Softball: Scouting 2026 DuPage County season
Addison Trail
Coach: Steve Kuchefski (1st season)
Last season: 18-13, 9-3, second West Suburban Gold
Top returning players: Elina Rodriguez, sr., 2B, Madeline Housley, jr., 3B, Giselle Ramos, soph., P, Sophia Guillen, soph., SS
Key newcomers: Yesi Reyes, sr., C, Karina Hernandez, jr., SS-2B, Mia Banks, sr., 1B
Worth noting: Kuchefski takes over for 14-year veteran Mark Olson and has coached softball, football and basketball at AT, baseball at York, basketball at Neuqua Valley and football at Glenbard East and East Aurora. “Strengths of this team will be fundamentals on defense,” Kuchefski said. “We preach fundamentals every day in practice. Embrace boredom. We will also have strong pitching in Giselle Ramos and other pitchers that are younger players.” Ramos pitched as a freshman on varsity and gained good experience, while Guillen also played varsity as a freshman. “Sophia brings experience and leadership to the team,” Kuchefski said. “She brings energy and can play anywhere on the field.” Housley has started at third base since freshman year. “She brings leadership, experience and is ready to have a breakout year at the plate,” the coach said. Kuchefski said AT’s goal is to be one of the top teams in the WSC Gold. “With a lot of new faces on varsity and new coaching staff, we have to fight to earn our respect in this conference each week,” he said. “I feel we can be one of those top teams this year with young and hungry players ready to compete each week.”
Benet Academy
Coach: Janet Royal (2nd season)
Last season: 17-17, 8-4, second East Suburban Catholic
Top returning players: Alaina Rosner, jr., C, Sophia Rosner, jr., P-utility
Key newcomers: Noel Klody, soph., LHP, Despina Patos, fresh., 2B-utility
Worth noting: The Rosner sisters both earned postseason accolades a year ago. Alaina Rosner, committed to Southern Illinois, caught 31 of Benet’s 33 games last season and gunned down 14 runners stealing while hitting .414 with 20 doubles, 29 RBI and only 2 strikeouts at the plate. Sophia Rosner went 8-7 in the circle with 121 strikeouts in 104 2/3 innings. She had a 1.47 ERA, left 73 runners stranded and opponents hit a poverty .186 against her. Sophia Rosner also found time to hit .442 with 13 doubles, 6 homers and 32 RBI. She’s committed to Nebraska-Omaha. “We have some key holes to fill, but our roster has a good mix of returning experience and newcomers ready to contribute,” Royal said. “There are several new faces to watch — both in the field and in the lineup — as we sort out roles and build depth across the diamond. One area we feel confident about is pitching where we’ll lean on seasoned players on the mound to keep us competitive and set the tone.” Royal noted Benet competes in a consistently tough conference with the likes of Chicago Marist, Joliet Catholic and Carmel Catholic. “We expect to be right in the mix again this season and are looking forward to another year of hard-fought games.”
Downers Grove North
Coach: Matthew Dillard
Last season: 19-15 overall, 10-2 (first) in the West Suburban Silver, lost to Marist in sectional final.
Top returning players: Ella Bonk, sr., CF; Mary Miller, sr., C/3B/1B; Viktoria Czech, jr., SS; Mia Havrilla, jr., OF.
Worth noting: Dillard takes over as head coach after Eric Landschoot retired. The Trojans graduated a large number of seniors, including ace pitcher Ashlynn Durkin. They return four starters. Czech was second team All-State and all-conference last year and Bonk all-conference. Miller is committed to Edgewood University. “JV had a strong season last year and we are looking for those girls to come up and make an immediate impact on varsity,” Dillard said. “We expect to compete for a conference championship and win another regional title.”
Downers Grove South
Coach: Jim Cushing
Last season: 15-17 overall, 10-2 (first) West Suburban Gold, lost to Lyons in regional.
Top returning players: Addison Yurchak, sr., SS; Jacklyn Meyers, sr., CF; Jordan Balsavich, so., OF; Victoria Colorato, sr., OF; Natalie Zalud, jr., 3B.
Top new players: Paige Rook, so., C/DH; Natalia Manganello, jr., 2B.
