Vernon Hills catcher Annie Zbylut wasn’t satisfied after last season, not by a long shot.
Zbylut hit six home runs and had 16 extra-base hits overall as a sophomore, but she thought she should have done more.
“I didn’t have that great of a season last year,” she said. “I think I led the team in strikeouts. I focused on getting stronger and becoming more of a power hitter.”
Zbylut believed something more was holding her back.
“I put way too much pressure on myself trying to get recruited,” she said. “I was not playing like myself. Committing to college was a weight lifted off my shoulders.”
The burden has shifted to opposing pitchers. Zbylut, who committed to Lake Forest College, is batting .388 with 11 home runs, three triples, four doubles, 37 RBIs and eight stolen bases in her junior season, powering the Cougars (20-8-1, 7-0) to their first Central Suburban League North title since 2023 and their first winning record since 2022.
“Annie always seems to come through when we need her,” Vernon Hills junior outfielder Ashley Fayard said. “When she’s up at bat, our team feels confident. She’s a great leader.”
Zbylut, who played third base for the Cougars as a freshman, is also a dynamic catcher.
“It all kind of clicked together at one time,” Vernon Hills assistant David Doerhoefer said. “She works really hard in practice and personally with her different coaches, which accelerated her growth. Her offensive numbers show it.
“Her defensive numbers don’t show enough because teams are not running on her as much. They see her hard throw-downs between innings.”
Fayard noted Zbylut’s presence behind the plate is important for other reasons too.
“She works really well with the pitchers, keeps the game under control and brings a lot of energy to the team,” Fayard said.
Of course, Zbylut’s offense stands out. Batting in the cleanup spot, she hit a three-run homer and drove in seven runs during a conference win over Niles North on April 21, and she hit a two-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning to lift the Cougars to an 8-7 nonconference victory at Libertyville on May 1.
“Annie can hit with power to any part of the field,” Vernon Hills sophomore shortstop Carolynn Bernard said. “She is the best person you want up in an important situation.”
Zbylut has experienced all kinds of situations as a three-sport athlete. She also plays flag football and basketball at Vernon Hills.
“I think being a multisport athlete helped me become more athletic all around and helped build my mental strength,” she said. “You are put in different situations. You can’t help but learn from every situation, and many of them can help you in the next sport in the future.”
Zbylut wants to stay in sports in the future.
“I want to work in the sports field,” she said. “Sports is my way of finding happiness or joy. If I’m upset, I look forward to going to practice.
“Softball has always been my favorite. I love my team, and the girls find a way to make me laugh or brighten my day.”
Zbylut and her teammates will play at least a few more games together this season. The Cougars earned the No. 2 seed in the Class 3A Antioch Sectional and will host either Lakes or St. Viator in a regional championship game on May 22.
“We have to play hard and not let the competition affect us,” Zbylut said. “We’ve been really successful this season. We have to find a way to finish and do what we’re supposed to do in the big moments.”
In those moments, Vernon Hills can count on Zbylut.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
