Richmond-Burton's Taylor Davison, who was previously headed to Michigan State, reopened her recruitment last month and quickly found a new home at Syracuse. The Rockets senior announced her commitment to the Atlantic Coast Conference school on Saturday.

Former Crystal Lake South softball coach Scott Busam will take the helm across town at Prairie Ridge after serving as a JV assistant coach for the Wolves in the spring. The all-time winningest coach in Gators history said he is excited for a new opportunity and challenge.

In a year of dominant performances at Huntley, it was hard to miss the impact of Jori Heard. The Red Raiders hurler was tough to hit in softball and one of the area's top inside players in basketball. Heard is the 2022 Northwest Herald Female Athlete of the Year.

Meet the 2022 Northwest Herald All-Area softball team.

Richmond-Burton's Tylar Stanton had a memorable first season as head coach, guiding the Rockets to conference, regional and sectional championships and a 20-win season. Stanton is the 2022 Northwest Herald Softball Coach of the Year.

Huntley's Jori Heard had a magical senior year, guiding the Red Raiders to their second straight perfect season in the Fox Valley Conference and seventh consecutive regional title. Heard is the 2022 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year.

Marengo's Jenna Turner and Prairie Ridge's Bella Crimaldi each had big offensive seasons to help Rock Valley College win its eighth straight NJCAA Division III national championship last month. The eight titles in a row is a record across all NJCAA divisions.

Eighteen players from the Northwest Herald coverage area were named to the Illinois Coaches Association All-State softball team, released Monday night.

Here is the 2022 All-Fox Valley Conference softball team, as selected by FVC coaches.