Worth noting: The Mustangs return six starters and will be tested by a schedule that includes defending champion Oswego. Yurchak, committed to MIT, hit .396 with four homers and 28 RBIs last year. Upper Iowa commit Meyers hit .466, Balsavich .481, College of DuPage commit Colorato .359 with five homers and Zalud hit .370. “We have to play well defensively in order to be successful,” Cushing said. “We play the top four teams in the state during the season so those games will be our measuring stick.”
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello (19th season)
Last season: 16-20, 7-12, ninth Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Sophia Hollis, jr., 3B-P, Isabella Delgado, soph., P-1B, Kailey Bernero, jr., utility-P, Ryleigh Mitchell, soph., C, Alyssa Alanis, sr., SS, Emma Siekierski, jr., CF-P
Key newcomers: Jezely Arellano-Jaquez, soph., utility, Kaitlynn Overfield, soph., P-utility
Worth noting: Hollis (.450, 13 doubles, 2 homers, 35 runs), Bernero (.318, 10 doubles, 2 homers, 30 RBI) and Delgado (.393, 8 doubles, 2 homers, 22 RBI, 92 K pitching) were either all-UEC (Hollis) or all-UEC honorable mention (Bernero and Delgado) last year. Hollis had 50 hits as a sophomore and Mello noted will get more innings in the circle this season. Siekierski replaces all-stater Elizabeth Delgado in center while still getting innings in the circle and moving toward the top of the order, while Mitchell will be counted on as a cornerstone behind the plate and threw out 11 of 20 runners trying to take a steal as a freshman, Mello noted. Mitchell hit .295 with 17 RBI, while Alanis will provide a great glove and arm at short, Mello said. Siekierski put down 14 sacrifices last year. Mello added pitching should be a good strength with 5 girls who will be part of the Bison rotation. Fenton had 8 seniors last year, but has 1 this season (Alanis). “However, of the 10 girls on the roster, most of them have varsity experience,” Mello said. Looking at the Upstate Eight, Mello said the entire East Division is competitive. “There are no easy games,” he said. “Glenbard East, Glenbard South, Riverside-Brookfield, West Chicago, Elmwood Park and Ridgewood are all teams that can play with just about anyone,” he said. “We will show up each day and give it our best shot.”
Glenbard East
Coach: Dawn Chantos (3rd season of second stint at East)
Last season: 20-6, 15-4, third Upstate Eight
Top returning players: Claire Bolda, jr., P, Lilly Carver, jr., SS, Ally Amrhein, jr., C, Althea Fitzgerald, jr., utility
Key newcomers: Hannah Berrier, soph., OF, Jocelyn Vargas, soph., C-OF, Sophie Demarchi, jr., OF
Worth noting: Bolda (14-4, 1.14 ERA, 200 K in 111 innings), verbally committed to DePaul, and Carver (.529, 10 doubles, 7 homers, 28 RBI, 44 runs), verbally committed to UIC, were third-team ICA all-state selections last year and joined Amrhein (.432, 8 doubles, 3 homers, 25 RBI) on the all-UEC list. “The strengths of this team will be the leadership we will get from our returning players and the competitive nature of the players and the desire to work hard and improve every day,” Chantos said. Chantos said Bolda, Carver and Amrhein “led our team last year in key stats and they are the key leaders on the field,” she said. East has 9 returning varsity players and 6 other starters back. In terms of the conference: “Our conference is very competitive with South Elgin, West Chicago and Riverside-Brookfield likely to finish near the top,” Chantos said. “We should compete well with them this year and our goal is to win the conference. We are looking forward to an exciting season.” Fitzgerald hit .345 with 13 RBI.
