By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school softball previews for the 2025 season:

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Sam Petrash, 8th year, 109-40 career record.

Coaching Staff: Rob Kennedy, Sarah Ross, Glen Galang, Cayla Mazzola, Julie Zidones.

2024 Record: 24-2 overall; 14-0 Suburban League American Division.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Julia Miller, sr.; Sophie Petrash, sr.; Avery Qualters, sr.; Sophie Retton, sr.; Sophie Schechterman, sr.; Rayna Unverferth, sr.; Lailah Bohanan, jr.; Alexis Kemble, jr.; Charlotte Sorma, jr.; Addison Witting, jr.; Lila Bultrowicz, soph.

Letterwinners Lost: Madelina Dalessandro, McKennah Metzger.

Season Outlook: “We bring back a lot of players from last year’s team that set multiple team records,” Petrash said. “We will be competitive throughout the year.”

Infield: Miller and Bohanan will split time at first base.

“Both do a great job around the bag and hit the ball hard. Both are fast and can drive in a lot of runs.”

Bohanan can hit for average, batting .513 last year, along with 12 doubles, 25 runs and 29 RBI. Miller was productive, as well, with 14 runs and 19 RBI.

At second base will be Petrash, anchoring the middle with Unverferth at shortstop.

The pair also hit one-two in the lineup and set the table consistently.

Petrash hit .475 with a .533 on-base percentage last year. She scored 37 runs and had 15 RBI. Unverferth hit .380 with a .484 on-base percentage and scored 38 runs and 15 RBI.

At third base will be Bultrowicz and Witting.

“Lila is a strong third baseman, who hits for power.

Kemble will get some time at third base and shortstop, while Sorma will get some work at second base.

“Almost all of the infield has lettered since their freshman year and are very familiar with our system.”

Outfield: Bohanan and Miller will also get some time in left field.

Qualters will be in center, along with Witting at times.

Sorma and Summer Collis will be in right field.

“Avery is ready to take control of the outfield and has been hitting well this spring. Charlotte has earned her way into the lineup with a solid bat and strong play in right field, while Addison covers a lot of ground with her speed and has a strong arm.”

Catcher: First Team All-Ohio Schechterman returns as the starter. She hit .543 last year, with a .607 on-base percentage. She also had 11 doubles, two home runs and drove in 30.

“She has a quick release and a strong arm. She hits for power, average and is fast on the bases, which is a rare combination for a catcher.”

Freshmen Rachel Devenish and Kerrigan Riley provide depth.

“The two freshmen have earned opportunities to be the backup. Devenish hits for power, where  Riley hits for average and is quick.”

Pitching: Retton will slide into the ace role, while Bohanan will also get time.

“Sophie has the ability to spot pitches, spin the ball and change speeds. She is a crafty pitcher, who has the ability to adjust to hitters and expose their weaknesses. She will also bring a big bat and is the rare pitcher who can dominate in the circle, hit for power, hit for average and drive in a lot of runs.”

Last season, Schechterman hit .598 and had a .624 on-base percentage. She belted 13 doubles, four home runs, drove in 41 and scored 35.

Underclassmen to Watch: Lila Bultrowicz, Rachel Devenish, Kerrigan Riley.

Reason to be Optimistic: “We bring back a lot of experience, knowledge and skill.”

Reason to be Concerned: “We play in a tough district.”

CRESTWOOD RED DEVILS

Head Coach: Matthew Helm, 5th year (2nd at Crestwood), 28-53 career record (10-9 at Crestwood).

Coaching Staff: Eric Davis, Samantha Toke.

2024 Record: 10-9 overall; 5-5 Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Kayleigh Helm, sr.; Hailey Desatnik, sr.; Audrey Julian, jr.; Grace Harper, soph.

Infield: The group will feature an entirely new look this season.

At first base will be Desatnik, who was a first-year starter last year.

Rylie Duval-Chambers, a sophomore, will be a new starter at second base. Helm describes her play as “high energy with a good arm.”

At shortstop, freshman Bella Stier brings her high energy and range as a new starter.

“She is smart and can hit. She will be a fixture in the infield for years.”

Sophomore Abby Hayes will get the start at third base.

“She is athletic and works hard.”

Outfield: Junior Serena Wright will be the primary left fielder. She is a new starter this season and has good range and quickness, according to Helm.

