Mundelein first-year softball coach Heather Ryan proudly noted that her four seniors bring something different to the team.
Something different from each other, that is. Their differing contributions aren’t about fielding ground balls, making contact with two strikes or hitting homers. Instead, the Mustangs’ seniors bring their unique personalities to the diamond.
Seniors Breanna Adams, Peyton Pribyl, Kaitlyn Griffin and Annie Morelli have been the backbone of the program for the last four years.
“Peyton keeps everybody light and loose and is kind of a comic relief for us, but also keeps everybody on their toes,” Ryan said. “Bree is very quiet and reserved in practices and games, but she has a huge personality that everybody gravitates toward. Nothing rattles her. She’s a rock and makes everybody else calm.
“Kaitlyn is a down-to-the-business type of kid. Annie is a complete gamer, very smart with game situations and fundamentally sound with her pitching. She’s a coach out there, helping everybody out. All four of them bring a different personality, but it all comes together to help us set the tone for our team.”
The Mustangs finished 16-17 last season but returned nine players, including seven starters. Adams, a North Central College recruit, has been on varsity since her freshman season. She splits her time between pitcher and various spots on the infield. Through six games, Adams was batting .524 with three doubles and two home runs among her 11 hits. On the mound, Adams is 2-3 with 22 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings pitched.
Adams said the seniors can use their personalities to help the Mustangs finish with a winning record.
“I try and be loud on the field, lead the team by being loud because it makes them comfortable,” Adams said. “I’m also quiet in a way that I try and stay humble.
“The program is a lot different this year. As seniors, we’ve talked about leadership and (how to) have everyone pitch in and have the whole team be leaders.”
Pribyl, a catcher, is a third-year varsity player. She had a .333 batting average with six RBIs and four runs through six games.
“We’re all really close and been together since our freshman year,” Pribyl said. “This is a big season for the seniors. We’re really excited. We’re trying to move forward and do well this season.”
Griffin, who plays first base, said all the seniors understand the importance of staying focused while having fun. Griffin was batting .500 with one home run and seven RBIs through six games of her fourth and final varsity season.
“We’re all really outgoing and have fun, but it’s pretty important (to win) because this is our last year and we all want to show what we can do,” she said.
Morelli, a pitcher and second-year varsity player, said the entire team is close and “a bunch of goofballs.” She noted that servant leadership is a focal point of the Mustangs’ plan this season.
“We’re making sure we’re doing all we can for our teammates,” she said, “more of ‘not what my team can do for me, but what I can do for my team.'”
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