Glenbard North
Coach: Josh Sanew (19th season)
Last season: 20-5, 10-4, DuKane champions
Top returning players: Avery Miller, sr., P, Gia Whalen, sr., 2B, Lauren Kozolovsky, sr., CF-3B, Gianna Frcek, jr., RF-3B, Maddie Wojtas, jr., C, Aubrey Miller, soph., P-1B, Gina Brown, sr., P, Sarah Bilek, sr., C
Key newcomers: Lily Banish, jr., OF, Chloe Banish, jr., SS, Kaelin Sava, fresh., C-1B, Addison Antongiovanni, sr., P, Rachel Shaber, jr., OF, Chelsea Michalowski, jr., SS-OF
Worth noting: Miller and Whelan were all-state picks a year ago. Miller was 14-4 with a 2.80 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 114 innings and also hit .437 with 6 homers and 23 RBI. Whelan hit .388 with 9 homers and 35 RBI. Lauren Kozlovsky, an all-stater her sophomore year, hit .330 with 6 homers and 20 RBI. Frcek (.319, 2 homers, 10 RBI), Wojtas (4 homers, 8 RBI), Aubrey Miller (.321, 4 homers, 14 RBI, 2-0 pitching with a save) and Brown (4-1 pitching, 2.54) also were varsity contributors. Avery Miller (University of Springfield), Whelan (Illinois Wesleyan), Kozlovsky (MIT) and Brown all will continue their careers at the next level. “We return a good hitting lineup from last year,” Sanew said. “We return 3 pitchers from last year who all had very good years. We should be solid offensively and on the mound).” Sanew is looking for big things from the trio of Avery Miller, Whelan and Kozlovsky. “These 3 players have been all-conference, all-area and all-state throughout their varsity careers, so looking for big senior seasons,” he said. Sanew said the DuKane Conference will not be for the weak of heart. “Our conference is always very difficult,” he said. “We should be able to compete with the best and hopefully compete for a conference championship.”
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda (21st season)
Last season: 12-19, 10-9, tie seventh Upstate Eight, Class 3A regional champion
Top returning players: Emma Full, jr., 3B, Evangeline Dupuis, jr., SS, Delaney Nelson, sr., CF, Brooke Lange, sr., P
Key newcomers: Khloe Bauman, fresh., C
Worth noting: Full (.415 in 106 at-bats, 4 triples, 26 RBI, 33 runs) and Dupuis (.393 in 84 at-bats, 9 doubles, 5, triples, 5 homers, 33 RBI) are both returning all-UEC selections. Fonda added Bauman will be an impact player as a freshman. “Khloe will get quality time behind home plate and her bat could be a game changer,” she said. Fonda said this is the most experienced varsity team she has coached. “We have 4 seniors who have played varsity since their freshmen year and 2 juniors who have played varsity since their freshmen year. We have all the pieces to be really successful this year.” Fonda said Glenbard East is the team to beat in the conference. “Glenbard East will be tough to beat,” she said. “We should be battling for first or second.” Nelson hit .326 in 92 at-bats and scored 30 runs, while Lange hit .287 in 91 at-bats with 7 doubles and 15 RBI.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mary McGrane
Last season: 21-9 overall, 9-3 (second) in West Suburban Silver, lost in regional final.
Top returning players: Shelby Bobroff, jr., OF; Caroline Semorevivo, sr., SS; Alexa Trybus, sr., C/3B; Cece Atkinson, jr., 1B/C; Laney Frank, jr., 2B/OF.
Top new players: Bella Albert, jr., OF; Claire Fischer, jr., 1B; Annie Bongiorno, jr., 3B; Mia Salerno, jr., 2B/OF; Evie Slepicka, jr., C/OF; Laura Slepicka, jr., P/OF; Sofia Carbonari, fr., OF/C; Maya Kittner, fr., OF.
Worth noting: Four-year starter Trybus and three-year starter Semorevivo lead three starters back for a Hilltoppers’ team with a lot of new faces on its varsity roster. Trybus hit .387 with 28 RBIs last year. Semorevivo, committed to North Central, hit .304 with 18 RBIs and 13 runs scored. Bobroff, who hit .297 with 12 RBIs and 22 runs scored, returns at the top of the lineup. Slepicka will lead the pitching staff and she will have some help from sophomores Chelsea Brady and Riley Betchel and freshman Hannah Lawless-Fisher. “It’s a fun group, many of the players have been playing together since they were younger and are excited to represent Glenbard West,” McGrane said.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Brittany Zust
Last season: 13-11 overall, 4-8 West Suburban Silver.
Top returning players: Audrey Araujo, sr.; Gabriella Georganas, sr.; Lauren Koschik, sr.; Madeline Kubesh, sr.; Elle Kinder, jr.; Kaleigh Kozlowski, jr.; Malia Kuo, jr.; Evelyn Skay, jr.; Emersyn Willits, jr.; Anusha Sekhadia, so.
