Known to be one of the best softball programs in Illinois, the Varsity Softball team will count on its senior experience to achieve previous success. 

In his second-year as head varsity coach, J.P. Coughlin highlighted the team’s depth, speed and defense as keys to winning a sectional championship and reclaiming their dominance. 

Six years ago, the softball team won back-to-back IHSA 4A State Championships. Last season, they lost 5-4 to Taft High School on the last pitch in the sectional semi-finals. Although they aren’t ranked this year, both the coach and players come back with more experience and confidence. 

“Last year, we had a lot less experience and less depth as we do this year. There is an expectation that we are one of the premier teams in Illinois, but we were not last year,” said Coughlin. 

After losing nine players due to graduation, seven players are returning from last year’s 10-17 team. Coughlin emphasized the importance of the five seniors and upperclassmen to step up and lead a younger team. 

“It starts with our seniors. We have awesome, strong leaders who work well together, work hard for themselves and for each other,” Coughlin said. 

Among the seniors are captains Anne Stine and Kelly Cortez, who have both been on varsity for the past two years. Their experience playing in competitive conference matchups give the team depth and confidence. 

 “As seniors, we’ve learned when to step up and when to show leadership because it’s not just about the coaches, but it’s about bringing the team together. That’s when we play our best,” said Stine. 

“We have a lot of people on the team looking up to us, not just as seniors, but as a program overall,” added Cortez. 

Throughout the season, the team will play each team in the West Suburban Silver Conference twice. All of the teams in the conference are talented, but the most competitive and anticipated games will be Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove North and Lyons Township. “My job is to put them in the best position to succeed. Putting them out there and letting them experience it,” said Coughlin. 

Other close non-conference matchups will be Fenwick High School and St. Ignatius College Prep. Last year, the team beat their crosstown rivals, Fenwick, but lost to St. Ignatius. 

With more depth on the roster this year, the team has something to prove. “We lock in when we need to lock in. Our team can be goofy, we love to joke around, but when it’s time to be serious we get into that space and accomplish what we need to accomplish,” said Cortez.