The Joliet Junior College softball 2024 season is about to begin, and the Wolves are looking to build upon their success from last year.

In 2023, the Wolves reached the World Series for the first time since 1999 and finished in fourth place. The Wolves return just two starters from that team, however.

"I'm hoping with their experience and getting to the World Series, they got a taste of getting there and will help mentor and be a leader for the freshmen," said Wolves coach Emily Marino, who is entering her 14^th season with the team. "We have all freshmen pitching and catching, so I think there's going to be a little bit of growing pains, but we'll work through that. I think we can come together and be competitive. It's just going to take a little bit of time and a little bit of growth that we have to go through."

Those returners are sophomores Emma Herder and Breanna Kwasniewski.

Kwasniewski will primarily play outfield and serve in a secondary capacity as catcher.

"I'm hoping with her experience last year she'll develop a little bit more at the plate," Marino said.

Herder will be playing shortstop and Marino expects her to grow at the plate.

"Emma was a starter last year and battled through some off-field adversity so she didn't get quite as many at-bats or chances to get into games – but when she did she was a huge impact," Marino said. "At the plate, I look for her to be a force. She's really tough at the plate and a great hitter."

The rest of the roster is made up of newcomers, but the Wolves coaches have high expectations for the fresh faces. Five names to watch are Yesenia Zavala, Jenna Judge, Isabella Hanson, Katie Johnske and Cynthia Calderon.

Marino thinks Zavala can be a utility player for the Wolves, saying: "She can hit the ball. Look for her to be in the heart of our lineup. She can really drive some runs in for us."
Judge will serve primarily on the mound but play the outfield when not pitching.

"She is coming back from an injury, but I look for her to be kind of a force on the mound. Someone who will take the bulk of our innings," Marino said. "She'll be pretty consistent at the plate for us."
Hanson will play catcher and shortstop.

"I look for her to be a leader behind the plate and help the pitchers out," said Marino. "She'll likely be hitting at the top of our lineup and get our offense kind of flowing."

"Katie Johnske will be our starting center fielder," Marino said. "She's solid defensively with a great arm. Again, I look for her to be near the top of our lineup."

Calderon will serve in both a pitching and first baseman capacity. Marino expects her to take the bulk of innings when pitching be someone the Wolves can rely on.

Others to watch include Brooke Kelley, who is a late addition to the Wolves but should offer solid play on both sides. Arianna Jentel and Hailey Hoffmann contribute on the mound.

With a roster made up of so many freshmen, the Wolves are focused on taking each day one game at a time.

"It's a journey that we are on and we're wanting to play our best at the end of the season," said Marino. "We remind them that each game is preparing us for the end of the year and taking those learning opportunities and getting better. We have a good schedule. We'll play some top teams and I like it that way – I like to be battle tested. That way when we get to regionals, we're ready to go."

JJC will open the 2024 softball season against Moraine Valley on Wednesday, March 6. Marino is hoping her team will be excited and ready to put all of their hard work to use.

"I want to get people some playing time to try and get those nerves out," said Marino. "Looking at it as an opportunity to get out there and show what we've been working on."

Other opponents on the schedule include: South Suburban College (April 16), Rock Valley (April 26) and College of DuPage (April 2 and 7). South Suburban and Rock Valley each made the World Series in 2023, while the Wolves earned their trip with a postseason victory of DuPage.

"They are always competitive," said Marino. "I think getting to the World Series for us probably means going through DuPage."

The Wolves first home game doesn't take place until Friday, March 22 against another 2023 World Series team – Bryant & Stratton College.

This season, Wolves softball can be streamed and followed via GameChanger on desktop or mobile app.