Softball: Antioch's Brecht finds her future college home at Tennessee Tech

For Antioch junior second baseman Emily Brecht, finding a college that felt like home is what tipped the scales.

Brecht recently committed to Tennessee Tech, joining senior shortstop Gabby Debevec (Illinois) and Eden Echevarria (Wisconsin commit) as Division I recruits on the current Antioch roster.

"It made me feel like home," said Brecht. "The campus was so nice and the coaches were so welcoming. I felt safe there when I visited. I would also like to be a mechanical engineer and they have not only the best engineering program in Tennessee, but also one of the top programs in the country."

The returning all-Northern Lake County Conference pick, hit .364 last year with 6 homers and 36 RBI. She had a pair of home runs in Antioch's season-opening win against Woodstock North.

"Emily has the physical tools in terms of speed, arm strength and power at the plate to play at the next level," Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said. "Position-wise, she can play anywhere for us besides pitcher and that's what makes her exceptional. She has the physical tools and mental game to play anywhere. The 2023 class she is going to at Tennessee Tech is exceptional and it's great to see Emily part of that group."

Brecht, who plays for the Bats 16U Nationals team based out of Mequon, Wisconsin in the offseason and has a 3.7 grade-point average at Antioch, said having the opportunity to play Division I softball is not lost on her. "To me it shows how much work and commitment you put into the sport and school," she said. "You only get there by your hard work and dedication and doing things such as working outside of practice and studying the game."

Antioch is off to a 5-0 start, which included a big Monday win over Barrington.

"Our team is packed with great players," said Brecht, part of an Antioch squad that advanced to the Class 3A supersectional round and hit 58 home runs last year. "Our goal is to go all the way downstate and I have no doubt that we have the capability to go to state."