Julian will shift into a full-time starter’s position in centerfield.

“She is very quick, athletic and smart. She gets the outfielders adjusted.”

In right field will be freshman Ari Smith, who has a good glove and is quick on the base paths.

Catcher: Helm shifts positions to be the starter after earning All-CVC and all-district honors last year.

She led the team with a .426 average last season and has a career .976 fielding percentage.

“She is the voice and leader of this team, taking over for Bella Hunter. She is new to the position this season, but calls the game, throws and commands the plate like a veteran.”

Pitcher: Harper was named All-CVC last year as a freshman and returns for her second high-school season. She was 2-2 with 22 strikeouts and also hit a pair of home runs at the plate, with a .351 batting average.

“She has multiple pitches and has thrown well throughout our scrimmages. She is very calm and athletic.”

Stier has shown that she can be the team’s No. 2 pitcher and will get starts.

“She understands the game well and how to help with getting groundball outs.

Reasons to be Optimistic: “We have had more dirt time this year than last season. They communicate well and are understanding the changes that are needed and what is expected. They are going to shock people this season.”

Reasons to be Concerned: “Depth, depth, depth … and experience. We are low in both, but the desire is there and improvement in each outing is there. We just head to stay healthy.”

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Beth Dyer, 19th year, 350-103 career record.

Coaching Staff: Bob Bauer, Dan Battaglia, Connie Tenney.

2024 Record: 24-4 overall; 14-0 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Maddie Burge, sr.; Kailyn Gressman, sr.; Tia Ulrich, sr.; Olivia Dyer, sr.; Mckayla Miller, sr.; Abby Harlin, sr.; Jessica Pollard, sr.; Cassidy Wells, sr.; Delilah Rahe, sr.; Averi Weis, jr.; Lilli Sutkowy, jr.; Nyla Hindel, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Olivia Bey, Abbey Goodheart.

Season Outlook: “We have a lot of returners, and we play a very tough non-league schedule so it will be good to see if we can compete with the bigger schools,” Dyer said.

Infield: Gressman returns as the starter at third base.

“She is a tough kid, who is a consistent player.”

Ulrich is another returning starter and plays well at shortstop.

“Tia does a great job talking to the outfield and keeping the ball in the infield.”

At second base will be Miller, who Dyer described as an “athletic player and is able to cover a lot of territory.”

A fourth returning starter is Dyer at first base.

“She does a good job of keeping the ball in front and handling throws.”

Outfield: Pollard returns in center and Rahe returns in right field, while Abby Harlin will get time in both left field and right field.

Wells will see some time in left field, while newcomers Addy Lay and Sophia Roberts provide depth.

Catcher: Weis and Hindel will share catching duties, according to Dyer.

Pitchers: Burge, Sutkowy and Dyer will all spend time in the circle.

Burge has the most experience, pitching 112 innings last year, with a 19-2 record and had 96 strikeouts. She was named the Metro Athletic Conference’s Pitcher of the Year.

Offensively, she was dominant, too, with nine home runs, 41 hits and 39 RBI.

Sutkowy also was a huge player at the plate, hitting a team-high .568, with 46 hits, 20 doubles, six home runs and 42 RBI.

Underclassmen to Watch: Nyla Hindel, soph.

Reasons to be Optimistic: “We return experience at each position and it being the last season for most of them, they are determined to make their mark.”

Reasons to be Concerned: “Staying focused this time of year, with a lot of seniors, can be a challenge.”

KENT ROOSEVELT ROUGH RIDERS

Head Coach: Taylor Johnson, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Meagan Pettipiece, Jay Weiss.

2024 Record: 4-18 overall, 2-12 Suburban League American Division.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Avery Gates, sr.; Addison Vinston, sr.; Brooke Binder, sr.; Graysen Butcher, sr.; Aubrey Henry, jr.; Brynn Moser, jr.; Katlyn Ciolek, jr.; Skylar Lauck, jr.; Claire Satola, soph.

Season Outlook: “This is a whole new season and a whole new program,” first-year head coach Taylor Johnson said. “After our first game, we were able to see what this team is made of, but there is room for improvement. We have great leadership and a very strong coaching staff.”

Infield: Gates is an established senior, who will start at first base.

“She brings amazing leadership and consistency. She has a big stick and an even better glove. She knows the game in and out and leaves everything she has on the field.”

