.
"Each player brings talent and will contribute in different ways," said former Count and Illinois softball standout and Conant coach Allie (Bauch) Jay.
"This mix of experience and youth has created an exciting energy early in the season as the group continues to work together and develop strong team chemistry.“
Jay said Gemmell and sophomore Payton Ackman return with pitching experience and poise while freshman Adler Long looks to strengthen the rotation with her command and presence on the mound.
Gomez brings leadership behind the plate and is joined by freshman catcher Abby Kovaka, who will add athleticism to the team. Returning junior Jenny Ryan looks to lead the infield with other returners that will add depth to the lineup.
With a deep pitching and catching staff, along with versatile athletes willing and capable of stepping into multiple roles and positions, Conant is looking forward to competing against some tough teams this season.
"This group is young, talented, and full of potential," said Jay, who is expecting another baby in June and says she "I will be coaching with a bump" this season. "They love the game of softball and are excited to get better, compete and see what they are capable of this season."
Fremd: After a 28-6 overall, 14-2 MSL West record in 2025, Fremd coach Josh Teschner will begin his ninth season with a 184-66 career mark. The Vikes graduated Hailey Lucas, Claire Kanupke, Taylor Piento, Avery Sadorf and Kiana Matsunaga from last year's team which lost in the sectional semifinal to St. Charles East.
Top returners are Molly Kanupke (sr.-P), Amanda Poniecki (sr.-2B), Avery Sheridan (jr.-3B), Penelope Schmidt (jr.-OF), Emily Usalis (jr.-C), Emilia Sheridan (jr.-C), Anna Montella (jr.-1B) and Audrie Corrado (jr.-OF).
Key additions are Asha Shah (jr.-U), Hadley Carter (so.-U), Raegan Bokios (so.-OF), Carolyn Caminiti (so.-U), Courtney Kubek (so.-P), Suzana Grosman (fr.-SS) and Skylar Spedale (fr.-CF).
The Vikings once again play one of the hardest schedules in the area, made even harder by the realignment of the MSL.
Kanupke will anchor a pitching staff working to develop a new identity with the loss of three-time all-stater Lucas, a freshman at Southern Illinois. Kanupke was 9-0 last year with an ERA of 1.20. She is a three-sport athlete and a fierce competitor who will pitch a majority of the innings. Kubek will also see time in the circle and is coming off a strong junior varsity season.
Poniecki, Sheridan and Montella return as the core of the infield. Grossman will start at shortstop in her freshman season. Behind the plate will be the rotation of Sheridan, Usalis, Caminiti and Carter.
The outfield will have a decidedly new look with Schmidt being the only returning starter. Spedale will start in center with Corrado, Shah, Schmidt and Bokios figuring into the corner outfield positions.
Teschner believes his club will be a faster team than recent seasons with four or more players likely to swipe 15 or more stolen bases. That has not been done at Fremd since the 2021 season.
Hersey: The defending Mid-Suburban League East champion Huskies (20-11, 12-4) will play in the MSL West (with Barrington, Fremd, Conant, Buffalo Grove and Prospect) which features the top MSL teams from the past three seasons.
"We are excited to get this season started," said Hersey coach Molly Freeman, a former Fremd and Illinois-Chicago standout and assistant coach at Illinois and Louisana-Monroe. "As we navigate a new conference schedule shake-up, we are looking forward to the challenge of the division we are in."
The Huskies will be led by eight seniors, five of whom are returning to the varsity from last season. In all, nine Huskies return from a year ago when they won 20 games for the fourth straight season.
"That experience and leadership will be what we depend on throughout this season," said Freeman, a winner of 222 games since taking over the program in 2008.
"Our returning players will play a key role in key positions."
Gabby Felman returns to the circle after helping lead the Huskies to a regional championship last year. She will be supported by returners Danielle Jensen, Mady Eidle and newcomer Raluca Iuhas.
"Their work together will be bolstered by an experienced offense led by the bats of Gabby Felman, Jillian Wandler and Abby Stonequist," said Freeman, who has guided the Huskies to five MSL division titles in the last nine seasons. "We are looking forward to getting out on the fields and seeing this season come together."
Hoffman Estates
Coaches Lindsey Hamma and assistant Kaiden Jackson, former Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg softball stars, welcome back a core group of players with varsity experience despite losing their starting battery to graduation.
