'As Fierce As They Come': Manhattan Junior High Softball Touts Historic Season

MANHATTAN, IL — Manhattan Jr. High’s softball team is full speed ahead as they notch win after win in a historic season—securing a spot in state playoffs, and bringing home the first plaque to be displayed in the new school building.

As they head to the State tournament Friday, team leaders celebrate a season that showed impressive growth and camaraderie among the tight-knit team. The players have come a long way, their coaches say, and they deserve to be celebrated.

“As a resident, softball coach in the community, and now a member of the Demon Softball program, I have had the pleasure of watching many of these athletes ‘grow up’ in the game,” said Coach Nicole Campos. “The drive, dedication, and true grit of these athletes is like nothing I have ever seen in this age group.”

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Among their accomplishments, the team’s record went from 10 wins over the last two years to more than 10 wins this season, a win over New Lenox’s Liberty Junior High in the Regional 4 championship, and defeating Homer Junior High to win their Sectional. The team also boasts a win over the previously undefeated Manteno Middle School, and also finished 2nd in the Illinois Elementary School Association Des Plaines Valley Conference Tournament.

“We are proud of the accomplishments of the softball program this year,” said Manhattan Jr. High School Principal Vince Perillo. “These seventeen individuals represent what is means to be a student-athlete at Manhattan Junior High School. Their passion, dedication, enthusiasm, and support for each other embody what it means to have Demon PRIDE.”

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It took key victories to pave the team’s way into the final 8 of the Class 3A state tournament. Most recently, they topped the Homer Mustangs 7-6, to win their Sectional.

“I’ve seen these girls grow so much during my three years with the program,” said Coach Nick Stadter. “They’ve not only developed as players but also as members of the community. Their hard work and belief in themselves and each other have resulted in the fantastic season we’re having this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing where the rest of this season takes us and what they will accomplish in the future!”

The team heads to Normal, Illinois Friday, where they’ll play at Champion Fields, 1850 Gregory St. Their first round game against Edwardsville Liberty is set for 12:30 p.m. Should they win, they move on to the semifinals, where they’ll play the winner of Normal Chiddix vs. Chatham Glenwood on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. Another win advances them to the state championship game, set for Saturday, Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Coach Campos is brimming with pride.

“These young women are as fierce as they come, while also being humble and displaying great sportsmanship,” Campos said. “They are true leaders both on the field and in the classroom. I am honored to coach this immensely talented group of athletes as they make history for MJHS.”

Teammates include Charli Depaoli (pitcher, 7th grade), Tesa Young (outfield, 6th grade), Katherine Bavery (second base, 6th grade), Brooke Young (outfield, 8th grade), Kaia Soukop (outfield, 7th grade), Emilia Campos (second base, 7th grade), Delaney DePolo (first base, 7th grade), Reegan Connolly (shortstop, 7th grade), Chelsea Kroll (third base, 7th grade), Abby Connell (pitcher, 7th grade), Sophia Heinlen (outfield, 7th grade), Macy Zitkus (first base, 7th grade), Lyla Laxton (outfield, 8th grade), Meredith Marquardt (pitcher, 8th grade), Sopheya Lukasik (catcher, 7th grade), and Sophie VanZant (catcher, 8th grade).

“This is a historic moment for the Manhattan Junior High School Softball program and Athletic Department,” said Executive Director of Athletics & Activities & Assistant Principal Gina Burlison.

“The coaches and players have put in countless hours of hard work and dedication towards growing this program to what it is today. The camaraderie amongst this group of girls has been second to none and we are proud to call them all MJHS Demons!”


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