Last season the Sequoits went down to state for the second time since 2012. It was an experience for everyone, as there were coaching changes and even an athletic director change since then. The Sequoits finished last season as third-place champions for class 3A. Their overall record for the season was a total of 30 wins and only four losses.

“Last season we were very successful as a team,” senior Emily Brecht said. “We all bonded very well and I think that is why we [got] to state.”

Sequoit softball has a lot of teams eager to play and beat them as they finished with an excellent record, being conference champions and a state finish.

Each year senior athletes graduate and the team loses many valuable players. Last year the squad lost one of their D1 commits Gabby Debvec, who impacted the Sequoit softball program all four of her years at Antioch Community High School and is now playing softball at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. This year the program is very fortunate to have two returning D1 commits and one new D1 commit. The program now has two players committed to schools in the Big 10 conference.

Since the team lost a total of three seniors. There are open positions on the team.

“[I am looking for a player with] softball skills, measurables, work ethic, and [is a] team player,” varsity head softball coach Anthony Rocco said. “Anyone that can contribute to helping us win a state championship or fill a role on the team [is vital].”

Another accomplishment the ladies achieved their previous season was being ranked second in Illinois Coaches Association pre-season polls, but throughout the season they worked and played hard to become ranked first.

The 2023 ICA pre-season polls were released on Jan. 27, 2023, and for the Sequoits’ upcoming season, they have been ranked second. This season will be filled with solid competition and Rocco is sure of it.

“We have a tougher schedule than last year,” Rocco said. “I think the last time I counted [we] we’re up to 17 ranked opponents on the schedule so it’s going to be a tougher schedule, but it’s going to help us get ready for the playoffs and I’m excited for the challenge.”

The first game for the Sequoits is scheduled for March 13, at Glenbrook South High School at 4:45.

Tryouts will be held over six days throughout all three gyms in ACHS. They will start on Mon. Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. and end on Sat. March 4, at 3:30 p.m. Athletes should wear gym shoes and appropriate softball wear.

For any questions regarding tryouts, please contact head coach Anthony Rocco at [email protected].