Returning players for the Hawks are Sarah Crocco (sr., SS), Sammie Mares (sr., IF), Lola Roberts (sr., OF-C), Izzy Salazar (sr., P-IF), Victoria Rivera (sr., 3B-OF), Bella Rybicki (sr., 2B-UT) and Julia Zablotny (so., C).
Newcomers are Ellery Leibman (jr., P-OF), Maddie Petschenko (jr., C-UT), Kayleigh James (fr., CF) and Vanessa Wilmotte (fr., P-OF). Freshmen Vanessa Wilmotte and KK James are also expected to make an immediate impact.
“I’m extremely proud of the effort of our pitchers," Hamma said. "Vanessa, Ellery and Izzy, and catchers Julia and Maddie, put in a lot of time during the preseason.”
Hamma expects Rivera and Mares to be key contributors.
"In terms of run production in the heart of the lineup, James, a basketball standout, will also add a component of speed in the leadoff spot. We cannot wait to see what KK is capable of as the ignitor of our offense and threat on the base paths this season,” Hamma said.
Hamma also praised senior captain Sarah Crocco for her leadership at shortstop. "We will count on Sarah to lead by example as we strive for consistency and strong communication in the field.”
The veteran coach, who also starred for Buffalo Grove's 2000 Class AA state girls basketball championship team, added that her athletes have created and embraced the motto of “train insane or remain the same” this season. “We know that we may be small in terms of numbers but that just makes it easier to stick together and have each other’s backs,” Hamma said.
Graduated from last year's team (3-24, 0-16) are Kendall Burdick, Alexa Jocic, Ella Steel, and Bella Velazquez.
Leyden: As he begins his 20th season with a career record of 329-243, Eagles coach Kurt Schuett has a young in terms of varsity experience.
"But we have a strong group of former JV1 players who posted strong win-loss records over the past two years," Schuett said. "Additionally, we have a couple of freshmen who will undoubtedly help the squad."
Non-senior returnees include junior IF Giulia Incandela, sophomore catcher Abby Herrera, and sophomore IF Bianca Rosas. The Eagles' three returning seniors are all seasoned veterans, and all three have committed to playing college athletics on academic or athletic scholarships next year. Angelina Guillen will play softball at Lakeland University, Elise Bertsche at Carthage College and Kat Macleod is a Missouri Baptist basketball recruit.
One familiar face will be leaving the program after this season.
"What I need to mention is that our beloved Laura Scafidi (assistant) is retiring at the end of this school year," Schuett said. "Between softball and volleyball, she has coached 64 consecutive seasons here at Leyden, with a bonus girls basketball season a few years back. That's 65 seasons worth of coaching at Leyden. An impressive feat, one no other Leyden female coach has ever accomplished. To say Leyden is losing a legend would be an understatement.“
Leyden (13-16, 6-6 in the West Suburban Gold) had memorable victories last year over DeKalb, Lyons Township, Palatine, Willowbrook and Downers Grove South.
Maine East: Former Neuqua Valley coach Dani Asquini takes over at Maine East.
"Our team composition is unique," Asquini said. "We have a wide range of players when looking at their experience and skill development. This year we have more than a handful of players who are just beginning to learn the game."
Among the key players is senior captain and pitcher/catcher/third baseman Zoe Kakares, who is beginning her fourth season on the varsity.
"She is one of the most experienced players we have on our roster," Asquini said. "Zoe has a very powerful swing and is a strong defensive player."
Senior co-captain Kat Giannopoulos (catcher/third base) is also a four-year varsity player. "She has a lot of softball experience and is a great leader in the program," Asquini said. "Kat is a strong defensive player and a contact hitter."
Sophomore first baseman and pitcher Ellie Miller is a young yet experienced player. "She plays travel softball outside of Maine East," Asquini added. "Ellie is a very knowledgeable and skilled first baseman. She also will pitch when needed."
Freshman Elin Haido is also a pitcher along with shortstop and second base. "Elin is another young and experienced player who plays travel softball outside," Asquini said. "She is a talented, strong player. She is a threat from the plate and defensively."
The Blue Demons are looking to improve over last season (3-17, 0-8 in the CSL North).
"The leadership opportunities are endless in our softball program," Asquini added. "And we anticipate a lot of growth from our players throughout the season."
