Scouting Cook County softball
History is on the verge early this softball season in the Mid-Suburban League.
Elk Grove coach Ken Grams begins his 44th season just two wins away from becoming the winningest coach in IHSA softball history.
The Arlington High School and Northern Illinois graduate started the year with 1,043 wins behind all-time leader Randy Olken of St Joseph-Ogden High School who retired with 1,044 wins.
Barrington's Perry Peterson, also a hall of famer like Grams, sits third all time with 971 wins.
Grams' 2024 team went 20-11 and 11-5 in MSL East while winning a regional title.
Grams' 1,043-431 record includes 21 MSL divisional titles, 21 regional titles, five sectional titles and three appearances in the state finals (second, third and fourth-place finishes).
"We had a good run toward the end of the season last year," Grams said. "Hopefully we can build on that."
The Grens graduated five seniors — three playing now at D-II schools — Lexi Goeringer (Maryville University in Missouri), Erika Gore (Northwest Missouri State) and Ariana Trausch (Lewis University.
"We are going to look at a different style of play this season," Grams said. "Those who graduated provided 33 home runs and plenty of RBI. Hopefully, we will be able to replace that. I think we will as the season progresses; so, for now, we look to manufacture runs offensively. I believe the returnees are quite capable of doing that."
Those returnees are five starters from last spring — seniors Aliya Garcia, Hannah Kugelberg, Bella Andrade and Maria Smith and junior Katie Wirtz.
"They were solid contributors last season and should be able to provide us with some good leadership given the strong finish," Grams said.
Also returning are sophomores Hannah Carlson, Briana Magner and Kaylee Romanski.
The newcomers are seniors Maddie Song, Breanna Hicks and juniors Aubrey McHorney, Haley Willis and Mari Tan.
Barrington: One of the most dominating softball programs In Illinois, the Fillies have 1,254 victories (390 losses) in school history, second best in IHSA history according to the IHSA website.
The Fillies (28-6, 12-4 in the MSL West last spring) have made 12 appearances in the IHSA state finals and have 10 finishes in the Final Four, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2008.
Team strengths include Division I recruit Reese Cullen (Ohio State recruit) and numerous returning starters. The Fillies have made 10 appearances in the IHSA state finals and have four finishes in the top four.
"The girls are committed to the weight room this school year and hope to see the added results on the field," said Perry Peterson.
Returning players are Mimi Cline (Sr.-OF .415,) Reese Cullen (Sr.-C, .419), Shannon Kenney (Sr.-IF, .367), Katie Taraschewsky (Jr.-P, .363, 27-6 on the mound, 142 strikeouts), Nina Brebach (Jr.-OF, .422), Maddie Van Ryn (Jr.-OF, .424), Harlow Engel (So.-IF, .315) and Shaylee Hiser (So.-IF, .310).
Top newcomers are Finley Hiser (Sr.-OF), Samantha Hiles (Jr.-P), Alexis Brown (Jr.-IF), Lilly Goshe (Jr.-OF), Ava Glosny (Jr.-OF), Lucciana Pazdan (Jr.-OF), Teagan Dillon (Jr.-C) and Liana Maggio (So-IF).
Buffalo Grove: Buffalo Grove coach Martha Kelly returns a veteran group, including almost every position from the infield.
BG went 12-13 and 9-7 in the MSL East last season.
Top returners are senior McKenna Wagner, senior Sammie Kosnoff, senior Paige Veller, junior Leah Hampton, sophomore Brooklyn Edler, sophomore Erin Ryan and sophomore Sammi Wolverton.
Kosnoff will lead the way on the mound to Ryan, one of the top catchers in the area. All-Conference shortstop Wagner returns alongside Hampton at third base with one of the best first baseman, Veller.
The Bison were 12-13 and 9-7 last spring when they lost to Glenbrook North in the first round of the postseason.
"Our youthfulness from last year will pay off this year with a lot of returning experience," said Kelly who is 37-19 as she enters her third season. "Don't count us out."
Conant: Former Conant, Illinois and Chicago Bandits standout Allie Bauch returns as the Cougars head coach after being on maternity leave after having identical twin girls.
Assistant Kelly Wolff stepped up as the head coach last spring and seven seniors graduated from that 12-10, 9-7 team in the Mid-Suburban West.
Conant enters this new season with a mix of experienced leadership and promising young talent.
