2026 Clutch Sports Media Softball All-Area Teams: 86 Central Illinois players earn honors

Central Illinois was overflowing with softball talent in 2026 and the many postseason plaques and accolades earned by numerous teams and players reflect it. 

Several conferences were won by teams in the Peoria and Bloomington/Normal area, including Dunlap (Mid-Illini), Brimfield/Elmwood (Inter-County), Illini Bluffs (Tomahawk) and Olympia (Sangamo). A quartet of squads — namely Dunlap, Washington, Bloomington Central Catholic and Brimfield/Elmwood — won sectional titles with Dunlap going on to finish fourth at the Class 3A State Finals. And once again, the Mid-Illini proved to be one of the state’s best softball conferences with five teams reaching 20 or more wins.

Those teams and many others were littered with standout players, including several Division-I bound stars that have been household names for years, hitters that found their way into the record books and breakout players with bright futures. 

Athletes from the 39 schools in the Clutch Sports Media coverage area surrounding Peoria and Bloomington/Normal were eligible for CSM’s 2026 Softball All-Area teams, which feature a total of 86 honorees.

Clutch Sports Media will also have a Softball Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, which will both be announced shortly. All of the All-Area nominees below are listed by position, then alphabetical order.

Clutch Sports Media All-Area First Team

Sutton Centoni, senior, Dunlap - Pitcher

No mention of Dunlap’s superb season is complete without Centoni, who dominated in the circle and came up big with her bat as well. The Illinois signee carried a miniscule 0.73 ERA in 172 innings, as well as a 21-5 record. She struck out an area-high 279 batters, fanning 10 or more batters in 16 games, while giving up just 41 walks. At the plate, Centoni hit at a .291 clip with 32 hits, including the game-winning hit in the Eagles’ Class 3A super-sectional to send them to state for the first time since 1992. She chipped in six doubles, two triples and a home run as well. Centoni earned ICA Class 3A first team all-state honors for the second straight season and was a first team all-Mid Illini Conference pick. 

Sara Finn, senior, Illini Bluffs - Catcher

Finn continued to be one of Central Illinois’ most prolific hitters while switching from outfield to catcher in her senior season. She hit .557 with 49 hits and 39 RBIs, plus 16 doubles, three triples and 10 home runs. Finn finished her prep career with 46 home runs, 159 RBIs and a batting average of .538. She earned ICA Class 1A first team all-state honors for the fourth consecutive season, along with being a first team all-Tomahawk Conference selection. Finn will continue her career at Creighton. 

Gracie Ahrens, junior, East Peoria - Infield

Ahrens brought consistency at the plate and a strong glove at second base for East Peoria, who won a Class 3A regional title. The Raiders junior and leadoff batter hit .430 with 49 hits, 43 runs, 20 walks, 12 RBIs, five doubles, two triples and stole 32 bases while only striking out five times. She earned ICA Class 3A first team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference honors and is committed to Illinois State. 

Byrkleigh Kraft, senior, Dee-Mack - Infield

Kraft had a season for the record books, hitting at a lofty .696 clip that ranks as the 12th-best season batting average in IHSA history. She racked up 64 hits and 53 hits which led all area players in both categories while striking out just three times as well. Kraft also had plenty of power, evidenced by 23 doubles, seven triples and four home runs. She earned ICA Class 1A first team all-state and first team all-Heart of Illinois Conference awards and will continue her career at Illinois Wesleyan. 

Payton Swanson, junior, Washington - Infield 

Swanson was the complete package for Class 3A sectional champion Washington as a top-notch hitter, baserunner and defensive presence. The Panthers shortstop drove in 45 runs on 42 hits and a .382 batting average. She added nine doubles, five triples and five home runs to go with 13 stolen bases. Swanson earned ICA Class 3A second team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference honors. 

Addy Wooden, senior, Metamora - Infield

Wooden coupled a standout defensive presence at third base with a strong bat for the Redbirds, who went 26-10 and reached the Class 3A regional finals. She hit at a .421 clip with 45 hits, 30 RBIs, 13 doubles, three triples and three home runs. The third baseman was an ICA Class 3A first team all-state and unanimous first team all-Mid Illini Conference honoree. She will continue her career in the Quad Cities at Augustana.

Lauren Durako, sophomore, Bloomington Central Catholic - Outfield

Durako was a sparkplug for the Saints, who went on an unprecedented playoff run to its first super-sectional appearance in program history after finishing seventh in a competitive Illini Prairie Conference. Durako hit .442 with 38 stolen bases as the Saints’ leadoff batter and carried an OPS of 1.182. She was an ICA Class 2A first team all-state and first team all-Illini Prairie Conference honoree. 

Lexi Hamer, junior, Dunlap - Outfield

Hamer led Class 3A fourth-place finisher Dunlap in hitting with 47 hits and a .395 batting average. Her .500 batting average against rugged Mid-Illini competition set a school record. She also contributed 27 runs, nine RBIs, four doubles and 15 stolen bases to go with a .977 fielding percentage and just one error all season in center field. Hamer earned ICA Class 3A first team all-state and unanimous first team all-Mid Illini Conference honors.

