BOARDMAN OH- Alexandra Ward, a Spartan senior, has committed to extend her athletic and academic career to play softball at Otterbein University. During her junior season at Boardman, Ward’s batting average was a commendable .344. This included (1)home run and 19 RBI’s. Ward was named to 2nd Team All AAC and is a scholar athlete recipient as well. After the completion of her senior season, Ward will be a 3 year letter winner.
BHS Varsity softball head coach, Fred Mootz, describes Alex as, “the heartbeat of our team. She’s invested in herself and wanted to be the best version she could be for our team.”
When not playing softball for the Spartans, Alex is involved in many organizations for the school. Alex is a member of Link Crew, National Honor Society, Big Spartan Little Spartan and Emerging Leaders. Outside of school, Alex plays travel softball for Athletix.
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HOWLAND OH- Howland’s Brooke Tatar is taking her talents to the next level, officially signing to play softball at Slippery Rock University. Tatar has been a force for the Tigers, building an impressive resume over her career and leaving her mark in the record books.
Tatar’s list of achievements speaks for itself. She’s been named to the All-AAC First Team three times, earned Honorable Mention and Second Team All-District honors, and was recognized as a NEOFSCA Honorable Mention All-Northeast Ohio player. She also holds two OHSAA records: one for smashing three home runs in a single game and another for 39 RBIs in a season, which broke Howland’s school record.
In the circle, Tatar has been just as dominant, setting the school record for most strikeouts in a season with 132. Off the field, she’s been recognized as an OHSAA Scholar Athlete, proving she’s as sharp in the classroom as she is on the field.
Slippery Rock is getting a competitor who knows how to deliver in big moments. Congrats to Brooke on her signing, and best of luck as she gears up for her senior season with the Tigers!
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MINERAL RIDGE OH- Mineral Ridge standout Lily Merolillo has officially signed on to continue her academic and athletic career at Thiel University, where she’ll hit the diamond as a member of the softball team.
Merolillo’s high school career has been nothing short of impressive. As a sophomore, she was named team captain, earned First Team All-Conference honors as a fielder, and was an Honorable Mention All-District pitcher. That year, she also snagged a spot on the YSN All-Star Team and was a WKBN Big Dog of the Valley nominee.
Her junior season was just as strong. Merolillo captained the team again, threw her first career no-hitter, and earned First Team All-Conference honors as a pitcher and Second Team All-District recognition as a fielder. She was once again selected for the YSN All-Star Team.
Across her career, Merolillo has proven to be a force at the plate, in the field, and in the circle. She holds a .377 career batting average, a .529 on-base percentage, and has racked up 58 RBIs and 46 stolen bases. Defensively, she boasts a .984 fielding percentage, and in the circle, she’s tallied 156 strikeouts.
Thiel University is getting a player who can do it all and a leader with the resume to back it up. Congratulations to Lily on this big step, and best of luck during her senior season this spring!
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LOUISVILLE KY- Celene Funke’s softball story is one of grit, glory, and a whole lot of heart. Starting at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana, Funke’s senior year saw her lead the team as captain to back-to-back Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) titles. She earned two-time first-team all-MIC conference selection, 2016 all-state selection, was a nominee for the 2016 Region 3 Indiana Miss Softball, and made the 2016 Indy Star Indiana Super Team. Adding to her accolades, Funke was an ICGSA North/South All-Star and a two-time all-county first-team selection, cementing her reputation as a powerhouse on the field.
Achieving her dream of becoming a Division I power five athlete, Funke signed with the University of Louisville. As a freshman, she played in 33 games, but it was in her sophomore season where she truly shined. Leading the team with a .356 batting average and 17 stolen bases, she tied for ninth on Louisville’s single-season list for stolen bases. Making 50 starts in the outfield, Funke solidified her impact in the lineup and proved herself as a key player for the Cardinals.
In 2019, Funke broke records both on and off the field. She was named to the Google Cloud Academic All-America first team, becoming the first two-time Academic All-American in program history. On the field, she led the nation in triples with 13, setting a school record for single-season triples and tying for second on Louisville’s career list with 15. She scored a team-best 48 runs, placing seventh on UofL’s all-time list for runs in a season, and finished second on the team with a .324 batting average and 29 stolen bases, standing second on the school’s list for stolen bases in a season.
Funke’s senior season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but she still managed to hit .289 and ended the shortened year on a 10-game hitting streak. Despite the challenges, she continued to display her resilience and skill on the field.