Returning are all-conference seniors Ava Falcone, a four-year varsity player and three-time all-conference and All-Area centerfielder committed to play at Northern Illinois, and outfielder Charlotte Wolf, a four-year varsity player. Both have been key contributors since their freshman year and will play a major role in leading this young squad.
They will anchor the outfield while returner Cailyn Kehoe (So.) and newcomer Lindy Crane (So.) add some depth.
In the pitching circle, Dani Gemmell (Jr.) and Jenny Ryan (So.) bring experience while newcomers Payton Ackman (Fr.) and Grace Reed (So.) are set to strengthen the rotation. Returner Maddie Ryan (So.) and freshman Sophia Gomez will add leadership behind the plate and give the Cougars athleticism in the infield.
Newcomers Holly Bartys (So.) and Jay Kloss (Sr.) round out the infield while also bringing power to the lineup.
"With a deep pitching and catching staff, along with versatile athletes willing and capable of stepping into multiple roles and positions, we are looking forward to competing this season," Bauch said. "I’m excited to see this group continue to come together, grow, and push each other to improve each day."
Fremd: Eighth-year coach Josh Teschner, a former quarterback for Hoffman Estates, has another state ranked team as the Vikings have lots of experience back from a 23-5 team that went 15-1 while winning the Mid-Suburban West and MSL champs.
"Without a doubt, we are led by the energy and dynamic defense of all-state returning Taylor Piento (Sr., CF) and the outstanding pitching of two-time all-state senior pitcher Hailey Lucas," said Teschner, who owns a 156-60 record. "However, what truly sets this team apart is their commitment to each other."
In addition, Teschner says this year's team is one of the most intensely competitive rosters he has had in some time.
"That pursuit of excellence fuels their work ethic in practice, workouts, the classroom, and beyond," the coach added.
Returning middle infielders Amanda Poniecki (2B) and Avery Sheridan (SS) are an impactful defensive combination. They also happen to be two of the Vikings' most important vocal leaders in the program.
Two-time All-Area player Avery Sadorf is looking to finish her four years as a starter on varsity with another tremendous year. Newcomers Emily Usalis and Penelope Schmidt appear ready to contribute at a high level as sophomore starters.
Hersey: Hersey veteran coach Molly Freeman says the Huskies are excited to get the season started with seven seniors, five juniors and four sophomores after winning the Mid-Suburban East crown last spring (22-6 overall, 13-3 in the MSL East).
Seven starters return so their leadership combined with the youth and excitement from the newcomers will make for a fun and competitive team.
"We are looking for our experience on the mound and in the field to make a strong statement,' Freeman said. "When we combine this with an explosive offense we believe we will be competing for another East championship."
Players to watch are Ariya Patel, Grace Grabowy, Reese Izenstark, Payton Kee and Gaby Felman.
Hoffman Estates: Coaches Lindsey Hamma and Kaiden Jackson welcome back a core group of players from last year’s varsity squad despite losing their starting left side of the infield to graduation.
“Our motto has been to control the controllables during our preparation this preseason," said Hamma, a former Buffalo Grove, Illinois and Chicago Bandits standout shortstop. "I keep telling the girls that we may be small in terms of numbers but that just makes it easier to stick together and support one another; every athlete will play a key role in our program.”
The Hawks (3-24, 2-14 last spring) return their starting battery of Bella Velazquez (Sr. P-IF) and captain Alexa Jocic (Sr. C) for their final season together as seniors. Both have earned scholarships to compete at the next level; Jocic at Lewis University and Velazquez at Bryant & Stratton College in Wauwatosa, Wis.
The Hawks will rely on fellow hurlers Izzy Salazar (Jr. P-IF) and Sammie Mares (Jr. 1B-IF) to step up after returner Kendall Burdick (Sr. P-UT) suffered an ACL injury during basketball this year.
Hamma praised senior Ella Steel (Sr. CF-UT) for emerging as a more vocal leader as the anchor in centerfield for her senior season.
Other returning players for the Hawks are Tessa Dolor (So. LF-UT), Victoria Rivera (So. 3B-UT), Bella Rybicki (So. 2B-UT) along with newcomers: Lola Roberts (Jr. OF-UT), (Jr. P-IF), Julia Zablotny (Fr. SS-C).
“Along with coach Jackson, Ella has been crucial in helping Tessa and Lola develop in left and right field.” Hamma said.
The Hawks' infield is young but coming together.
“It has been fun to watch Julia, Vicky, Bella, Sammie and Izzy push each other to develop as a unit out there," Hamma added. "We ask for full effort and a positive attitude and they give that every day. I cannot wait to see how it all translates to game day.”