Top new player: Olivia McEwen, fr.
Worth noting: The Red Devils return nine starters — they graduated just one — off a team that finished above .500 in a competitive conference and schedule. Georganas, Willits and Koschik will provide the big bats. Zust has high expectations for Kinder and Sekhadia in the circle. McEwen is the lone freshman up. “We have a senior-heavy roster, which means a wealth of experience and leadership on the field,” Zust said. “Many of these girls have played together for several years, developing strong chemistry, communication, and an understanding of each other’s strengths.”
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Frank Reaber (17th season)
Last season: 22-14, 7-5, tie second Girls Catholic Athletic White
Top returning players: Lexi Russ, jr., 3B, Ari Zito, jr., SS-P, Kelly Cahill, jr., C-1B, Maddy Dinino, sr., P-OF, Sofia Bucaro, sr., OF, Lexi Hoffman, sr., OF-2B, Ema McMillen, soph., 2B-OF
Key newcomers: Sophia Deourdes, fresh., SS-2B, Ari Vega, fresh., P-1B, Snny Schaeffer, fresh., 1B-OF, Leilany Gomez, fresh., C-OF
Worth noting: The Knights advanced to a Class 2A supersectional a year ago and return most of the firepower from that team. Russ, Dinino (St. Norbert), Zito, Bucaro (St. Norbert) and Cahill earned postseason accolades. Hoffman is headed to Cornell University. “I believe our strength will be hitting and hopefully playing good defense,” Reaber said. “Pitching is always solid and keeps us in games. Our conference is well balanced and you never know who will come out and have a great year. Last year, five teams could have won. They are a fun group to coach and they all seem to get along. We will see where we are at after we get back from our spring trip to Destin, Florida.”
Lake Park
Coach: Lynsey Gunnells (3rd season)
Last season: 21-8, 9-5, fourth DuKane
Top returning players: Gianna Furlano, jr., P, Alexandra Kiefer, sr., 3B, Reese Nolbertowicz, sr., CF, Marissa Marciniak, sr., 2B
Key newcomers: Maya Melendez, fresh., P
Worth noting: Furlano was an all-DuKane pick after going 16-6 with a 1.85 ERA with 162 strikeouts in 136 innings. Nolbertowicz hit .396 and scored 16 runs, while Kiefer hit .250 with 3 homers and 22 RBI and Marciniak hit .266 with 7 RBI and 10 runs scored. The Lancers have 5 players who will continue their softball careers at the next level in Furlano (University of Chicago), Kiefer (Illinois State), Nolbertowicz (Ohio Northern), senior Caleigh Cusack (College of DuPage) and senior Hannah O’Neil (University of Wisconson-Stout). Gunnells said pitching will be a strength with Furlano, freshman Melendez and Kaylee Fritzler. Gunnells is also looking for a big season from shortstop Grace Rosario. Lake Park competes in an extremely tough DuKane Conference. “It’s a super-competitive conference,” she said. “We are hoping to be Top 3. St. Charles East and St. Charles North will be great again.”
Lisle
Coach: Jennifer Zimmerman (10th season)
Last season: 6-17-1, 0-14 Illinois Central Eight
Top returning players: Megan Bradley, sr., P-IF, Erin Bradley, sr., P-1B
Key newcomers: Ava Casey, fresh., Olivia Casey, fresh., Haley Sullivan, fresh.
Worth noting: Megan Bradley (headed to Benedictine University in town) is a returning all-conference player after hitting .284 with 10 RBI and a 3.00 ERA in the circle. Erin Bradley (headed to Wisconsin-Platteville) hit .333 with 22 RBI. “We have returners with varsity game experience, plus freshmen who will be able to make an impact,” Zimmerman said. The Bradley sisters are 4-year varsity starters “ready to lead this team,” Zimmerman added. Zimmerman said Manteno and Coal City are the teams to beat in the Illinois Central Eight. “We fit in the middle of the pack,” she said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Michaela Paprota
Last season: 8-21, 4-11 DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Maielle Ernser, soph., utility
Worth noting: Meta returns 6 players from last year’s team and has 7 newcomers, including 3 freshmen. Ernser earned all-DVC and all-area honors last season. “We have several key returners along with impactful new additions this year,” Paprota said. “The leadership and experience from our returning players will set the tone for our team culture and competitive mindset. We are committed to competing with energy and grit in every game.”