Newcomer Jilli Smith, a freshman, will start at second base.

“She knows the game and carries herself with more maturity than you normally see in a freshman.”

At shortstop, senior Binder is the starter and is described by Johnson as a player with “unmatched athleticism.”

“She is one player this coaching staff is never worried about giving her all.”

Lauck and Henry, both juniors, will share time at third base.

“They have strong and automatic arms. When at the plate, the tenacity they bring is one that makes this team stronger.”

Outfield: Satola will start in right field, Kamia Green will be in center and Devin Stohovitch in left field.

“Claire is a great racker in the outfield and is not afraid to lay out to get the out for our team.

“Kamia is a natural leader, and her arm is strong.”

Green is also a switch-hitter at the plate to bring versatility.

Stohovitch is a freshman, who is “playing well beyond her years,” according to Johnson.

Pitching: Moser and Ciolek will be in the circle.

“These two strong pitchers will bring a variety of tricks to the table for other teams to hit against. Both are very well composed.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Devin Stohovitch, Jilli Smith, Lily Robb, Claire Satola.

Reason to be Optimistic: “We are a completely new program, new expectations, new mindset, new team and new coaching staff. We have an entire community that runs behind this program.”

MOGADORE WILDCATS

Head Coach: Jeff Fankhauser, 6th year, 89-29 career record.

Coaching Staff: Thomas Pollock.

2024 Record: 17-7 overall; 7-1 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Addie Christy, sr.; Lily Hotchkiss, sr.; Gracie Funk, sr.; MJ Shellenbarger, jr.; Rylee Clark, jr.; Jayden Miller, jr.

Lettermen Lost (4): Olivia Kidd, Savannah Thomas, Brianna McQuain, Katie Gardner.

Infield: Hotchkiss is the anchor, returning for her fourth year as the team’s starter at shortstop.

“She is a respected leader on and off the field,” Fankhauser said.

Shellenbarger, whose off-season training has already been noticed by Fankhauser, is the starter at third base.

At second base will be Peyton Walker, a junior.

“Her hard work and dedication is contributing to her success.”

Sophomore McKenna Clark, along with freshmen Layla Funk and Morgen Smith all will also see time in the infield.

“McKenna works hard and will be competing for a starting position. Layla is very eager to help the team in any way she can. She has the skills that will help us in the infield and outfield. Morgen is working hard at fine-tuning her skills at first base.”

Outfield: The group features starters Gracie Funk in center, Rylee Clark in right field and freshman Autumn Betts in left field.

Funk has started at center for the previous three years.

“She is a hard worker, with a positive attitude.”

Catcher: Miller steps into the starting role vacated by the graduation of Olivia Kidd.

“Jayden’s knowledge of the game lends itself to leading our team from behind the plate.”

Pitching: Christy put in work during the off-season to elevate her game and is the team’s ace.

Freshman Tali Bartholomew will get some experience at different times throughout the season.

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Paige Byers, 5th year, 62-25 career record.

Coaching Staff: Taylor Shepherd, Aleena Laney, Abby White.

2024 Record: 13-7 overall; 6-2 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Grace Luli, sr.; Kaitlyn Hammerschmidt, jr.; Katie Sisley, jr.; Reise Thomas, jr.; Madison Giebel, jr.; Chloe Gardner, jr.; Lilly Kamenash, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Shelbie Krieger, Natalie Hammerschmidt, Abby White, Boston Silveus, Hannah Skinner.

Season Outlook: “We are excited to have a solid group returning to the field,” Byers said. “We have returners filling new roles on the team that really let their talents show.”

Infield: Thomas has matured into the team’s vocal leader from her shortstop position.

“She is quick and knowledgeable.”

Hammerschmidt returns to start at third base and has a strong arm.

At first base will be Luli and Gardner.

“Both bring strong glove work.”

Madison Giebel and Sophia Byers will get work at second base.

Outfield: The group is led by Sisley and Kamenash.

“Both cover the outfield well and have strong arms.”

Allison Smith and Lauren Schlaubach provide depth.

Catcher: Madison Giebel brings “strong blocking and hustle” behind the plate, according to Byers.

Kamenash will also see innings as the backup.

Pitching: Sisley and Gardner will be the team’s top arms this season.

“Both have great movement and composure on the mound.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Lilly Kamenash, Izzy Luli, Morgan Giebel, Sophia Byers.

