Randolph Softball has made history this season, with a record-breaking six seniors committing to play at the collegiate level next year. This group of Rams has shown determination throughout their high school careers, preparing them well for the next four years on the field.

The commits include:

• Captain Cassidy Smith (Division 1, Army West Point)
• Captain Kayleigh McClain (Division 3, Purchase College)
• Captain Hayley Arigo (Division 3, Montclair State University)
• Daniella Gizienski (Division 3, Moravian University)
• Lily Zepp (Division 3, The University of Scranton)
• Breanna Colburn (Division 3, Wilkes University)

“This is the largest number of seniors we have ever had committing, but I feel I have known this since they came in,” head coach Ashley Kanya said. “This group has always committed to playing at the highest level, and it has been fun to watch them grow over the past three to four years.”

These seniors have worked incredibly hard to get to this point. In addition to spending countless hours on the field, they have dedicated themselves to the recruiting process–communicating with coaches, attending softball showcases in the summer and more–and they deserve to be recognized for all their hard work.

“I think the recruiting process is very stressful for many players,” Smith said. “However, as long as you work hard every day, everything will work out.”

“What stood out to me most in the recruiting process was how programs valued my work ethic and coachability as much as my stats and performance,” Gizienski said.

This season, Randolph softball has started off strong, with help from these experienced seniors. The Rams currently hold a 10-4 record, highlighted by dominant wins against Roxbury (5-1 on April 14), West Morris Central (11-1 on April 21), Vernon (9-1 on April 22) and most recently, Madison (7-0 on April 28).

The group is strong when it comes to hitting. Smith leads with eight home runs, followed by Arigo with three, and Zepp with one, while Gizienski has earned 15 hits so far this year. With the season still going, these numbers are expected to rise.

Colburn and McClain specialize in pitching, with Colburn already earning 65 strikeouts this year, and McClain following with 24.

“High school softball has helped me learn to play to win,” Smith said. “We are playing for our school and for a state title.”

“They have helped create this atmosphere of competition and excellence,” Kanya said of the senior class. “They have high expectations of themselves and of their teammates.”

The senior group has proven they have the depth needed to go far this year. The team has its sights set on winning a county championship along with another state sectional title.

“My experience with high school softball has made me a stronger athlete by challenging me to adapt to different conditions and environments,” Gizienski said. “This has prepared me to compete in college because I’m going to be put in uncomfortable situations that I’ll need to adjust to.”