Montini Catholic
Coach: Amy Bukovsky (3rd season)
Last season: 19-17, 1-11, seventh Girls Catholic Athletic Red; Class 3A regional and sectional champions
Top returning players: Aubry Raffen, jr., IF, Cameron Fox, soph., P-SS, Cedona Barrett, jr., IF-P, Bridget Ryan, jr., C, utility, Alex Kalins, jr., CF, Danika Lucadello, soph., RF, Teagan O’Connor, jr., LF
Key newcomers: Brooke Wills, fresh., IF-P; Chloe Rothermel, jr., IF, Natalie Glosky, soph., IF
Worth noting: Raffen (11 homers, 35 RBI, .443 hitting) was an all-state second-team pick and is strong with the glove. Fox went 6-4 with 138 strikeouts in 97 innings as a freshman last season while hitting .422 with 23 RBI. “Cameron really came into her own at the end of the year both on the mound and at the plate and hopes to carry that momentum into this season,” Bukovsky said. Barrett hit .294 with 26 RBI. Ryan hit .286 with 32 RBI and caught more than 200 innings. Montini’s entire outfield of Kalins (.272), Lucadello (.269) and O’Connor return. “Pitching depth and experience will be a strength,” Bukovsky said. “We made a deep postseason run last season after struggling at the beginning of the season so we hope to use that experience and growth to create a faster start for this year.” Bukovsky said to keep an eye on junior infielders Rothermel and Glosky. As juniors, Barrett, Kalins, Raffen and Ryan will all be in their third year at the varsity level. Montini has 7 returning starters. Bukovsky knows the GCAC Red schedule will again be challenging. “We have several strong programs in our conference with recent state trophies and widespread success including Providence, St. Laurence and Loyola,” she said. “We hope to be competitive in all conference games this year and represent ourselves well.”
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum (43rd season, started in 1984)
Last season: 20-15, 12-3 co-DuPage Valley champions
Top returning players: Avery Miller, jr., P, Natalie Lau, sr., SS, Cali Lenz, jr., CF, Fiona Brown, soph., OF, Lacie Williams, soph., OF-1B
Key newcomers: Cassidy Leonardo, P, Gainna Ecklund, fresh., IF
Worth noting: Lau is a 4-year varsity player, while Miller and Lenz are 3-year varsity performers. “We lost 2 Division I players and 4 other seniors who are playing softball collegiately and a seventh senior playing ice hockey at Michigan State,” Nussbaum noted. “We lost a lot of good athletes, but one of our key positions back is pitching. We are experienced at pitcher, in center field and at shortstop. We’ll be solid up the middle.” Nussbaum would like to see Central compete for another DVC title. “Hopefully, we can,” he said. “It’s hard to say who the favorite is. Waubonsie Valley has good young talent. Naperville North is pretty good and DeKalb is pretty good and has young talent. Neuqua Valley has Nalia Clifford who is the best non-pitcher in the conference. With pitching being the name of the game, it kind of looks like anybody could beat anybody on any given day.”
Naperville North
Coach: Nick Lago (1st season)
Last season: 9-23, 6-9, fourth DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Gabi Chmiel, sr., P, Faelin Bretag, soph., SS, Ava Ross, jr., IF-P, Sara Rossi, sr., OF, Reese Pedersen, jr., C-IF, Sona Hudakova, sr., IF, Addison Wade, sr., C-IF
Key newcomers: Lily Flavin, jr., OF, Aubrey Marino, fresh., IF-OF, Millie Nelson, jr., IF, Evy Shufelt, jr., IF-OF, Alexa Solberg, soph., utility-P
Worth noting: Lago previously coached in the Naperville Central program. He takes over a North team that features Chmiel (Division I Qunnipac) and Rossi (St. Ambrose) coming off unanimous all-DVC seasons and Pedersen earning all-area honors. “The strength of our team will be our work ethic,” Lago said. “We have a lot of talented athletes who have been putting in the work. We also have depth. When you have both of those things, a team is capable of doing great things.” Lago said to look for the Huskies’ senior contingent to “lead us to a very successful season,” he said. In terms of DuPage Valley play, “We are going to compete for a conference championship,” Lago said.
