Tag Archive for: Varsity softball

MARK HER NAME DOWN NOW

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CORTLAND OH-  Maplewood freshman Addison Marker is making quite the impression on the softball diamond this season. In a recent YSN podcast profile with host Anthony Hartwig, Marker opened up about her journey from grade school sports fan to one of the top freshman pitchers in the area—and how hard work, resilience, and her support system have fueled her success.

Though she once had little interest in softball, Marker credits her cousin Claire for encouraging her to give the sport a chance. “I used to not like softball at all, and I used to be a really big basketball person,” Marker recalled. “But as soon as I picked up a softball … I actually really like this, and then I just fell in love from there.” Marker’s love for the game quickly turned into a drive for excellence. She pointed to the leap from the 12U to 13U level as the moment softball became her passion: “Once I realized, like, hey, I’m kind of good at this, I was like, I really want to go big, and I want to go far in this.”

Her rise hasn’t come without adversity. Marker discussed bouncing back mentally and physically from a surgery in eighth grade, crediting her family, friends, and especially her coaches for helping her push through. “It was a really hard time for me … all I could think of was, I really just want to play softball,” she shared. “My pitching coach, Coach Jacqueline Carpenter, really helped me get to where I am today.” On the field, confidence is her calling card—buoyed by her teammates’ support and her strong mental game. “When I’m on the mound, I’m always thinking, like, next pitch … I always think about it just being me and my catcher playing catch,” Marker revealed.

Off the field, Marker is just as ambitious, excelling academically at Maplewood and hoping to grow and mentor the next wave of talent in the school’s softball program. With an eye toward the future, she admires collegiate stars like Jordy Bahl and dreams of following in her coach’s footsteps at the next level. For now, the Maplewood community is enjoying every pitch from their standout freshman, who’s proving with each performance that hard work and heart truly make their mark.

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BREAKING IN LIKE BARRESS

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JEFFERSON OH — Few freshmen make their mark on varsity sports quite like Alaina Barress has this softball season. Sitting down with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, Barress spoke about her stellar debut and the determination that’s powered her through adversity.

Coming off a significant injury that sidelined her for six months, Barress credits her rigorous offseason work for her immediate impact. “I’ve worked really hard in the offseason…showing up in the open gyms, and I think it’s showing,” Barress said. Transitioning from middle school to high school is no small leap, but Barress has handled it with poise both on the field and in the classroom, juggling honors courses alongside a demanding athletic schedule. Time management and using school hours wisely have been key. “I try to keep up with my grades… and if I do have homework, I just get it done that night so I’m not running behind,” she explained.

Barress also praised her teammates and coaches for creating a welcoming, team-first environment. Senior standouts like Allie Hill and Marilia have been role models, while her coaches and family—especially her father, who doubles as her coach—have provided continuous support. Despite the hectic spring weather and frequent schedule changes, Barress keeps her competitive edge with pre-game rituals and a tight-knit team dynamic. “I always have to have two French braids…and flip my batting gloves three times before I step in the box,” she shared. As she nears the end of a memorable freshman campaign, Barress is already looking to inspire the next wave of underclassmen. Her advice: “Look up to the older girls and put the work in, because it will really pay off during the season.” With young stars like Alaina Barress, the future of Jefferson softball looks bright.

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THAT’S CHECKMATE

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CORTLAMD OH- Maplewood High School’s Claire Urchek keeps piling up the accolades. After being named YSN’s Basketball Freshman of the Year, Urchek has seamlessly brought her competitive edge to varsity softball, where she’s quickly become a pivotal player—while maintaining straight A’s in the classroom.

In a recent interview with Anthony Hartwig on YSN, Urchek detailed her journey from basketball to softball, crediting her multi-sport experience and off-season hitting lessons for a quick adjustment. “Basketball was a lot, but I got through it pretty well,” she explained. “During basketball season, I was taking hitting lessons, so that helped with softball too.” Juggling academics with a packed athletic schedule is no easy feat, but Urchek takes it in stride. “Balancing schoolwork with everything else [has been the hardest part],” she admitted. “Softball games are long and take up the whole night.” Even so, she reports all A’s and is focused on finishing the school year strong despite a wave of essays and her first finals.

Urchek also spoke about the close-knit bond of the Maplewood softball team, where many players have years of experience together. “It’s pretty cool, actually, to be a part of and we’ve been playing for a long time, a lot of us have,” she said, emphasizing how this chemistry fuels the team’s recent success. Being coached by her mother has proven to be both familiar and motivating for Urchek, who says, “She knows her stuff, so I get to talk to her about a lot of things… Sometimes we have disagreements, but I think that’s good, to learn from each other.” Sports are truly a family affair in the Urchek household—her father coaches her brother’s baseball team, and sibling rivalry keeps things competitive at home.