Maine West: After going 18-2 overall and 8-0 in the CSL North last spring, Warriors co-coach Chris Addante now stands at 48-16 and 23-3 in the CSL North in his three seasons sharing the duties with Jim Dvorak. He has helped the Warriors to back-to-back undefeated conference championships (8-0 the last two seasons).
"That said, we did graduate five starters who were with us from day one," Addante said. "We return four senior starters, including two all-conference players (captains Kara Lindenmuth and Ily Nanthavinh).“
West also returns senior starters Ava Roback and Sammi Mattson who should make a strong impact on both offense and defense.
"We know everyone will be coming after us as we look to rebuild with several younger, inexperienced players at the varsity level," Addante added.
Juniors Brooke Mattson (captain) and Maddie Hoff are expected to make an immediate impact. Sophomores Zoe Cardona, Megan Clausen, Grace Hoff, Alaina Healy and Ali Weiler will look to make significant contributions as well.
Addante said the Warriors are also fortunate to feature three highly-skilled freshmen (Kaylyn Catomer, Amanda Oshinski, and Giada Lacoppola).
"Our goal is to remain competitive while gaining valuable varsity experience with this new group," Addante said.
Maine South: The Hawks return a strong core group with four seniors, six juniors and a sophomore. They will also be adding one junior, sophomore and freshman.
"With continued hard work and commitment, we believe we can achieve our goals of winning the conference and bringing home a regional title and more," said Hawks veteran coach Emmy Pasier, a former standout athlete at Maine South. "Neither goal will come easily, but this group is ready to embrace the challenge."
Last year, a younger Hawks team fell short of its goals, finishing 10-11 and in the middle of the CSL South at 5-5.
"However, we gained valuable experience and grew from those challenges," Pasier said. "With strong leadership emerging from multiple players, we are looking forward to showing who we truly are this season. We’re looking forward to a great season ahead."
Palatine: Coach Janalee Lyke has a very experienced group of athletes this spring. The third-year coach has 11 returners and three rookies, two of whom are freshmen (Ashley Au and Kate Cartwright).
Lyke will also be joined by a new assistant varsity coach, Jennifer Dick.
"We are excited to continue developing our players with strong leadership from our returners," said Lyke, the former Schaumburg and Grand Valley State catcher.
The infield is led by four-year varsity returner Samantha Kendrick while the outfield is led by senior Quinn Schwartz, who recently committed to play college hockey at Elmira College.
"We are prioritizing a strong defense behind our strong junior pitcher (Mia Woldman)," Lyke added. "Offensively, we have returning players Eliza Piecuch and Jenna Hubert, who led the team (15-19-1, 7-9) last year with their bats.“
Prospect: The Knights (23-12, 10-6) have a strong mix of experience, leadership and promising young talent.
With seven seniors back who have logged significant varsity innings over the past several seasons, the Knights will rely on their experience to set the tone.
One of Prospect's biggest strengths will be pitching depth.
"With multiple pitchers capable of contributing in the circle, we will have flexibility in matchups and the ability to stay fresh throughout a demanding schedule,“ said coach Krystina (Leazer) Mackowiak, who owns a career record 128-104-1.
"In addition to our returners, we have several newcomers who will look to make an immediate impact. While they are new to the varsity level, their talent and work ethic have already stood out early in the season, and the coaching staff believes they will play an important role as the season progresses.“
Mackowiack, who starred on the pitching mound at Elk Grove and Carthage College, said she has a fun group to coach.
"I'm excited about the leadership our seniors bring and the depth we have on the roster,“ Mackowiack added. "The MSL is always competitive, but I believe this group has the experience and talent to challenge ourselves and compete all season."
Rolling Meadows: The Mustangs, under 23rd-year veteran coach Tony Wolanski, are looking forward to improving on last year's 9-22 and 3-13 season in the MSL East.
This spring, they'll compete in the newly-formed MSL East which will include Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Hoffman Estates and Wheeling.
Key returners are Caylee Del Boccio (jr., OF), Mary Linker (sr., 3B), Iris Jordan (jr., P), Vanessa Cobos (jr., OF), Taya Rozanski (jr., OF), Lia Graziani (sr., 2B) and Taylor Brand (jr., 1B). Also returning are Chase Hembry (so., C), Chloe McQueen (so., C), Gisele Vasquez (jr., 3B). Key additions are Brynley Heffernan (fr., P/SS), Devyn Berbaum (fr., P/3B) and Nell Osterhues (jr., SS/OF).