Neuqua Valley
Co-Coaches: Samantha Rochowicz and Jamine Turner (1st seasons)
Last season: 18-15, 12-3 , co-DuPage Valley champions
Top returning players: Nalia Clifford, sr., SS, Ashley Pape, jr., CF, Tegan Spellerberg, jr., utility, Cora Dickson, soph., 1B, Sydney Benedict, sr., P, Esha Agrawal, sr., C-LF, Cora Dickson, soph., 1B
Key newcomers: Savannah Charlton, soph., 3B-C, Abigail Cho, soph., 2B-P, Anna Stenson, soph., RF
Worth noting: Rochowicz has coached in the Neuqua softball program the last 7 years, while Turner previously was the baseball coach at Monroe Comprehensive High School in Albany, Georgia for 8 years and is in his ninth year at Neuqua where he has coached girls basketball and softball (JV and varsity). Clifford was an all-DVC pick last year while Dickson and Pape were all-conference honorable mention. Clifford is headed to the University of Wisconsin, while Benedict will continue her career at Framingham State University. “Nalia is an outstanding player quick on her feet with a lot of background knowledge of the game,” Rochowicz said. “She has great bat speed and will do a great job at bat and in the field. Sydney will be one of our main pitchers with a mixture of pitches. We are expecting her to be a team leader on and off the field.” Rochowicz also is looking for Pape and Spellerberg to be key contributors. “Ashley is quick in the outfield, has a good read on the ball and has a great softball IQ,” she said. “She is also a threat at the plate with a strong bat. She is vital to our lineup and is a strong outfielder. We are excited to see what she accomplishes coming off an injury last year. Tegan has a very strong arm and can be a threat at bat. She will be a vital part of this year’s team where she will be expected to perform at a high level as well as give us varsity leadership.” Rochowicz sees a wide-open DVC field. “Our conference is full of strong teams, players and coaches so the DVC championship can be anyone’s this year,” she said. “We have the potential to win it, but so does every team in the conference. It will be a good battle this year to see who comes out on top. This group has the ability to be a good team. We have a lot of skilled players with great softball IQs. This season, we will have to grow within our own. We will have to communicate well, execute defensive plays and offensively put the ball in play consistently. Once we get a few games under our belts, I think we will have a great season. This year’s team will be built on strong leadership from our seniors. With the leadership from our seniors who have been in the program for 4 years, we are looking for them to lead by example. Our goal is to get better every day, learn how to face adversity and persevere through anything that comes our way.”
St. Francis
Coach: Ralph Remus (28th season)
Last season: 23-5, 9-3 Girls Catholic Athletic White; Class 3A regional champions
Top returning players: Lauren Kennedy, sr., SS, Lilly Konen, sr., 2B, Alyssa Freeman, soph., 3B
Key newcomers: Hannah Willix, fresh., P
Worth noting: Kennedy, headed to Louisville, hit .506 with 5 home runs and earned second-team all-state honors, while Konen hit .416 with 4 homers and was a third-team all-state pick. Freeman hit .482 with 7 homers and was an honorable-mention all-state selection. Remus said to keep an eye on juniors Mackenzie Murlick and Hannah Grivetti. “I think Mackenzie and Hannah will have big years,” said Remus, who also said to keep a watch on freshman pitcher Willix “as she develops.” Ava Delatorre will play at Elmhurst College next season. “We will be very solid on offense and defense,” Remus said. “Our pitching will be very young and I will expect to see improvement as the season moves along.” Looking at the GCAC, “I have no clue what to expect in conference play this year,” Remus said. “Everybody looks solid.”
