Chambana Sun

The Big Ten Softball Players to Watch list has been announced, featuring three athletes from the University of Illinois' Fighting Illini. Paige Berkmeyer, Adisyn Caryl, and Ava Moore have been selected for this recognition.

Paige Berkmeyer had an impressive junior year in 2024. The Ohio native led the league by catching 18 runners stealing, ranking fourth nationally. This achievement places her tied for third all-time in the Illini record books for a single season and fourth with 34 over her career. Additionally, Berkmeyer demonstrated strength at bat with a .313 average and a .500 slugging percentage. She set a program record for home runs in a single game with three during a victory over SIUE, accumulating 12 total bases, another record.

Adisyn Caryl was the only all-conference performer from last season, earning All-Freshman Team honors. The Kansas native participated in all 52 games for the Fighting Illini, starting 51 consecutively after coming on as relief in the opener. She was third on the team with a .335 batting average and contributed 25 RBIs. During league play, she maintained a .306 average with 10 RBIs and four extra-base hits.

Ava Moore is familiar with preseason accolades; she was previously named to D1Softball's D100 Freshman List and Softball America Freshman Watch List. An Ohio native like Berkmeyer, Moore excelled at Tecumseh High School as a three-year varsity letterwinner. She received multiple awards including First Team All Southwest District honors during her senior year when she batted .548 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs.

The Fighting Illini will commence their 2025 season against CSU Bakersfield in Orlando, Florida on February 7th.