Experience is the foundation for the Jefferson softball team heading into the 2026 season, and the Falcons are leaning on it as they look to turn a .500 year into something more.
After finishing 14-14 overall and 7-5 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division last season, Jefferson returns six starters and six lettermen, giving this group both familiarity and confidence entering the spring.
“The coaching staff and I are really optimistic and are looking forward to this season,” said head coach Emily Hagerdon. “We are returning a strong core of players who gained a lot of valuable experience last year. Their leadership has helped the team start off the season with a strong work ethic and an even stronger chemistry. Our newcomers have brought an exciting energy and competitive spirit to the preseason, pushing our returning players to improve. Overall, I am excited about the environment we have created and can’t wait to see how it translates once the season begins.”
Leadership Behind the Plate and Up the Middle
Senior catcher Rylee DeMattia anchors the lineup after a standout season at the plate, hitting .483 with 34 RBI and three home runs. Her transition behind the plate has added another layer of leadership to the roster.
“Rylee has made an impressive transition to catcher this year and has been an amazing leader for our team,” Hagerdon said. “As a strong senior, she brings experience, composure, and a high level of skill to the field. She leads by example, works hard every day, and keeps the team focused and motivated both on and off the field. We’re lucky to have her guiding our younger players and setting the tone for what it means to compete and support one another.”
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At shortstop, Kennidie Rogers, a Robert Morris commit, shifts into a key defensive role while continuing to provide power at the plate.
“Kennidie will be moving to shortstop this season, which is a position she has experience playing in the past,” Hagerdon said. “She plays a very solid game defensively and brings a lot of confidence to that spot on the field. We’re excited to see her step into that role and make an impact for us this season.”
Junior Julia Sprague brings consistency to second base and rounds out a steady infield core.
“Julia has been fantastic at second base this year,” Hagerdon said. “She consistently goes the extra mile to make plays happen, showing great awareness and quickness on the field. Her effort, dedication, and consistency make her a key part of our infield and a player we can always rely on.”
Depth and Production Across the Lineup
Jefferson’s lineup features multiple returning hitters capable of producing in key moments, led by junior Ada Sirrine, who hit .434 with 18 RBI and earned First Team All-CVC honors.
“Ada is a tough third baseman who brings a lot of energy and competitiveness to the field,” Hagerdon said. “She’s already off to a great start this season in many aspects. I’m especially excited to see her get worked into the pitching rotation more this year and watch her continue to grow in that role.”
In the outfield, Alaina Barress returns as one of the most dangerous hitters in the conference after batting .509 with 54 hits and earning First Team All-CVC recognition.
“Alaina is an outstanding center fielder who does a great job getting to the ball quickly and tracking it in the outfield,” Hagerdon said. “There is a reason she was named First Team CVC Outfielder last year. Her hitting has also been great so far this season, and we’re hoping she can build on that and even beat last year’s stats.”
Sophomore Meadow Gray continues to develop in left field as part of a returning group that understands the system and expectations.
“Meadow is a returning player from last year who has been working hard to step into her role as our left fielder,” Hagerdon said. “She does a great job in the outfield and continues to improve through her effort and dedication. I’m looking forward to seeing her keep growing this season and in the years to come.”
Freshmen will also play a key role, starting with Eleigh Donathan at first base and Sienna Paxson in right field.
“Eleigh has been a standout freshman for us,” Hagerdon said. “She’s a powerful hitter and has an incredible knack for stretching to get the out, making big plays when we need them. Her energy and athleticism make her a strong contributor, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow this season. Sienna is a starting freshman who really stood out to the coaches early on this season. She’s quick to get to the ball and has been great defensively for us. She also always brings a great attitude and has a true team-first mentality, which makes her a great fit for our program. We believe she’s going to add a lot to the team offensively as the season goes on.”
Pitching Anchored by Experience
In the circle, junior Olivia Lewis returns as the Falcons’ ace after throwing 137 innings with 138 strikeouts and earning Second Team All-CVC honors last season.
“Olivia Lewis is our starting pitcher and had a great season last year,” Hagerdon said. “We’re excited to see her build upon that success this year. She brings confidence, skill, and leadership to the mound, and we know she’ll continue to be a key contributor to our team’s success.”
Sirrine will also factor into the rotation, adding depth after refining her mechanics.
“Ada took most of last season off from pitching to rework her form and technique,” Hagerdon said. “It was a difficult decision, but it’s already paying off for her this season. We are excited to be able to mix her into the pitching rotation this season.”
Building Toward Consistency
With a new coaching staff in place, Jefferson’s biggest challenge will be aligning philosophies and building trust early in the season.
“One of the biggest challenges we face this spring is getting everyone on the same page,” Hagerdon said. “With a new coaching staff, there are different philosophies, expectations, and coaching styles that the players have to adjust to. Anytime there is a change like that, it can take some time for everyone to fully understand the system and what is being asked of them.
“We plan to overcome these challenges by focusing on communication, consistency, and patience. As the season goes on and the players continue to work with the coaching staff, we expect the trust and understanding to grow.”
Outlook
The pieces are in place for Jefferson to take a step forward in the CVC, with experience, production, and emerging young talent all contributing to the foundation.
“My expectations are high this season,” Hagerdon said. “While we did lose some key contributors from last year, we’ve made adjustments and moved players into new roles to help fill those gaps. We’ll also be starting two freshmen, which brings a new level of energy and opportunity for growth. From what I’ve seen, this group is ready for the challenge. They’ve put in the work during the preseason and are eager to step up in bigger ways. I’m confident they’ll rise to the occasion, and I’m excited to see how they grow and compete throughout the season.”
If that growth comes quickly, the Falcons have the potential to turn experience into results and make a push up the standings this spring.
Jefferson Falcons Softball