Timothy Christian
Coach: Lindsay Slovey (10th season)
Last season: 18-7, third Chicagoland Christian, Class 2A regional champion
Top returning players: Lauren Kottke, jr., C, Grace Hoffman, jr., IF, Miley Woerner, sr., IF, Chloe Granger, soph., IF
Key newcomers: Natalia Garcia, soph., IF-P
Worth noting: The Trojans are coming off a highly successful 2025 season that saw it win 18 games and a regional title, advancing all the way to a Class 2A sectional championship game. Kottke is a returning all-CCC player. Slovey noted Grace Hoffman has been invited to college days and is getting good looks. “They all get along,” Slovey said of her squad. “We are well balanced and rebuilding after losing some key players. Others are stepping up.” Gragner, a sophomore, “is young, but keeps up with the varsity level and is consistent and fast,” Slovey said.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Val Wood (12th season)
Last season: 8-21, 4-8, fourth DuPage Valley
Top returning players: Molly Quinn, soph., P, Grace Riggs, jr., 2B, Alyssa Tukker, jr., utility
Key newcomers: Avery Gage, fresh., SS-C
Worth noting: Riggs was an all-DVC pick last year after hitting .301 with 34 hits. Quinn struck out 90 in 87 innings, while Tukker batted .287 with 5 doubles and 4 triples. “One of the biggest strengths of this year’s team will be our overall competitiveness and willingness to work,” Wood said. “We have a group of athletes who are eager to improve and who are committed to supporting each other. That kind of mindset is important early in the season as we continue to grow together and build team chemistry. Our strongest areas will likely be our defense and pitching. We have players who understand the game and are willing to put in the work to make routine plays consistently. Defensively, we are focused on communication, fundamentals and playing confidently behind our pitches. In the circle, we have pitchers who are competitive and willing to challenge hitters, which gives our defense opportunities to make plays.” Wood noted Quinn has worked “incredibly hard in the offseason to improve her pitching,” she said. “She has come back much stronger and has improved her control and presence on the mound.” Wood added Riggs will be a key leader on and off the field and will be an important part of the Warriors’ offense, while Gage, she said, is another player who will make an impact with her strong defense and ability to contribute offensively.” Wood said Waubonsie conference success will depend on pitching strength and stamina and the ability to manufacture runs offensively. “The conference graduated a lot of talented seniors,” she said. “There are several teams that will be reloading. Because of that, the conference race feels pretty open and the title is up for grabs. Our focus will be on continuing to improve throughout the season and putting ourselves in a position to compete with anyone in the conference.”
Westmont
Coach: Josh Ott (3rd season)
Last season: 16-7, 5-1, second Chicago Prep; Chicago Prep tournament champions
Top returning players: Reagan Kelly, sr., SS-3B-C, Desaree Shobutte, jr., 3B-P, Alice O’Connor, jr., SS-3B-OF-C, Gwyneth Jindra, soph., P-C-SS, Emily Meza, soph., 2B-P, Cate Jackson, soph., 1B-3B
Key newcomers: Alexis Ott, fresh., SS-2B-CF, Veronica Barrett, fresh., 2B-LF, Ella Huelster, fresh., C-3B, Maddy Aryee, fresh., 1B-OF, Isabella Frisbie, fresh., OF
Worth noting: Jindra (.627 batting average, 11 homers, 55 RBI, 50 runs) was an all-state second-team pick and was an all-Chicago Prep pick with Kelly (.453, 29 RBI, 25 runs), who has committed to play at College of DuPage. Shobutte hit .263 with 20 RBI and 18 runs, while O’Connor hit .388 with 30 runs scored. Meza hit .267 with 10 RBI and Jackson hit .474 23 RBI and 42 runs scored. Ott sees Westmont likely battling Walther Christian for the Chicago Prep title. Jindra and Kelly are the team captains. “Westmont is a young and improving program on the rise,” Ott said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Sydney Heinrich (3rd season)
Last season: 9-10
Top returning players: Emily From, jr., C, Reese Dryfhout, soph., P-OF
Key newcomers: Kyla Dieter, fresh., P-OF
Worth noting: From was an all-Chicagoland Christian Conference selection last season. Henrich said to keep an eye on newcomer Dieter, Dryfhout and From.
Wheaton North
Coach: Kirsten Anderson.
Last season: 24-9 overall, 9-5 (fourth) in DuKane Conference, lost to Oswego in sectional final.
Top returning players: Makayla Hammer, sr., OF; Moriah Herr, jr., IF; Emma Dodge, sr., IF; Madison Moore, sr., P.
