NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State softball head coach Melinda Fischer announced on Monday that the Redbird softball program has added six players to its roster for the 2021 season.
"The 2020 class is an outstanding addition to our Redbird family," Fischer shared. "This class is committed to leadership, academic excellence and skill development in preparation for the demanding schedule we play. They all understand core values and what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves and will be excellent teammates. They will be exciting to watch and are very eager to make an impact at the Division I level."
Madi Bylak | R/R | Infielder | Manteno, Ill. | Bishop McNamara HS
Fischer on Bylak: "Madi is a smooth middle infielder with great range and a strong arm. She can hit for power and use the short game to get on base. She is committed to excellence in every facet of the game and her athleticism and attention to detail will make everyone around her better."
Bishop McNamara HS: Two-year member of Bishop McNamara High School's softball team, while playing a season for the school's basketball team … Helped her softball team to a pair of regional championships … Aided in her team's efforts to finish fourth at state last season, after securing sectional and super sectional championships … Was an area leader in home runs and RBIs her junior year, leading to earning all-area recognition, as well as third-team all-state and all-conference honors.
Reili Gardner | L/R | Outfielder | Elgin, Ill. | Burlington Central HS
Fischer on Gardner: "Reili is a very quick and aggressive player, who takes charge in the outfield Her speed will bring dimension to our program that could take our offensive production to another level. As a lefty with versatility at the plate, she can certainly contribute anywhere in the lineup."
Burlington Central HS: Four-year member of Burlington Central High School's softball and basketball teams … Has helped her softball team post a winning record in each of her three seasons … Tied the IHSA record for most triples in a game last season … Three-time all-conference and all-area selection … Earned third-team all-state recognition her sophomore year … Voted a team captain and her team's MVP last season.
Hanah Hart | L/L | Outfielder | Seatonville, Ill. | Hall HS
Fischer on Hart: "Hanah has a lot of natural talent with a tremendous upside. She is strong and hits for power and could really develop into a very dynamic player for our program. Defensively, Hanah gets a great read on the ball and has the arm strength to back it up."
Hall HS: Four-year member of Hall High School's softball and basketball teams … Helped her softball team reach the regional finals her freshman year … Three-time first team all-conference performer … Earned a spot on the All-State Second Team the past two seasons … Collected her team's offensive Team MVP award her sophomore and junior year … Named All-BCR and All-NewsTrib three-consecutive seasons.
Hanna Hicks | R/R | Utility | Mapleton, Ill. | Illini Bluffs HS
Fischer on Hicks: "Hanna is the most versatile player in this class. Defensively, she can play every position on the field except for pitching. On the offensive side of the ball, Hanna is very steady and consistent. She's that player you can always count on to get the job done."
Illini Bluffs HS: Four-year member of the softball, volleyball and basketball teams at Illini Bluffs High School … Has helped her softball team finish at, or above, .500 in each of her three completed seasons … Aided in her team's effort to capture a regional championship title her freshman season, before Illini Bluffs finished second place at state last year … Three-time all-conference performer … Earned First Team All-State honors after a successful junior campaign.
Jayden Standish | R/R | Utility | Lexington, Ill. | Lexington HS
Fischer on Standish: "Jayden is physically strong and has a tremendous work ethic. She can barrel it up to all fields and comes up big in key situations. Defensively, Jayden patrols the hot corner with authority. Her passion for the game and energy are positively contagious."
Lexington HS: Four-year member of the softball, basketball and volleyball teams, while playing an active role on Lexington High School's track and field team … Named the 2019 Pantagraph Female Athlete of the Year … Two-time unanimous all-conference selection following successful sophomore and junior campaigns … Earned a spot on the All-State Second Team last season … Collected the Golden Glove and Slugger awards her sophomore year.
Allison Tillema | R/R | Pitcher | Horicon, Wis. | Horicon HS
Fischer on Tillema: "Coming off back-to-back state championships in Wisconsin, Allison will add that championship mindset to our pitching staff. Her competitiveness and ability to locate and spin the ball will make her a tremendous asset in the collegiate game."
Horicon HS: Four-year member of her softball and volleyball teams at Horicon High School, while starting three seasons for her basketball team … Has helped her team win a trio of conference and regional championships, while aiding in her team's efforts to win state both her sophomore and junior seasons … Pitched a no-hitter at the state softball tournament her sophomore year … Helped her team to a program-record number of wins last season … Three-time all-conference, all-district and all-state performer.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