Osterhues and Jordan are coming off one of the best girls basketball seasons in RM history as they helped the Mustangs to the fourth-place trophy in the Class 4A state tourney.
Del Boccio, who plays center field, is one of the top players in the conference. "She is ready to lead the team," said Wolanski, who had been the dean of MSL East coaches until the new realignment. "We want to get back to being competitive, just like we were in 2019. With the experienced players, they are hopeful for a successful season ahead."
Jordan returns for her third varsity season as the team’s top pitcher. She will be supported by a strong defense, featuring Linker at third base, Brand at first, Graziani at second, Cobos in left field and Rozanski in right field. All of them have plenty of game experience. Hembry and McQueen will compete for the starting catcher position while Heffernan and Berbaum add valuable depth to the infield and pitching staff.
"We need to focus on daily improvement and learning from our mistakes,“ Wolanski said. "By enhancing our pitch selection and minimizing defensive errors, we can make a significant difference in our performance. Success will come from our dedication to growth and our ability to play smart, disciplined softball."
Schaumburg: Coach Ellen Abreu's Saxons will be led by senior outfielder Taylor Dolecki, a first-team all-state selection. The MSL West Co-Player of the Year has committed to Arizona State.
Also returning are several experienced seniors including Madison Linnemann, Francheska Manding, Bryana Skweres and McKenna Davis, along with junior Addison O’Neill.
New additions include sophomores Gianna Tagler and Sarah Donohue, as well as freshmen Alana Nieto and Evelyn Blahnik.
"With a strong returning core and promising newcomers, the team looks forward to a competitive season ahead," said Abreu, the former Fremd standout pitcher and slugger.
The Saxons are looking to build on last year's team (10-18, 5-11) under Abreu (211-191-1 career).
St. Viator: As he begins his 12th season, Lions coach John Scotillo will have a much younger team following the graduation of four starters.
But the Lions (10-22, 3-9 in the East Suburban Catholic Conference) are adding four sophomores and three freshmen.
"Our pitchers (sophomore Carley Heiden and senior lsabella DiMarco) are joined by freshman Noelle Jacques," Scotillo said. "We had one catcher last year and now we have three."
Starting catcher Lia Horn will be spelled by freshmen Lucia Perrone and Siena McGrath.
The Lions will rebuild their infield around returning captain and junior third baseman Ava Moreno.
Joining her are infielders Molly Finucane (senior), Emily Hock (senior), Erin Frugo (sophomore) and Kennedy Potirus (sophomore).
The outfielders will be led by returning captain and senior Kayli Burke, junior Mia Lund and newcomers Haiden Coutts (sophomore) and Katherine Courtney (sophomore).
"This is the last year of the ESCC (merging with the GCAC and CCC) and the possibility that this is the last year will be on our field at St. Viator (plans for a football field on campus) so we hope to go out on a high note," Scotillo said.
Wheeling: Wheeling coach Mike Caringella is starting his 19th season after taking over for the late legendary Beth Anderson.
The Wildcats graduated all-conference pitcher Ava Shrake and Katie Moser from last year's 9-16 and 4-12 team.
Wheeling will be led by four-year varsity starters Alaina Costello, Viansa Pollina and Mia Smith.
Freshmen Olivia Aquino and Smith will lead the pitching staff and sophomore Caitlyn Fitzgerald will be the primary catcher and cleanup hitter.
Former All-Area standout Nikki Mikosz returns as an assistant coach.
"We look forward to the continued development of our sophomore and junior players," Caringella said. "Our goal is to win more than last year's four conference games and improve our overall record."
Willows Academy: The Eagles are back for the 2026 spring season. The program did not have enough girls to field a team last spring.
During COVID and with the addition of a track and field team in 2022, the softball numbers dwindled. The school added a middle school softball team three years ago to grow the varsity program.
Current coach Maureen Buttkus led that middle school team.
"I am excited to co-coach with Joanna Varda, who was an assistant coach in 2024," Buttkus said. "We are both mothers to students on the softball team."
The Eagles' last won a regional championship in 2018. They will participate in the Independent Schools League this spring.