Worth noting: The Falcons have made back-to-back sectional finals in a program renaissance the last few years, but this spring could be a bit of a reset. Head coach Allie Ravanesi stepped down, and her assistant Kirsten Anderson took over. Reagan Crosthwaite, who rewrote the program record book, graduated. And ace pitcher Hannah Wulf transferred to St. Charles East. Wheaton North does return four key starters and eight seniors, led by George Washington commit Hammer. Anderson is counting on the leadership of Moore in the circle with two freshman pitchers joining her. “Coming off several strong seasons, we are excited to continue building on our recent success,” Anderson said. “With a relatively new varsity lineup, this season will be a year of growth and learning. We are eager to develop our skills, build team chemistry, and gain valuable experience while striving to maintain Wheaton North’s competitive drive.”
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Jeff Pawlak
Last season: 20-10 overall, 9-5 DuKane Conference (tied for third), won regional title, lost in sectional semifinal.
Top returning players: Alison Hubsky, sr., C; Becca Chaney, sr., SS; Nelia Kirichun, sr., OF; Caroline Schulz, sr., OF; Lily Bobor, so., 3B; Jordan Wilson, sr., RF.
Top new players: Eleanor Grout, jr., 1B; Rachel Chaney, jr., 2B; Annabelle Zettek, so., 2B; Avery Arnold, jr., P/2B; Cami Bielenda, sr., OF; Kate Hasbrouck, sr., P/1B; Maria Knorr, jr., OF; Taylor Pereira, so., P/OF; Addison Saylor, jr., OF; Faye Stanek, so., 3B/C; Meg Wieczorek, jr., OF.
Worth noting: The Tigers return six starters from a team that finished in a three-way tie for third place in the DuKane Conference and won the program’s third consecutive regional title. Leading the lineup is Becca Chaney, who hit .443 with 43 hits and 28 RBIs last year, Bobor (.347, 35 hits, 27 RBIs), Hubsky (.333), Kirichun (.333) and Schulz (.328). Presley Wright, who stepped up in the circle last year, has graduated, so returners Arnold and Hasbrouck (who both pitched in games last year) and newcomer Pereira will fill the pitching spots. “We’ll lean on our overall experience to provide direction to the group as a whole and we’ll need to continue solid play in the field and look to timely hitting,” Pawlak said.
Willowbrook
Coach: Natalie Gamino
Last year’s record: 16-15 overall, 6-6 West Suburban Gold
Top returning players: Allie Coppersmith, sr., CF; Adrianna Weaser, sr., P/OF; Gianna Dugo, sr., 1B/3B; Kyleigh Miazga, sr., P/1B; Delaney Smrz, sr., 2B; Marli Smrz, sr., C/3B/OF; Liz Pettinger, jr., SS; Aleena McNamara, jr., C/3B.
Worth noting: Gamino said that “with eight varsity players returning we are looking to compete at a high level in the conference.”
York
Coach: Lisa Fraticola
Last season: 21-13 overall, 6-7 (fourth) in West Suburban Silver, regional champions.
Top returning players: Lilly Burda, sr., SS; Maggie Demopoulous, sr., 2B; Kayla Winters, so., OF; Myka Matykiewicz, so.,. OF; Gia Valentin, sr., 3B; Milo Folsom,. so., C; Morgen Balfanz, sr., 1B; Alex ElEtr-Garofalo, sr., DH/1B; Sophia Lanciloti, sr., P; Emily McNichols, sr., OF.
Top new players: Brooklyn McMillen, so., P; Jade Ferguson, so., P; Sara Steinecker, jr., OF; Brin Matykiewicz, jr., IF.
Worth noting: The All-State middle infield of Burda and Demopoulous lead 10 returning starters, eight of them seniors. Burda, a three-time All-State pick, batted .426 with 17 extra-base hits, 28 runs scored and 26 RBIs last year. Steinecker, a 2023 All-State pick, is returning from injury as is Brin Matykiewicz. All-conference pitcher Avery Kanouse graduated, but Lanciloti is back in the circle, joined by two sophomore pitchers stepping into larger roles. “With eight seniors leading the way, this group brings leadership, accountability, and an understanding of what it takes to compete every day,” Fraticola said. “Their experience will be an important foundation as we work toward our goals this season.”
— Joshua Welge from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview