Senior members of the Coalers Softball Team were recognized during Senior Night activities on May 5. Honored for their commitment and contributions to the softball program were—Naomi Rodriguez, Madi Petersen, Juliana Covington, D’Arcy Ness, Addison Hodgen, Brittnae Combes, Kaycee Graf, and Mackenzie Croxton. As coach Rodney Monbrum noted, this group has acquired multiple 20 win seasons, won three consecutive regional championships and conference championships.
Naomi Rodriguez is a four year member of the Coalers Softball Team. She also participated in volleyball and competition cheer, and has been a member of Coalers with Character, Future Business Leaders of America, Link Leaders and was a founding member of Project EmpowHER. Naomi will attend Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville to pursue a degree in nursing with plans to become a nurse anesthetist. She will also be part of the SIUE cheer squad. On Senior Night, Naomi was escorted by her parents Roberto Rodriguez and Megan Stoudt.
Madi Petersen is a four year member of the Coalers Softball Team. During her time at Coal City High School she also played golf for the Coalers and was an active member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Link Leaders, Coalers with Character, Art Club and Project EmpowHER. Madi will be attending Wartburg College in Iowa to study exercise science with a focus on physical therapy. She will be playing softball for the Knights. Madi was accompanied on Senior Night by her parents Branden and Stephanie Petersen.
Juliana Covington is a four year member of the Coalers Softball Team and was recently recognized by the athletic department with its Coaler Pride Award. Juliana will be attending the College of DuPage in Glen Ellen to study dental hygiene and play softball for the Chaparrals. On Senior Night, Juliana was accompanied by her parents, John and Gabrielle Covington.
D’Arcy Ness has participated in Coaler Softball all four years of high school. She was also a member of the golf and basketball teams and Coalers with Character. She will be attending Joliet Junior College to begin her academic studies focused on a career in elementary education. D’Arcy will also be playing softball for the Wolves. Escorting D’Arcy on Senior Night were her parents Randy and Jenn Ness.
Addison Hodgen was recognized on Senior Night as a four year member of the Coalers Softball Team. Addison also played volleyball for the Coalers and has been actively involved in numerous school organizations including Coalers with Character, Future Business Leaders of America, Coaler Creations and Yearbook. She was a student representative on the district’s Learning Leadership Team and a founder of Project EmpowHER. Addison will be attending Illinois State University majoring in elementary education. She was accompanied on Senior Night by her parents Scott and Meghan Hodgen.
Brittnae Combes is a two year member of the Coalers Softball Team and she was recognized on Senior Night for her contributions to the program. She plans to enter the workforce after graduation. She was escorted on Senior Night by Amanda and Todd Combes.
Kaycee Graf joined the Coalers Softball Team her freshman year and has been a part of the program since. During her time as a Coaler she has also been involved in Coaler Creations and Project EmpowHER. Kaycee will be attending the University of Nebraska Kearney where she will major in health sciences and play softball for the Lopers. On Senior Night she was accompanied by her parents Brian and Stacie Graf.
Mackenzie Croxton is a four year member of the Coalers Softball Team. As a Coaler she was also involved in Coalers with Character and National Honor Society. She will be attending the University of Iowa majoring in radiation sciences. Escorting Mackenzie on Senior Night were Jennifer Croxton, Mike McKay and Eric and Tiffany Croxton.