In her graduate season in 2021, Funke started all 49 of the Cardinals’ games. She tied for third on the team with 19 runs and finished her career ranked second on Louisville’s list for career triples (22) and stolen bases (74). Funke owns the school single-season record for triples with 13 in 2019 and stands second in stolen bases after swiping 29 that same year.
One of Funke’s biggest challenges came during her junior year when she dislocated her shoulder. Despite the prolonged rehab needed after surgery, she elected to play through the pain, bringing unmatched energy and passion to the Louisville dugout. Her perseverance through adversity is a testament to her character and dedication, serving as an inspiration to young athletes about the importance of bringing energy to every aspect of the game.
Today, Funke continues to keep softball in her life by giving private lessons to young players aspiring to make their own dreams come true. With her impressive career and unwavering determination, there are few better players to learn from than Celene Funke.
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CHAPEL HILL NC- Abby Settlemyre’s softball journey began at Fred T. Foard High School in Hickory, North Carolina, where she quickly established herself as a standout player. Earning all-conference, all-district, and all-state honors, Abby’s high school career was nothing short of remarkable. Her senior year statistics are particularly impressive, boasting a .698 batting average with eight triples, 26 stolen bases, and 41 runs scored. These exceptional achievements earned her the title of the 2017-18 North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year, cementing her legacy at Fred T. Foard.
With a family of long-time UNC fans, Abby’s commitment to the University of North Carolina was a dream come true. She made an immediate impact as a freshman, starting every game at shortstop for the Tar Heels. Abby recorded a .306 batting average with 38 hits, scoring 25 runs and driving in 14, showcasing her talent on a larger stage.
Her sophomore year was abruptly shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, yet Abby remained a key player for UNC. She started all 24 games before the shutdown, maintaining a .294 batting average with a team-best 20 hits and 18 stolen bases. Her resilience and dedication were evident as she continued to excel despite the challenging circumstances.
Adversity struck during her junior season when Abby had to miss the entire year due to injury. Coming off a fantastic freshman season and a promising sophomore campaign, this setback was devastating. Many players might have struggled to recover, but not Abby. Her passion and drive fueled her recovery, and she returned to the field with renewed determination.
In her comeback season, Abby played wherever the team needed her, appearing in 29 games and making 10 starts, primarily at first base and as a pinch runner and hitter. By 2023, Abby was back in full force, making 50 starts in 52 games. She led the team in RBIs (35), doubles (9), total bases (94), and slugging percentage (.610), and had the second-highest batting average (.351) and on-base percentage (.520) in the entire ACC.
Abby’s final season at UNC in 2024 was her best yet. She batted a career-best .391, leading the team in doubles (10) and triples (2). She tallied 43 hits, four home runs, 28 runs, 27 RBIs, 13 walks, and four stolen bases, with the best slugging percentage on the team at .627. Her outstanding performance earned her All-ACC honors in her last two seasons, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the conference.
Abby Settlemyre’s journey is a testament to perseverance and faith. Her story is one of overcoming obstacles and returning stronger than ever, making her an inspiration to any softball player aspiring to greatness. Abby’s legacy at UNC is not only defined by her statistics but by her unwavering determination and passion for the game.
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TAMPA FL- Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Kamryn Jackson made her mark early on at Sickles High School under Coach Al Bowman. Over her four years, she was showered with honors, earning the Heart and Hustle award in her first two seasons and MVP in her junior year. Her final season was stellar, hitting .439 with 36 hits and 34 RBIs in 27 games, pushing Sickles to a regional final in the 2019 FHSAA 8A Championships. Kamryn’s performance earned her First Team Western Conference, team scholar, and silver slugger awards. It was an exciting moment when she signed on to be a Duke Blue Devil.
In her freshman year at Duke, Kamryn’s season was cut short by COVID-19 after appearing in 18 games. However, she made the most of her first full season as a sophomore, starting in 37 of 49 games. Splitting time at third base, left field, and as the designated player, she held a .259 average with 28 hits, nine extra-base hits, 19 RBIs, 11 walks, and five stolen bases.
Kamryn’s junior year was a breakout season, playing in and starting all 55 of Duke’s games. She hit .295 with eight home runs, 11 stolen bases, and 34 RBIs, earning a reputation as one of the top nine-hole hitters in the country. Perfect on the basepaths during the regular season, she was voted by her teammates as the Golden Spikes winner.
After graduating from Duke, Kamryn had eligibility left and faced a tough decision after an injury-plagued senior year. She chose to continue her softball journey at Florida Atlantic as a graduate senior. The decision paid off as she started all 57 games, with 152 at-bats, 53 runs, 52 hits, 45 RBIs, and 26 walks. She led the team in runs and was named 2024 AAC First Team All-Conference, helping FAU win the American Conference and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Kamryn bet on herself by continuing her career at FAU, leaving an instant legacy in the Owls program. She exemplifies making a mark wherever you find yourself and ensuring the place is better when you leave. Kam did that at Duke, and she did it at FAU, and she will undoubtedly continue to do it in her future endeavors.
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KNOXVILLE TN- McKenna “Boo” Gibson’s softball journey began at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. She played all four years, earning the title of Female Athlete of the Year in 2021. Ranked as the No. 29 overall prospect and No. 25 infielder by Extra Inning Softball for the class of 2021, she was selected alongside her high school teammate and fellow UT signee, Grace Keene, for the PGF High School All-American Game in the summer of 2021. After high school, Gibson chose the University of Tennessee, drawn by the coaches and the beautiful campus scenery.
As a freshman at Tennessee, Gibson made an immediate impact, playing in 56 games with 55 starts at second base and designated player. She batted .253 with 11 homers and 30 RBIs, ranking fifth on the team with a .527 slugging percentage. Her power and consistency at the plate quickly made her a key player for the Lady Vols.
Fast forward to her junior year in 2024, Gibson continued to shine. She played and started in 55 games, posting an impressive .339/.506/.412 slash line. Leading the team with 41 RBIs and tying for the team lead in hits with 59, she was instrumental in Tennessee’s second straight SEC Regular Season championship. Her performance solidified her reputation as one of the top players in the conference.
Gibson’s nickname “Boo” has become a beloved moniker on Rocky Top. The name originated because her younger self resembled Boo from the Monsters Inc. movie. Embracing the nickname, Tennessee fans affectionately call her Boo, with many not even knowing her real first name. The nickname has become a staple of her identity at Tennessee.
Throughout her career at Tennessee, Gibson has racked up numerous accolades. In 2024, she was named to the CSC Academic All-District and All-SEC First Team. She made the Spring SEC Academic Honor Roll for 2022-23 and was a 2023 CSC Academic All-America Third Team member. Additionally, she earned a spot on the NFCA Second Team All-America and NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team in 2023, along with being named to the All-SEC First Team and SEC Academic All-District. Her freshman year saw her on the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll, highlighting her commitment both on and off the field.
Boo Gibson’s journey is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the infectious energy she brings to the game. Her impact at Tennessee is undeniable, and her future in softball looks incredibly bright.
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TALLAHASSEE FL- Devyn Flaherty’s softball journey began in Sarasota, Florida, where she made waves at Riverview Sarasota High School. Despite tearing her ACL during her freshman year, she posted a remarkable .488 batting average, totaling 84 hits, 55 RBIs, and 54 runs over her high school career. She was a 2019 HT Preps All-Area Softball Player of the Year Finalist and earned a spot on the East team in the 2019 PGF High School All-American Game. Initially a promising soccer player, her injury shifted her focus solely to softball. Growing up a Florida State fan, Devyn eventually found her perfect fit with the Seminoles after one last campus visit.
Flaherty’s freshman season at FSU, shortened by COVID, saw her appear in all 24 games, including 22 starts. She finished with a .333 batting average (22-for-66), with four doubles, three triples, three home runs, 16 RBIs, and 17 runs scored. Her three triples led the team and ranked No. 21 in the NCAA. She also added 10 walks, tied for the team lead with eight stolen bases, and posted a .621 slugging percentage.
In her first full season as a sophomore, Devyn started all 63 games at second base, finishing with a .281 batting average (52-for-185). She led the team with 52 hits, including eight doubles and five home runs, resulting in 22 RBIs and a .405 slugging percentage. Flaherty was perfect on the base paths, going 19-for-19 in stolen bases. Defensively, she was solid with a .946 fielding percentage, 74 putouts, and 119 assists.
Fast forward to her senior year in 2024, Devyn started 60 games, appearing in 275 games for FSU, tying for fourth-most in school history. She finished the season with a .329 average, one home run, 16 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases on 18 attempts. Her consistency and leadership were vital to the Seminoles’ success.