Reasons to be Optimistic: “We have a large group returning, who are stepping into leadership roles. They have done fantastic with the new players on the team and setting the tone for the year.”

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Erin Muncy, 8th year, 58-61 career record.

Coaching Staff: Heather Linsday, Ashley Saxton.

2024 Record; 13-8 overall; 5-3 Portage Trail Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Ava Stephens, sr.; Morgan Muncy, jr.; Bailey Morris, jr.; Liv Bragg, jr.; Neena Truex, soph.; Miranda Timko, soph.; Destiny Longgood, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Izzy Schuller, Kylie Byrd, Addie Goldstein, Lexi Morris, Mya Sutcliffe.

Season Outlook: “We have a very positive outlook for the upcoming season,” Muncy said. “We have a very versatile team, with talented players who have been working hard and are ready to compete. We are looking forward to being challenged in our new league.”

Infield: The group features returning starters on the left side, with Muncy at third base and Truex at shortstop.

They are versatile, too, with the ability to swap positions, if necessary.

Muncy hit .623 last season and belted eight home runs and drove in 30.

On the right side, Morris will step into a starting role at first base, while freshman Lily Hayes leads a group of players, including Bragg and Timko, competing for time at second base.

Bragg returns to the lineup after missing all of the 2024 season because of an injury.

Outfield: “We will have a bunch of new faces in the outfield this year.”

Freshmen Bella Mowery, Leah Mesaraos and Lylia Lavigna are part of that group and “all are doing well,” according to Muncy.

“They all have great speed and arm strength.”

Others expected to play in the outfield include Stephens, Muncy and Morris.

Catcher: Stephens is the team’s returning starter.

She was a leader at the plate, too, with a .435 average, along with seven home runs and 39 RBI.

Morris and Lavigna give depth as backups.

Pitcher: The trio of Hayes, Timko and Bragg are the leaders, while Muncy could also get time.

Timko was the team leader in innings pitched last year with 71, and she was 11-6 with 72 strikeouts.

Underclassmen to Watch: Lily Hayes, Bella Mowery, Lylia Lavigna, Leah Mesaros.

Reason to be Optimistic: “Our depth with pitching and a lot of versatility with the players.”

Reason to be Concerned: “We only have one senior and a few juniors, and we will be starting a lot of underclassmen.”

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: LeRoy Moore, 13th year (2nd at Streetsboro), 193-91 career record.

Coaching Staff: John Bodovetz, Megan Szczeciński, Avery Sługa, Samantha Gadus.

2024 Record: 13-16 overall; 5-9 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Hailey Miller, Sydney Burfield, Audrina Wert, Nevaeh Monroe, Payton Williams, Khloe Cutright, Olivia DeToro, Olivia Knepper, Amy Rein.

Letterwinners Lost (4): T’Lanee Boyett, Dani LaFlame, Samantha Gadus, Cortney Evert.

Season Outlook: “We are young, but have several players that have potential. I expect us to be in the top half of the league standings this year.”

Infield: Miller will move from catcher to first base and is one of the team’s defensive leaders. She also had a team-high 31 RBI at the plate.

At second will be Cutright, who was one of the team leaders last season with her .394 batting average.

Ella Simpson and Kendall Epple will share time at shortstop.

Epple is also running track this season, while Simpson is a freshman with a strong arm.

Simpson will also see some time at third base, as will another freshman in Mallory Gierke.

“The more reps she gets, the better she gets.”

Also seeing time at third base will be Wert and Rein.

Outfield: Epple and Monroe will split time in left field.

Knepper shifts to the starting spot in center after playing in left field last year.

Monroe, along with Mikayla Sweet, will spend time in right field.

Catcher: DeToro returns as the team’s starter.

“She has great blocking skills and a strong arm.”

At the plate, she hit .329 and had 26 hits.

Pitching: Rein and Burfield both return after gaining experience last season.

Rein was 6-7 and Burfield was 4-5.

“Sydney will be key for us coming out of the bullpen. She compliments Amy very well and with a stronger defense behind her, we look for their numbers to improve.”

Wert and Williams are likely to also pitch, with Williams returning from a torn ACL.

Underclassmen to Watch: DeToro, Cutright, Knepper, Rein, Simpson.

Reason to be Optimistic: “We have several players, who are athletic, have potential and if they play to their potential, we should have one of the best years Streetsboro has seen in awhile.”

