Dani Goranson
School:
Elk Grove.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Pitcher.
Numbers:
29-5, 0.81 ERA, 254 SO, 17 shutouts, 2 no-hitters; .485, 5 HR, 30 RBIs.
College:
Michigan State.
FYI:
A converted left-handed hitter who, according to her coach, is still learning how to hit.
The scoop:
“She is extremely well prepared and really has a feel for the game. She just doesn’t go out there and throw pitches, she really has a plan. She respects her opponents, loves a challenge, but at the same time wants to beat you.” — Elk Grove coach Ken Grams.
Emily Naegele
School:
Oak Forest.
Class:
Junior.
Position:
Catcher.
Numbers:
.634, 11 2B, 4 3B, 12 HR, 47 R, 56 RBIs, 24 SB, .997 FP.
College:
Radford.
The scoop:
Had at least one hit in 31 of 35 games this season.
Repeated:
“Emily Naegele is as good as you get. She is a force who is hard to get out at the plate, and her power makes her one of the best hitters this season.” — Oak Forest coach Paige Stryczek.
Christie Wiersema
School:
Morrison.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
First base.
Numbers:
.432, 11 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 44 R, 34 RBIs; 17-2, 0.76 ERA.
College:
Augustana.
The scoop:
Led Morrison to its first Class 2A state title.
Nicole Evans
School:
Trinity.
Class:
Sophomore.
Position:
Second base.
Numbers:
.467, 50 H, 9 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 50 RBIs, 45 R.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
In two seasons, she has 24 home runs.
Repeated:
“Nicole loves the game of softball. She brings that love into every practice and every game that she plays. She is a pleasure to coach.” — Trinity coach Bob Osborne.
Britnee Dobbs
School:
St. Joseph.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Third base.
Numbers:
.465, 49 H, 17 2B, 2 3B, 10 HR, 39 RBIs.
College:
Ashford.
The scoop:
The career home run leader at St. Joseph with 26 is the younger sister of coach Gina Dobbs.
Repeated:
“She is one of the most mature and humble players in her age group. She has the ability to hit a softball over 250 feet, because I’ve seen it.” — St. Joseph coach Gina Dobbs.
Faith Johnson
School:
Stagg.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Shortstop.
Numbers:
.458, 14 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 31 R, 38 RBIs, 7 SO.
College:
Illinois-Chicago.
The scoop:
Hit safely in 30 of 36 games, with eight three-hit games. Made two errors all season.
Repeated:
“Faith is the best player to ever come out of Stagg. We have had six other All-State players, and she is the best of all of them.” — Stagg coach Missy Mason.
Andrea DiPrima
School:
Buffalo Grove.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.495, 13 2B, 8 HR, 24 RBIs.
College:
Northwestern.
FYI:
Was selected by the National High School Coaches Association as the 2011 senior softball player of the year. Has a .522 career batting average with 67 career doubles.
Repeated:
“Andrea has a work ethic like no other. She is truly a focused, determined and driven individual. She is not only an amazing softball player but a well-rounded individual as well. She was a pleasure to coach, and I look forward to following her collegiate career.” — Buffalo Grove coach Jamie Paul.
Kendall Ryndak
School:
Downers Grove North.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.472, 7 HR, 28 R, 35 RBIs; 17-2, 0.93 ERA.
College:
Lindenwood.
The scoop:
Broke the West Suburban Silver batting average record by hitting .556 and also owns the school batting average record.
Repeated:
“I’ve known her since seventh grade. She used to come to all of our games. She made the varsity as a freshman and her parents asked me to sign the roster. That was one of her goals to play here, and now she helped put our program on the map.” — Downers Grove North coach Mark Magro.
Maeve McGuire
School:
Benet.
Class:
Sophomore.
Position:
Outfield.
Numbers:
.469, 61 H, 26 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 26 RBIs, 19 SB, 32 BB.
College:
Undecided.
The scoop:
Set single-season school record with 26 doubles, helping Benet set the IHSA team record for doubles in a season with 115. Sister Nora was a senior first baseman for Benet and sister Rowan is a freshmen catcher on the Downers Grove North varsity team.
Repeated:
“Rare blend of speed and power. Led team in stolen bases and extra-base hits.” — Benet coach Jerry Schilf.
Megan Mattera
School:
Lake Zurich.
Class:
Senior.
Position:
Utility.
Numbers:
.420, 7 2B, 10 HR, 32 RBIs, 18 BB; 20-8, 1.63 ERA.
College:
Miami (Ohio).
FYI:
From Hannah Montana to ducks, wears a different hair ribbon for every game.
Repeated:
“Meg is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever coached. She has done all that she could to make herself the best player possible, and for a coach, that’s all that you can ask of your athletes.” — Lake Zurich coach Michaela Towne.
