The Willoughby South Rebels enter the 2026 softball season with a mix of returning experience and promising youth, hoping that combination can propel them into contention in the Western Reserve Conference during its final season.
Head coach Rusty Bliss begins his second year leading the program after guiding the Rebels to an 11-12-1 record last season, including a sectional victory over Hawken before falling to Uniontown Lake in a district semifinal.
Despite replacing several key contributors, Bliss believes this year’s group has the pieces to make things interesting.
“2026 should be a fun year for us,” Bliss said. “Even though we are going to be a young team and have to replace two really big bats on offense and two record-setting gloves on defense, this year’s team will come out swinging, no pun intended.”
That youth will be noticeable right away, with several freshmen expected to contribute immediately alongside a core of experienced upperclassmen.
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“Junior Makayla Schneider brings a big bat to the lineup again this season, and she’ll be complemented by senior Halle Zupancic, who we’re confident will put pop back in her bat once again this year,” Bliss said. “However, the offense will be triggered once again by senior Paige Janson, who has a knack for getting on base at the top of the lineup. I mentioned we’d be a young team, but this youth has some really good experience coming out of solid club programs. Freshmen Morgan Hayek, Ava Proctor, and Molly Heil will get the nod early, and we’re looking for a big impact from these ‘Feisty Freshmen.’”
A Shot at the Final WRC Title
With four starters and seven letterwinners returning, South hopes its blend of veterans and newcomers can put the Rebels in the mix for a conference championship.
“We’re hoping to make a run at the conference title in this WRC final season, but of course, Riverside is the team to beat, hot off their very impressive state title win last year,” Bliss said.
Strength in the Circle
Pitching could be the Rebels’ biggest advantage this spring. For the first time in several years, Bliss has multiple reliable arms available.
“For the first time in a while, we have more than three viable options in the circle,” Bliss said.
Senior Halle Zupancic anchors the rotation after posting a 6-6 record with 64 strikeouts in 76 innings last season.
“Halle brings a lot of experience to our pitching stable,” Bliss said. “It will be fun watching her work with our two young catchers along the way. I’m expecting big things in her senior season.”
Junior Savannah Patton will see plenty of innings as well.
“Savannah enters her first full varsity season with a lot of club experience,” Bliss said. “She is calm, cool, and collected in the circle. Savannah can make a big impact for us this season.”
Senior Kallie Kramp and freshman Brynley Schneider provide additional depth.
“Kallie is probably the hardest thrower among our pitchers,” Bliss said. “She gets a full-time opportunity this season to join the rotation and help eat up come innings for the Lady Rebels.”
“B is our rare fourth option at pitcher,” Bliss added. “She can swing a bat like her big sister, but she brings a ton of confidence to her pitching, and though she’ll anchor the JV stable for a while, she will get varsity opportunities to shine.”
Key Returners in the Field
South’s offense will revolve around senior center fielder Paige Janson, who hit .400 last season with nine sacrifice bunts and 10 stolen bases while earning All-WRC honorable mention.
“Our offense begins with Paige,” Bliss said. “She is so dynamic in how she can reach base and move around the bases. On defense, she’s a game-saver and fearless in centerfield. She made some plays last year that still have us talking.”
Junior Makayla Schneider also returns as a key run producer after batting .385 with eight doubles, two triples, and a home run.
“Makayla is so soft spoken off the field that when you see her shred a softball with her bat, you wonder if it’s the same person,” Bliss said. “On defense, she can play anywhere, but her cannon arm and her speed make her a dangerous asset in right field. She’ll get a steady diet of infield reps as the season rolls on as well.”
Senior Casey Heil provides speed in left field after finishing second on the team in triples last season.
“Casey started last season at first base, then transitioned to the outfield, where her speed—she runs cross country and swims—became a big asset where we needed it,” Bliss said. “She had a hitting streak of triples last year she hopes to build upon.”
Junior Mariya Reed shifts to shortstop after batting .390 with five doubles and six stolen bases.
“Mariya enters her second full varsity season after a lot of on-the-job training at third base last season,” Bliss said. “She has the range, stature, and flow we need at shortstop this year, and her arm is amazingly strong. On offense, she was a table-setter in the nine-hole last year with brilliant base running, and this year her bat has gotten stronger.”
Youth Movement
Several freshmen are expected to play major roles right away.
At second base, Molly Heil brings speed and defensive ability.
“One of our ‘Feisty Freshmen’ who has shown play beyond her experience level,” Bliss said. “Solid glove, very fast, and a surprisingly strong bat.”
Freshman Ava Proctor will take over at third base.
“Ava knows she has big shoes to fill and a lot is expected of her,” Bliss said. “The best part is she welcomes that and thrives on it. Another freshman who plays beyond her age on both sides of the ball.”
Behind the plate, sophomore Jenna Heil steps into the starting catcher role after appearing in nine varsity games last season.
“Jenna has big shoes to fill replacing Summer Bliss, who graduated last year, but she’s been working hard, getting the experience and confidence behind the plate,” Bliss said. “The lefty has a tremendous little arm as well.”
What It Will Take
With several newcomers adjusting to varsity softball, the Rebels’ success may come down to how quickly the roster develops chemistry.
“Getting the veterans to blend and respond to the injection of youth to the squad,” Bliss said when asked what has to happen for his team to be successful. “They’re a talented group that just have to believe in themselves and take care of business while looking out for each other.”
Ultimately, the formula for success is simple.
“The youngsters need to fall in love with the grind,” Bliss said. “And then we simply need to execute and play fundamental softball.”
2026 Willoughby South Softball
- Head Coach: Rusty Bliss (Year 2)
- Conference: Western Reserve Conference
- 2025 Record: 11-12-1
- League Finish: 4th
- Returning Starters: 4
- Returning Lettermen: 7