Flaherty’s career postseason accolades are extensive: 2024 Second Team All-ACC, 2023 NFCA Southeast All-Region Third Team, 2023 All-ACC Second Team, 2023 Preseason All-ACC First Team, 2022 ACC All-Tournament Team, 2022 All-ACC Second Team, 2021 All-ACC First Team, and 2021 All-ACC Freshman Team. She will be remembered as one of the most consistent players in FSU’s storied history, leading the team to 224 wins during her career.
Devyn’s journey isn’t over. After college, she signed with the Texas Monarchs of the WPF. The Monarchs’ GM, former Seminole Alex Powers, knows all too well how good Flaherty is. Catch Devyn, the Monarchs, and the WPF league this summer as professional softball continues to thrive.
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AUSTIN TX- Sara Fessler’s softball career has been defined by her relentless drive to push her limits and elevate her game. From her early days at Magnificat High School, where she dazzled the local community, to her current role as a professional player with the Texas Monarchs, Sara has consistently challenged herself to raise the bar.
In high school, Sara was a standout at Magnificat, earning four letters and serving as a three-time captain. She batted an impressive .700 during her junior season and was a two-time Northeast Ohio Honorable Mention selection. Her leadership and talent were evident from the start, setting the stage for her future success.
Sara began her collegiate journey at Ursuline College in Division 2. After getting her feet wet during her freshman season, she became a key player in her sophomore year, starting 31 of 32 games. She recorded a .323 batting average with 30 hits, seven doubles, a triple, and seven RBIs. Defensively, she tallied 73 putouts and 76 assists, with a .892 fielding percentage. Sara’s speed was also a weapon, as she stole seven bases and batted .379 in conference games.
Sara’s junior season at Ursuline was even more impressive. She was named first-team Great Midwest Athletic Conference after batting .442 with 11 doubles, six triples, four home runs, and 20 RBIs. She scored 37 runs, slugged .713, and posted a 1.203 OPS. Starting all 39 games, Sara had two 11-game hitting streaks and stole 14 bases in 15 attempts. Her .400 batting average in conference games underscored her consistency and impact.
Transferring to Youngstown State for her senior season, Sara made an immediate impact. She started 51 games, batting .369 with 41 runs scored, 12 doubles, five home runs, 15 stolen bases, and 17 RBIs. Her .541 slugging percentage and .492 on-base percentage highlighted her offensive prowess. Sara quickly became one of the best players in the conference, never phased by the higher level of competition.
In her fifth year at YSU, Sara continued to excel, batting .305 with 45 runs scored, nine doubles, a triple, nine home runs, and 21 RBIs. She recorded a .565 slugging percentage and a .449 on-base percentage, with 14 multi-hit games, capping off her college career with a bang.
After graduation, Sara seized the opportunity to challenge herself once more by trying out for and making the Texas Monarchs, a professional team in the WPF. Playing alongside and against some of the best players in the world, Sara has found a consistent role on the team. Her journey is a testament to her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and strive for greatness.
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ATLANTA GA- Mallorie Black’s softball journey began in Cumming, Georgia, where she quickly made a name for herself at North Forsyth High School. As a senior, she dominated the field, driving in 63 RBIs and smashing 10 home runs. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot on the Region 5-7A all-academic team for three consecutive years (2017-19), first team all-state honors in 2018 and 2019, and the title of Region 5-7A Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2019. Mallorie was the epitome of a hometown hero, inspiring her local community with her talent and dedication.
Mallorie’s transition to Georgia Tech came with its own set of challenges, particularly with her freshman season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the mental and physical hurdles, she made an immediate impact, starting in 40 games, 39 of them at third base. Over the next two seasons, she continued to progress, showing consistent improvement both offensively and defensively. However, it was her senior year in 2024 when everything truly clicked.
During her final season at Tech, Mallorie posted career highs in almost every offensive category. She hit .373 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs, an impressive leap considering she had only 11 career home runs before that year. With a slugging percentage of .825, her performance was stellar enough to earn her a spot on the NFCA All Southeast Region team and a 2nd Team All American nod by Softball America. Mallorie ranked 15th nationally in home runs and 2nd in the ACC, just behind Virginia Tech’s Cori McMillan.
Mallorie Black’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a positive attitude. Her senior year could have been a victory lap, but instead, she pushed harder than ever, and the entire nation witnessed the results. Her story serves as an inspiration to every softball player, proving that trusting the process and putting in the effort can lead to extraordinary success.
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