Reason to be Concerned: “Injuries, of course, because we are thin in reserves.”

WATERLOO VIKINGS

Head Coach: Brenda Flarida, 27th year, 319-228 career record.

Coaching Staff: Mackenzie Kehrer, Machayla Kehrer.

2024 Record: 6-12 overall; 6-8 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Bayley English, jr.; Regan Hellman, jr.; Brylynn Eddy, jr; Kristlyn Kehrer, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (7): Morgan Sweitzer, Savanna Francis, Taylor Hellman, Taryn Brown, Miranda Long, Alana Holmes, Kamryn Lynn.

Season Outlook: “Our goal every year is to contend for a league title,” Flarida said. “We will need to come out of the gate quickly and prove we can play with anyone. I feel there are many quality teams in our league and it will be competitive every night. Any given night, anyone can beat anyone, so we need to come ready to play.”

Infield: Heilman is the group’s only returning starter, and she will be at second base.

The rest of the infield will be determined on who is pitching.

Kehrer and Jolean Hampton can play either corner position, with Eddy, as well.

Freshman Brooke May will start at shortstop, while sophomore Mackenzie Marsh will also get time.

“They bring much talent to the infield.”

Outfield: More new faces will be found in the outfield, with Isabelle Knepp, Kaylynn Esola, Kate England, Helena Beamer and Marsh all expected to see time.

“We will have speed in the outfield, but with replacing all of our starters, they will need to gain varsity experience quickly.”

Catcher: English returns as the starter.

“Her experience behind the plate is a strength for our team, as she will handle the pitchers.”

Pitcher: Kehrer was the team’s only pitcher last year during her freshman season. She has had a full year to grow and is “ready to embrace her sophomore year,” according to Flarida.

Hampton will be added to the pitching staff this season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Jolean Hampton, fresh.; Isabelle Knepp, fresh.; Mackenzie Marsh, soph.; Brooke May, fresh.; Kaylynn Esola, soph.

Reason to be Optimistic: “We have a very hard working group of girls this season, with a few veteran players and adding in the newcomers, they both bring a lot of excitement to the team. Hoping the weather cooperates and we can play early in the season. The tradition we have created within our program is always our strength.”

Reason to be Concerned: “By graduating six seniors, we will have many new faces in positions and most of them this is their first varsity experience. Hopefully these players will hit the ground running and settle in quickly. It will come with repetition and game experience.”

WINDHAM BOMBERS

Head Coach: Tom VanKirk, 5th year, 46-35 career record.

Coaching Staff: Dan Peterson, Larry Jones.

2024 Record: 6-11 overall; 5-10 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Quinn Justham, sr.; Libby Inman, jr.; Brielle Jones, jr.; Chanyese Jones, jr.; Skylar Bailey, jr.; Alex Hudak, soph.; Makenzi Blockinger, soph.; Elaina Tucker, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Angelina Jones, Lexi Goodwin, Sydnie Sweet, Na’Zya Henderson, Memphys Lough, Ka’Neese Cunningham.

Season Outlook: “We are overall very young, and we want to continually improve before playoff time and build team chemistry around an evolving roster,” VanKirk said.

Infield: The group will be a flexible mix, depending on who is pitching.

Justham can play shortstop and third, as can Blockinger, while Kierrah Sanders can play second base and shortstop, Jones at first and third and Hudak also at first base.

Outfield: Similar to the infield, the Bombers’ outfield will be a flexible rotation.

Hudak can play centerfield, Bailey in right field and Tucker in left.

Kyleigh Simpson is also expected to find time.

Catcher: Freshmen McKenna Jones and Simpson are both learning the position.

“They are talented and hard workers, but are inexperienced.”

Pitching: Justham and Inman spotlight the staff, while freshmen Lilly Garrett and Jaiden Moore are also expected to get time.

“We will approach the season as a pitching staff and work off of each other game to game.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Makenzi Blockinger, Alex Hudak, McKenna Jones, Kierrah Sanders, Kyleigh Simpson.

Reason to be Optimistic: “We have high energy and very good teammates. We are young and athletic and they are eager to work and learn.”

Reason to be Concerned: “We are young and inexperienced as a group. We will need to build our softball IQ and speed of the game at the high-school level.”

• Editor’s Note: The season previews for Garfield and Ravenna will be added to this post at a later time.