By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

As important as a batter is that hits for power and average, having a player star on the defensive side of the field is a luxury that coaches wish they could share across all nine positions.

These are the players that make the difficult plays look easy.

The players that make the impossible possible.

The players that win games for their teams.

Flashing the leather on the baseball diamond is a skill that separates the playmakers from the players.

And the best are so valuable that their award is made out of gold.

The Gold Gloves.

And this year’s recipients are presented below, as I proudly introduce my 9th annual High School Softball Gold Glove winners.

SOPHIE PETRASH

AURORA

Senior second base

Notable Defensive Statistics: 102 total chances, 52 assists, 42 putouts, .922 fielding percentage.

Coach Sam Petrash: Sophie has the most chances outside of first base. Her range is unmatched going to her left, right or back. Some of her errors are on diving plays, where she makes a do or die throw that gets away.

KAYLEIGH HELM

CRESTWOOD

Senior catcher

Notable Defensive Statistics: .968 fielding percentage.

Coach Matt Helm: Kayleigh made a full-time transition to catcher this season after being a three-year starter at first base. She has made it almost a seamless transition, with having a complete understanding of the game, and she has made multiple pick-off throws to third along with a few throws to catch steals at second. You would never know she’s never played catcher until this season. Overall, she is having a career season.

TIA ULRICH

FIELD

Senior shortstop

Coach Beth Dyer: Tia has shown improvement each year. She has done a great job of making the hard plays and consistently making the routine ones.

KOLBY FRESCH

GARFIELD

Senior catcher

Notable Defensive Statistics: .965 fielding percentage, 6 caught stealing putout throws.

Coach Tina Faulhaber: Kolby has caught every inning so far this year. She also calls pitches for our rotating pitchers and is third in the batting order. She has few errors and not many teams attempt to steal on her, but out of very few chances, she has thrown six runners out trying to steal and picked off an additional three runners. She is a two-year team captain and the true leader of our team on and off the field.

DEVIN STOHOVITCH

KENT ROOSEVELT

Freshman left field

Coach Taylor Johnson: Devin is an exceptional young athlete, whose presence in the outfield has already made a major impact — and she is only a freshman. Her consistency and strength are far beyond her years and her deep understanding of the game sets her apart. Time and time again, she has risen to the moment, making clutch plays, throwing out runners at the plate and saving critical runs with her instincts and athleticism. Her arm strength is unmatched and she uses it with precision and confidence.

JAYDEN MILLER

MOGADORE

Junior catcher

Coach Jeff Fankhauser: Jayden has consistently been successful behind the plate. Her hard work and overall game knowledge during this season have made her a valuable part of the team.

MALLORY STERBA

RAVENNA

Junior catcher

Coach Luke Darrah: Mallory has only had two passed balls in 21 games so far this season. She has done a tremendous job with calling pitches, thrown out eight stealing and had one pickoff at first base.

GRACE LULI

ROOTSTOWN

Senior first base

Notable Defensive Statistics: .930 fielding percentage, 53 putouts.

Coach Paige Byers: Grace has been a solid leader at first base. She has become a vocal leader, directing the right side of the field. Her glove work and picks have improved and has made some key scoops to get outs in close games.

AVA STEPHENS

SOUTHEAST

Senior catcher

Coach Erin Muncy: Ava is our primary catcher and has caught over 100 innings for us this season. She has caught five players stealing, and she is a very valuable component of our team. She has been our catcher for the past four years. She handles all of the pitch calling. She understands our pitcher’s strengths and the batter’s weaknesses. She will be greatly missed next year.

HAILEY MILLER

STREETSBORO

Senior first base

Notable Defensive Statistics: .959 fielding percentage, five double plays.

Coach LeRoy Moore: To date, Hailey has been the most impactful player in solidifying our defense. Moving from her primary position of catcher her freshman and sophomore years to first base for her junior and senior years. Hailey has utilized her catching skills at first to block, snag or scoop errant throws coming from infielders.

BAYLEY ENGLISH

WATERLOO

Junior catcher

Notable Defensive Statistics: Zero errors.

Coach Brenda Flarida: Bayley is a three-year starting catcher and handles all the catching duties for both of our pitchers. She has zero errors this season, calls the pitches and is the staple of our defense. She is a leader on our team and works hard at her position and is always working to improve.