The Illinois Springfield softball program has announced the signing of six standout high school seniors as part of the Class of 2026. The newest Prairie Stars include Addie Stehlik, Avery Miller, Emily Webb, Haley Maretti, Malea Helmink, and Mylee Tracy—a group head coach
Shannon Guthrie describes as athletic, driven, and high-achieving both on and off the field.
"This is a very talented, high-achieving, and athletic group of six outstanding seniors," said Guthrie. "Addie, Avery, Emily, Haley, Malea, and Mylee are everything we look for in prospective student-athletes. These six have played countless games, spent hours sharpening their skills, and many are multi-sport athletes.
What stands out just as much as their skills is their academic success and the character they display every day. We always preach that great players are great at everything they do, not just softball, and this class truly embodies that philosophy. Their work ethic, consistency, and genuine love for the game are what make them special.
I am incredibly thankful to our coaching staff who has worked together in recruiting a well-rounded class. Ashli, Dan, and Reagan have dedicated a lot of time and energy into helping build our wonderful softball program and our strong team culture. We are excited to welcome these six into our Prairie Star softball family and can't wait to see the impact they'll make."
Class of 2026 Signees
Addie Stehlik — Outfielder, Minooka High School / New Lenox Lightning
"Addie is a high-energy player who finds a way to make an impact wherever she goes. She's a speedy outfielder and a threat at the plate who can create havoc by just putting the ball in play. Addie has consistently challenged herself by competing at the highest levels, both with her select team and her high school, and that experience will have her ready for the next level. What stands out the most about Addie is her determination and ability to always make things happen. She's continuing to grow stronger and more powerful, and we're excited to see her energy and competitiveness with us at UIS."
Highlights:
- Career Batting Average of .354
- Career On Base Percentage of .451
- 171 Stolen Bases
Malea Helmink — Infielder, Teutopolis High School / Premier Fastpitch
"Malea is a talented two-time All-State infielder. She is driven and excels not only on the softball field and basketball court but also in the classroom. Her near-perfect grades speak to her discipline and focus, and her work ethic and consistency set her apart. Malea will strengthen our infield and add another dependable bat to our lineup. Beyond her athletic ability, Malea's leadership, maturity, and positive attitude make her a great fit for our team. We're thrilled to have Malea here at UIS, and can't wait to see how she continues to grow and succeed at this level."
Highlights:
- IHSA All-State Sophomore (3rd Team) and Junior Year (3rd Team)
- High School Team MVP
- 100 Hit Milestone in High School Career
Haley Maretti — Pitcher/First Base, Pawnee High School / Big Game Fastpitch
"Haley is an exciting local talent with many tools in her arsenal. As a left-handed pitcher, she brings a rare combination of both speed and movement. Haley has put in an incredible amount of work over this past year, capping off her summer with a tournament MVP award at the Great Lakes Nationals. Her resilience and competitive fire make her tough to face in the circle, and she's also a powerful hitter who can help at first base. We're thrilled to add another local standout to our program."
Highlights:
- 2025 Great Lakes Nationals Tournament MVP
- 2025 Great Lakes National Tournament Most Outstanding Pitcher
- 252 High School Varsity Strikeouts
Emily Webb — Pitcher, Columbia High School / Select Fastpitch
"Emily is a crafty All-State pitcher with an impressive repertoire that keeps hitters guessing. She has great command, consistently hits her spots, and moves the ball effectively around the zone. Beyond her softball skills, Emily stands out as a natural and caring leader who is deeply involved in her school and community. We love her passion for the game and it is evident by watching her pitch nearly every weekend, and always looking for ways to improve. Emily shines in all she does and is truly a fun player to watch."
Highlights:
- IHSA All-State 2nd Team
- All-Metro/All-Conference 1st Team
- 0.55 ERA her Junior Year in 101.3 Innings
Mylee Tracy — Outfielder/Pitcher, Triopia High School / Big Game Fastpitch
"We are incredibly excited to have Mylee join our Prairie Star softball family. She is a two-time All-State player and one of the most dynamic athletes to come out of Triopia High School, excelling in four different sports. Mylee is truly a rare talent with a beautiful left-handed swing, natural speed on the basepaths, and can be a weapon in any lineup. In the outfield she combines her speed and arm strength to make great plays, and has also been a huge contributor in the circle for Triopia. Coming from a smaller school, Mylee's success is a testament to her work ethic and determination. We can't wait for her to continue to grow here at UIS."
Highlights:
- IHSA All-State 2nd Team Sophomore and Junior Years, Three-Time All-Conference Selection
- Will Graduate with 14 Varsity Letters (Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, and Track)
- Record holder for Stolen Bases, Hits, Triples, Pitching Wins, Strikeouts in a Game, and Strikeouts in a season at Triopia
- Senior League Softball World Series Champions
Avery Miller — Pitcher/Infielder, Glenbard North High School / Silver Hawks Softball
"Avery is going to help us on every side of the ball. She's a smart, versatile player with the ability to make an impact. As a pitcher, Avery commands the zone well, moves the ball effectively, and keeps hitters off balance with an incredible change in her speeds. She is also a strong infielder and brings a powerful bat to a lineup. Her athleticism and work ethic have earned her All-State and two-time All-Conference honors, along with leading her team to a conference championship. Avery is a driven and we are confident she'll be a great Star here at UIS."
Highlights:
- IHSA All-State 3rd Team All-State
- Unanimous All-Conference Selection as a Sophomore and Junior
- Junior year led team with a .419 Batting Average, 6 Home Runs, and 104 strikeouts
UIS Softball continues to build on its tradition of excellence, adding a group of student-athletes who will contribute immediately to the team's future success both in competition and in the classroom.
