Hinckley-Big Rock softball restarted their program this year after six years without a team. They met Genoa-Kingston Monday in an early season matchup.

From two Daily Chronicle Players of the Year to a record-setting home-run hitter, we take a look at five softball players from around the area poised for big things in 2026.

Hinckley-Big Rock is back on the field after a long hiatus. DeKalb and Sycamore look to repeat as regional champs. Lizzie Davis can make Genoa-Kingston history. We break down each softball team and its expectations for the year.

Hinckley-Big Rock has a team for the first time since 2019. A large group of talented freshmen are now a large group of talented sophomores. DeKalb looks to continue its upward trajectory while Sycamore has a couple holes to fill. We explore this season's softball storylines.

What does a home‑run hitter do when home runs don’t exist? Genoa-Kingston senior Lizzy Davis went to Europe for an indoor tournament where the ceiling is an out and the wall is 10 feet behind first. She still found a way to rake.

Almost a year after the Sycamore Sycos 16U team won the travel program’s first Storm Dayz title, the Sycos 15U team brought home another – playing up an age group and winning the 16U bracket Sunday at the Sycamore Park District Fields.

Dozens of local softball teams, including the Sycamore Sycos and the host Kishwaukee Valley Storm, are participating in the annual Storm Dayz tournament this weekend. Both Sycamore organizations had teams in action Friday ranging from 12u to 18u.

As the 25th annual Storm Dayz tournament kicks off this Friday in Sycamore, the Sycamore Sycos, buoyed by last year’s historic victory, aim to capitalize on newfound momentum against fierce competition from the Kishwaukee Valley Storm and beyond.

When Sycamore faced a tough pitcher or the bats had a bad day, Bella Jacobs made sure to do what she could to keep the Spartans in the game until the bats woke up. The junior starter was named the Daily Chronicle 2025 Softball Player of the Year.