With three more years of high school ahead, Urchek’s goals are as ambitious as her work ethic. “I want to go far, bring my team far. I want to go to state. That’s probably my end goal for any sport,” she declared. Claire Urchek’s determination and composure, whether balancing the demands of two varsity sports or navigating a challenging academic schedule, make her a name Maplewood fans will be cheering for well into the future.

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EVANS IS ELITE EVERYWHERE SHE STEPS

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MCDONALD OH — Sophomore pitcher Aubrey Evans has quickly become a standout on McDonald High School’s softball team, earning recognition as one of the area’s top players, as highlighted in a recent episode of the YSN podcast.

Evans sat down with hosts Anthony Hartwig and DJ Yokley to reflect on her journey to the pitcher’s mound, where she’s now filling the shoes of last year’s senior starters. “It means a lot this year that I get to come in and take up that spot and fill in their shoes,” Evans shared, noting the hard work she put in during the offseason to prepare for her new leadership role. Transitioning from travel to high school softball came with surprises, including a grueling game schedule and the physical toll of pitching multiple times a week. “This week I think we’re playing five games in five days, so it’s a lot more tiring,” Evans said.

Despite these challenges, Evans has posted impressive numbers: an ERA just above 1.1 and more than 100 strikeouts, leading her team in innings pitched. While she admits to being naturally quiet, Evans is embracing the responsibilities that come with her pivotal role. “Just being nice to everybody and uplifting everybody in the dugout helps with leadership a lot as well,” she explained. Support from her coaches—and especially her father, who has been a constant presence and mentor—has been crucial to Evans’ development. “He helps me with whatever… he’s really helped me improve a lot,” she said.

Off the field, Evans enjoys spending time with her teammates, often gathering at local spots like Calaveras or nearby ice cream shops after games. With her star on the rise, Evans serves as both an inspiration and a source of pride for her tight-knit community. As for her competitive spirit, Evans didn’t shy away from a playful challenge: when asked if she’d pitch to the McDonald baseball team, she responded with a grin, “Some of them are kind of cocky, so maybe.” With her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Aubrey Evans is not only helping to lead her team—it’s clear she’s also writing the next exciting chapter of McDonald High School softball.

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WYMER IS HERE JUST IN TIME

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NEW MIDDLETOWN OH-  Springfield High School’s softball team has found its latest sensation in freshman pitcher Makenna Wymer, whose remarkable debut has captured the attention of the local sports community. Wymer’s varsity journey began with a bang—her very first career start ended in a no-hitter, a rare feat for any athlete, let alone a ninth grader. “Honestly, I didn’t even know I was doing it until it was over, but I definitely couldn’t do it without my teammates and their help,” Wymer told YSN’s Anthony Hartwig in a recent podcast interview.

Despite her youth, Wymer’s confidence and poise have helped her transition seamlessly into a leadership role on the team. She credits a close-knit group of upperclassmen for making her feel welcome and setting a positive tone this season: “They definitely are very good leaders…they always got that mentality of getting the game going,” she explained. A Springfield native, Wymer’s softball journey began in tee-ball, with pitching becoming her passion after joining 8U leagues. She describes her style as hardworking and tenacious, motivated by personal standards of excellence and a little help from her family—especially her supportive parents and best friend, Gracie, who plays shortstop right behind her.

Wymer’s competitive spirit extends beyond the diamond. Off the field, she enjoys spending time with family, going on annual camping trips, and living in the comfort of a tight-knit Springfield community. Her dreams stretch far, revealing aspirations of vacationing in Greece and improving both her pitching consistency and power at the plate.  As Springfield continues its season, all eyes will be on Wymer—whose blend of talent, humility, and drive promises an exciting future for Blue Devils softball.

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HOWLAND SOFTBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH NICOLE WAYT 3-13-25

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WARREN OH- In an exciting build-up to the new softball season, Nicole Wayt, head coach of the Howland Tigers, shared her enthusiasm and plans for the team. Speaking on the YSN Live podcast, Wayt highlighted the team’s rigorous preparations, including a recent scrimmage and field cleanup, as steps towards fostering pride and camaraderie among the players.

With a young and dynamic roster, the Tigers are set to showcase versatility and resilience on the field. A robust lineup of returning and new athletes promises a season filled with excitement and potential. Wayt emphasized the significance of leadership, sportsmanship, and life skills in her coaching philosophy. Supported by a diverse and experienced coaching staff, the focus remains on holistic development both on and off the field. Looking forward, the Howland Tigers will commence their season with an exhilarating trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, marking their first travel experience in a decade. Coach Wayt is hopeful that this journey will not only boost team spirit but also lay the foundation for a successful season.

As the Tigers prepare to embrace the challenges of a competitive conference, featuring state powerhouses like Canfield and Fitch, the emphasis remains on remaining focused and united. Coach Wayt’s leadership, combined with a blend of eager newcomers and seasoned players, sets the stage for an unforgettable season. “Our girls are excited and ready,” said Wayt. “It’s going to be a fun year.” With the season opener just around the corner, all eyes are on the Howland Tigers as they set forth on their quest for excellence.

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