CURRENT LIGHTNING & ALUMNI
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
ILLINOIS LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
Embarking on the journey towards college commitment is a testament to an athlete’s dedication, perseverance, and support. At Illinois Lightning Softball, we understand that signing with a college team can transform an athlete’s future and resilience.
For aspiring athletes, the journey begins with a dream of playing collegiate sports, which fuels them to push their limits and rise above challenges. Dedication turns these aspirations into reality through practice, sacrifice, and facing setbacks with resilience.
FROM DREAMS TO REALITY
Athletes form lifelong bonds with their teammates, offering support and camaraderie. Family stands as a pillar of strength, fueling their pursuit of dreams through unwavering support and sacrifices.
Together, we celebrate the journey, including the victories, the challenges, and the defining moments. As our athletes take the next step towards their college commitments, they carry with them the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the unwavering support of their Illinois Lightning family.
Abby Hironimus • Class of 2024 • Augustana
CELEBRATING
OUR CLASS OF 2024
COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
Abbie Lewis
Lake Forest College
CLASS OF 2024 • IL LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
STEVENSON HIGH SCHOOL
OUTFIELD • FIRST BASE
Abbie is the first college commitment Illinois Lightning Softball has ever had–and for good reason. Besides playing outfield and first and batting at the top of the lineup for Stevenson, she won the prestigious Chicago Bears Community High School Award which goes to athletes who make a positive impact on their community and school.
“Abbie is everything we want in a Lightning player: positive, energetic, and she plays with tremendous joy,” Illinois Lightning 18u Coach Kurt Hironimus explained. “She has a patient approach at the plate, finds ways on offense to help the team win, has a plus arm, and is an absolute gamer.”
Eliza Piggott
University of Evansville
CLASS OF 2024 • IL LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
GRAYSLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
CATCHER
Eliza, our first Division I player, has so far been a 3x All Conference, 2x All Area, and 2x All State. Though primarily a game-changing catcher, she also plays third and first. She has a rocket arm, prodigious power, and is an even better base runner.
“Eliza is a difference maker in every area. Opponents have to plan around facing her as she completely shuts down the run game in every contest,” remarked Lightning 18u coach Kurt Hironimus. “Her playing for our program changed our trajectory immediately both by helping us compete deep into several high-level programs as well as bringing many Division I coaches to our games.”
Vanessa Buske
Lake Forest College
CLASS OF 2024 • IL LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
MCHENRY HIGH SCHOOL
SHORTSTOP • UTILITY PLAYER
Vanessa is a well-rounded, explosive athlete. The All-Conference, All-Area, All State player was a consummate utility her first two years of high school before becoming McHenry’s primary shortstop (and pitcher as well).
“Adding Vanessa to an already talented team really helped us compete on an even bigger level,” 18u Coach Kurt Hironimus explained. “Her ability to square up the ball and versatility really helped make us complete. She is going to give Coach Kinsella plenty of options the next four years.”
ABBY HIRONIMUS
Augustana College
CLASS OF 2024 • IL LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
WOODLANDS ACADEMY
OUTFIELD • FIRST BASE
Abby has so far earned All-Conference three times to go with an All-State honor. For her high school team she pitches and plays shortstop for Woodlands, where she also played varsity basketball and volleyball.
“Abby is a versatile player who can play outfield as well as first base,” added [Augustana Head Coach John] Nelson. “She is a power-hitting lefty who can also play the short game with her athleticism and speed. She has an excellent approach at the plate and is an awesome teammate with excellent energy.”
DEDICATED SUPPORT
CONNECT WITH YOUR DIRECTOR
OF COLLEGE RECRUITING
ANTHONY GLIFFE
DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE RECRUITING
ILLINOIS LIGHTNING SOFTBALL
Our Director of College Recruitment, Anthony Gliffe, plays a central role in ensuring understanding and support throughout this journey. His passion and commitment to our young athletes is unwavering. As a former Division 1 academic student-athlete advisor and Division 2 scholarship student-athlete and academic advisor, Anthony understands the intricacies of the college recruitment process.
SOFTBALL: FOLLOW ANTHONY ON X …
AND SUPPORT OUR LIGHTNING SOFTBALL STUDENT ATHLETES