Leyden: Eagles coach Kurt Schuett enters his 19th season with a 315-227-1 record. HIs team was 16-15 last spring, going 4-8 in West Suburban Gold before winning its regional with an 8-7 extra-inning win over Maine South.
Every member of this year's squad is a returnee from last year's team, including three ICA all-state players who were also WSC all-conference players: senior IF Carmen Richardson, senior P/IF Abigail Cortez and junior P/OF Elise Bertsche.
Senior 1B/P Ari Gallo and senior C/OF Gianna Olan also joined Richardson, Cortez, and Bertsche as Daily Herald All-Area or honorable mention selections.
Last spring, the Eagles had 7 triples in one game vs. Hinsdale Central on April 11, the third most in an IHSA game.
Four Eagles have committed to colleges: Richardson to Judson, Cortez to Loras, Gallo to Oakton and Olan to Triton.
Schuett said to also look for major contributions from seniors Bri Martinez (3B), Olivia Peredo (1B/DP), junior OF Angelina Guillen, junior Alexa Vargas (C/OF) and sophomore Giulia Incandela (2B/P).
Leyden is hosting a new tournament at the Ballpark at Rosemont called The Rosemont Rumble over Easter weekend with some of the top programs in the state: Cary-Grove, Downers North, Fremd, Glenbard West, Immaculate Conception, Leyden, Marist, Minooka, Niles West, Oak Lawn, Shepard, and Whitney Young.
The Eagles are also hosting the Harmon Invite at the Ballpark at Rosemont with Marist, Huntley and Glenbard North.
Maine East: Kyle Eller will be looking for improvement from his Blue Demons in his second year as head coach.
"We are returning some key players from last year," Eller said. "Emma Asien is a senior pitcher who will be pitching at Carthage College next year. She's going to get the mound almost every game."
Zoe Kakares (Jr. C/SS/P) led Maine East in runs, RBI, home runs and fielding percentage.
"We also are welcoming six freshmen to our varsity team," Eller said. "While we are young, we have the veteran leadership to really mold these players into quality starters."
Maine West: Warriors co-coaches Chris Addante and Jim Dvorak, working their third season together, will direct a Warriors squad that went 19-4 and 8-0 in the Central Suburban North last spring and graduated only one starter.
Returning for the CSL North champs are seniors Kaitlyn Marsh, Alondra Contreras, Abigail Garcia, McKayla Garnett and Georgia Herman along with juniors Ily Nanthavinh, Kara Lindenmuth, Sammi Mattson and Ava Roback.
Newcomers to the lineup are Brooke Mattson, Zoe Cardona, Grace Hoff and Megan Claussen.
"We have a veteran team returning this year with a sophomore and a few freshmen filling out the roster," Dvorak said. "After last year's conference championship and loss in the regional final we are hungry to advance deeper into the state playoffs."
Dvorak said the Warriors will concentrate on the basics of the game every day, looking to improve plate discipline and situational awareness.
Marsh starts her fourth year as the primary pitcher.
"She has improved each season and combined with a solid defense we will keep games low scoring," Dvorak said. "Several of our girls are All-Area players and we will count on their continued production and leadership."
Maine South: After a disappointing early exit from last year's state tournament, Maine South's returning players, newcomers and coaching and newcomers are more than excited to get back on track.
The Hawks, who were Central Suburban South champions last season (17-7, 9-1), have scheduled one of their most difficult schedules.
The young squad is led by senior captains Piotrowski (C) and Santore (SS).
"The team works hard every day in practice with their goals in mind," said veteran coach Emmy Pasier, who owns a career record of 369- 265. "We know that the best way to get better is to play the best around town."
The Hawks graduated their starting lineup from last year but they have a solid group of returners and some exciting newcomers.
Returners are seniors Christina Piotrowski, Peyton Santore, Madelynn Pierski and Maeve Strotman along with juniors Emery Yates and Aubrey Mazza.
Newcomers are juniors Ella Piazza and Aribella Spandiary, sophomores Addi Flynn, Riley Story, Ella Kish and Christina Pissios, and freshman Sibelle Stevens.
Palatine: First-year coach Janalee Lyke says she has a relatively young team, with only one senior, catcher Nora DePersia.
"We have a very athletic and versatile group who are all able to play a variety of different positions," said Lyke who was MVP her senior year at Schaumburg, batting .425 for coach Ellen Abreu. "This flexibility will come in handy as different situations arise throughout the season."
