Softball Team Clinches First-Ever Regular Season Title

The team won the ISL A banner after completing a perfect conference season on May 1 with a 30-23 win over Georgetown Day School. Juliette Naddelman ’24 and Gwen Sampson ‘25 each went 8-for-8 at the plate while Samina Bhatia ’25 was 7-for-7 at the plate and Elle Toomey ’26 was 6-for-7 with scored four runs. Leah Facciobene ’24 recorded 12 strikeouts in the win. 

“It may seem counterintuitive but our success only came from overcoming the struggle and frustration of falling behind in games against teams we knew we were capable of beating and the ones we thought we might lose to. It forced us to work together, work harder, and grow as players mentally and physically,” Sampson said. “That’s what makes me so proud of this team; no matter how far we might be behind in a game, we never gave up. We supported each other, we coached each other, we shared the joy of victory together and we made history together.”

This accomplishment is not only a first for the softball program, but also represents a first for the athletics department; it is the first time an All-ISL St. Andrew’s alumna has served as the head coach of a banner-winning team at the school. Ashley Splaine ‘06, the team’s head coach, is one of five St. Andrew's softball players to have ever earned All-ISL for their achievements on the field.

“Softball has always been my passion and St. Andrew’s has played a huge role in the love I have for the sport. This season I saw the same passion and excitement in each of my players as they won the ISL regular season conference and the very first softball banner in St. Andrew’s history,” Splaine said. “As their coach and a St. Andrew’s alumna, there just isn't any greater feeling!”

Coaching staff includes Nat Orr ‘18 and Megan Blaine ‘18, who contributed to the foundation of the program’s recent success as players just a few years ago.

Director of Athletics Kevin Jones commended the team and the coaching staff on the historic achievement.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished. This is a special moment for our entire school, community, and athletic department,” Jones said. “Every member of this team contributes to the success, and Coach Splaine and her coaching staff have done a phenomenal job leading this team and raising the profile of the program. It is also great seeing multiple alumni on our coaching staff giving back to the program they played for.”

The team enters ISL tournament play as the #1 seed and has earned a first-round bye, meaning the team’s first game will be the semifinal against either Georgetown Day School or Madeira. That semifinal contest will take place at home starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 12. If the team advances to the finals, they will play on Saturday, May 13 at The Madeira School at 10 a.m.