Here is a list of local athletes who can sign national letters of intent with their NCAA schools on Wednesday, the first day of the signing period.

Crystal Lake South’s Alexis Pupillo, who hit .594 and led the Gators with 13 homers, 10 doubles, 37 RBIs and 46 runs scored, recently committed to the University of Northern Iowa.

Meet the 2021 Northwest Herald All-Area softball team.

Huntley senior Briana Bower finished a remarkable three-year run for the Red Raiders, finishing with 922 career strikeouts and 65 wins. She led Huntley back to the Class 4A state tournament this year as the Raiders finished third to bring home their second state trophy in as many seasons. For her efforts, Bower is the 2021 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year.

Huntley's Mark Petryniec is the 2021 Northwest Herald Softball Coach of the Year after leading the Red Raiders to a Fox Valley Conference championship and third-place finish at the Class 4A state tournament.

Here is the 2021 All-Fox Valley Conference softball team, as selected by FVC coaches.

Huntley’s Briana Bower (Class 4A), Crystal Lake South’s Brooke Kuffel (3A), Johnsburg’s Kate Linkletter (2A) and Richmond-Burton’s Jesse Klicker (2A) were named to the Illinois Coaches Association’s All-State first team. 20 players from the Northwest Herald area were selected to the all-state softball teams, which were released Sunday.

Huntley finished its march back to the Class 4A state tournament with a 4-3 win over Minooka in the third-place game, earning its second state trophy in as many seasons. Senior pitcher Briana Bower struck out 18 and also homered in the season-ending victory.

Gallery

Huntley topped Minooka, 4-3, in the Class 4A state tournament third-place game Thursday, June 17, 2021 in East Peoria.