Softball: Loyola gets commitment from Grayslake North’s Dalton, who plays many positions but had one college in mind

Grayslake North junior Brena Dalton has long been adept at playing multiple positions.

As a freshman, Dalton played third base for the first time, and she even had a short stint as a starting pitcher after a rash of injuries on the team. Dalton then played second last season.

Knights coach Amanda Rodriguez intends to move Dalton to shortstop in the spring.

“My dad was my coach until this year, so he made sure everybody on the team played multiple positions,” Dalton said. “Since I was the coach’s daughter, I was expected to play a lot of positions.”

Dalton took a different approach to college visits. On Monday, she announced her commitment to Loyola, the only one she visited.

Rodriguez said Dalton, a two-time team MVP, is the Knights’ first major recruit since 2022 graduate Nicole Hughes signed with Belmont.

“Her commitment gives the younger girls someone to look up to and show them if they put in the work and effort that this can happen to them,” Rodriguez said. “I’m super excited for the season to see what she can do for us the next couple of years. I’m excited for her on her commitment and also to see her step up and be a leader vocally.

“I’m also excited to keep seeing her hit bombs for us.”

Indeed, Dalton has been a tremendous hitter since she arrived at Grayslake North, regardless of position. As a freshman, she batted .495 with nine doubles, five triples, two home runs, 38 RBIs, 35 runs scored and 12 stolen bases. She then hit .494 with six home runs, four triples, seven doubles, 34 runs scored, 31 RBIs and nine stolen bases last season.

Not surprising, Dalton has known for a long time that she wanted to play softball beyond high school.

“Probably since I was 10 or 11 years old, college softball was always the goal,” she said. “I fell in love with the sport and wanted to play it. It was just a dream.

“But as I grew more confident and saw how it worked, college softball was the next step for me.”

Dalton said Loyola was always her No. 1 choice, to the point that she made her decision without waiting for any potential Power Four offers. Minnesota and Wisconsin recently inquired.

“I didn’t expect to get as much attention as I did,” she said. “About 10 or 11 universities reached out to me. Loyola always sparked me. I went to their camps and loved their coaching staff. It was super fun to be at the Loyola campus, which was a perk as well, and their softball is really good. The proximity was also huge.”

Grayslake North sophomore Gabriella Zapata, who plays catcher, first base and third base, said Dalton is an inspiration.

“Brena understands the game so well and is always trying to get better,” Zapata said. “Even when she makes a mistake, she doesn’t let it get to her. She learns from it and moves on.

“She’s such a great teammate because she’s always positive, supportive and brings good energy to the team. I’m proud of her accomplishments.”