Lyke, who also played at Grand Valley State, welcomes back eight returning varsity players.
"It is a great group of girls who are excited to be on the softball field and want to make the most of each day," Lyke said. "I am excited about this group as I begin my first year coaching varsity."
The Pirates were 19-17 and 8-8 in the MSL West last spring.
Key returning players are Nora DePersia, Mia Woldman and Sammie Kendrick along with newcomers Eliza Piecuch and Jenna Hubert.
Prospect: Knights coach Krystina Mackowiack says her seventh team is focused and ready to improve upon last season. "The girls have been working hard this offseason and are looking forward to kicking off our season in Orlando, Florida," said Mackowiack, a former Elk Grove and Carthage College standout pitcher who owns a 115-92 career record as the Knights coach. "We will play five spring training games there. This exciting opportunity will serve as a bonding experience and a chance for the players to sharpen their skills in warm weather early in the season."
Mackowiack says her team is fortunate to return several key players, including all-conference players Gina Falls and Lina Calvacca plus Libby McDonough, Liz Aicher, Gianna Catanzano, Julia Nay, Maeve Johl, Gabby Dilan and Megan Maresco who bring valuable experience and leadership. Newcomers Molly Beyna and Maggie Marchialette have the potential to make a big impact.
"Our plan is to take one game at a time and work together as a team," Mackowiack added. "The coaches are excited to get this season going and believe this group has the potential to have a memorable season."
Schaumburg: As she enters her 15th season at Schaumburg, coach Ellen Abreu owns a 201-173 career mark after the Saxons went 7-19 and 5-11 in the Mid-Suburban West last season. She welcomes back seniors Victoria Villegas, Jordan Murtaugh, Madison Mueller, Aubrey Kosek, and Alexa Evans along with juniors Taylor Dolecki and Francheska Manding. Newcomers include senior Madyson Meyer, juniors Bryana Skweres and Madison Linnemann and sophomore Addison O’Neill.
Centerfielder Taylor Dolecki, a Belmont University recruit, was All-Area in 2024 while Evans, a pitcher and first baseman, was all-conference. “We need to show up every day ready to work and ready to compete," said Abreu, a former Fremd standout pitcher and slugger. "We play in a tough conference, so we need to play competitive ball and be disciplined at the plate, hit our spots pitching and work to perfect our defense. We need to have a win-every-inning mentality.”
St. Viator: Lions coach John Scotillo enters his 11th season with a freshman battery of pitcher Carley Heiden and catcher Lia Horn."We have great senior leadership this year," said Scotillo, whose team looks to improve over last year's 9-20 mark and 2-12 in the East Suburban Catholic.
Returning for Scotillo are captains Maggie Ratzki (SS), Ellen Denten (1B) and Alexis Horn (CF) along with seniors Gemma DelBoccio (2B) and Anastasia Papaioannou (C).
"We expect to improve on last year," Scotillo said. "We will have a very fast outfield. Along with Horn we have sophomores Mia Lund and Bella Gounaris and junior Kaylie Bauke. Sophomore Ava Moreno will be at third base.
"With the other senior infielders we will be solid. And we strengthened our depth with juniors Isabella DiMarco, Emily Hock and Molly Finucane."
Wheeling: Wildcats 19-year coach Mike Caringella is looking for his team to improve over last year's 4-18 record. He welcomes back seniors Ava Shrake (P-1B), Katie Moser (IF) and Taylor Ashe (OF). Juniors on the team are Alaina Costello (IF), Mia Smith (P/U), Viansa Polina (C-OF) and Roxana Miloucheva (OF).
Completing the roster are sophomores Ellle Vito (OF), Jillian Franz OF) and Jesse Rodgers (IF) along with four freshmen: Caitlyn Fitzgerald (C), Jessica Niznik (IF), Sierra Kuhlman (P-OF) and Angela Hernandez (IF)
Shrake threw a lot of innings and kept the Wildcats in a lot of games as the Wildcats' ace and team leader.
Moser and Kuhlman are splitting time between track and softball.
Caringella said Costello, Smith and Polina are ready for breakout years.
Vito started on the Wheeling girls basketball and is a first-year varsity softball player. Franz and Rodgers are ready to fill in and contribute when needed. Miloucheva is also a first-time softball player.
"Our four freshmen will be starters so we have a good mix of experience," Caringella said.