Hayley Michels, senior, Normal Community - Outfield

Michels was a threat with her on-base ability and hit .438 to lead Normal Community, which reached the Class 4A regional finals. She racked up 49 hits, drew 12 walks and scored 34 runs while driving in seven herself. Michels also stole 18 bases and did not commit an error in the outfield. She earned ICA Class 4A third team all-state and first team all-Big 12 Conference honors. 

Sawyer Drury, senior, Brimfield/Elmwood - Utility

Drury dominated all year long for Brimfield/Elmwood, leading the Indians to a 29-6 record and their second straight Class 2A sectional title. One of the area’s top hitters and pitchers, she hit .518 with 59 hits, 46 RBIs, 17 doubles, six triples and two home runs on top of 11 stolen bases. In the circle, she had a 1.43 ERA and 16-2 record in 127 innings with 208 strikeouts and 26 walks. Drury earned ICA Class 2A first team all-state honors, as well as unanimous first team all-ICAC and first team all-Prairieland Conference honors. She will continue her career at Creighton.

Clutch Sports Media All-Area Second Team

Addison Duncheon, sophomore, East Peoria - Pitcher

One of Central Illinois’ top sophomores, Duncheon excelled in multiple ways to help lift East Peoria to a 24-win season and a Class 3A regional title. The Raiders star carried a 1.35 ERA with an 18-7 record in 176 innings pitched to go with 209 strikeouts and 48 walks. She even improved in Mid-Illini play with a 0.94 ERA against conference opponents. She also made big contributions in the heart of the order by hitting .439 with 50 hits, 43 RBIs, 14 doubles, five triples and one home run. Duncheon earned ICA Class 3A second team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference awards.

Zoey Whittaker, senior, Tri-Valley - Catcher 

Whittaker delivered a strong final prep season before heading off to DePaul. She led the 20-10 Vikings to a Class 2A regional championship appearance and hit .505 with 46 hits and 39 RBIs. One of the area’s top power hitters, she slugged 13 doubles, five triples and five home runs. Whittaker earned Class 2A 2nd team all-state and first team all-HOIC nods. 

Kendyl Binder, junior, Brimfield/Elmwood - Infield

Binder helped make a stacked lineup for Brimfield/Elmwood and delivered an all-state season as a junior. The Indians shortstop was tough to stop by hitting .433 with 45 hits and 35 RBIs, plus 13 doubles, two triples and three home runs. She was one of Brimfield/Elmwood’s stolen bases leaders as well with 12. Binder earned ICA Class 2A second team all-state honors to go with unanimous first team all-ICAC and first team all-Prairieland laurels.

Cora Ellison, senior, Illini Bluffs - Infield/Pitcher

Ellison capped a standout four-year prep career by being one of Central Illinois’ top hurlers and home run leaders. She put up a 1.64 ERA and 13-5 record in 107 innings and displayed strong command with 121 strikeouts and 22 walks. Ellison, who split time between first base and pitcher, feasted in the heart of a strong Tigers lineup by hitting .446 with 37 hits, 44 RBIs, 10 doubles, two triples. Her 12 home runs on the season led all players in the CSM coverage area. She earned ICA Class 1A second team all-state and first team all-Tomahawk Conference honors and will continue her career at Illinois Central College.

Maggie Geuvens, senior, Eureka - Infield

Geuvens was a key force on a Eureka squad that’s improved its win total each of the last four years. The senior shortstop hit .455 with 45 hits, 28 RBIs, 14 doubles, three triples and three home runs for the Hornets, who went 21-7 and won a Class 2A regional title. Geuvens was an ICA Class 2A second team all-state and first team all-HOIC honoree. 

Maren Milton, sophomore, Tri-Valley - Infield

Milton paced a strong Tri-Valley squad with 50 hits and 43 RBIs as a sophomore. The star third baseman boasted a batting average of .495 and had 11 doubles, five triples and three home runs to go with 16 stolen bases. She earned ICA Class 2A second team all-state and second team all-HOIC honors. 

Kami Barth, senior, Washington - Outfield

Barth had all the tools in the bag to help Washington go 26-9 and win a Class 3A sectional title. She hit .343 on the season with 39 runs, 23 RBIs, 10 doubles and three home runs while being a threat on the basepaths as well. Barth showcased her defensive ability in center field with multiple diving catches and also walked more than she struck out. She earned ICA Class 3A third team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference honors. She will continue her volleyball and softball career at Monmouth College.

Carra Craig, senior, Metamora - Outfield

Craig established herself as one of Metamora’s most valuable bats and a breakout player in the outfield in her senior year. She hit .377 with 46 hits, 25 RBIs, four doubles and a home run to help push the Redbirds to a 26-10 campaign. Craig was an ICA Class 3A second team all-state and second team all-Mid Illini honoree. 

Annika Rosecrans, junior, East Peoria - Outfield

Rosecrans displayed a well-rounded game and helped East Peoria have a trio of stars. The Raiders junior hit at a .404 clip with 44 hits, 32 RBIs, nine doubles, two triples and two home runs while also stealing 17 bases and boasting a 1.046 OPS. East Peoria’s defensive leader in the outfield, Rosecrans was an ICA Class 3A third team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference selection. 

Addy MacGregor, sophomore, Washington - Utility

Washington’s standout sophomore catcher had a huge season at the plate, leading the team in most offensive categories including hitting a school-record 21 doubles. MacGregor batted .450 with 46 RBIs, two triples and seven home runs to go with a strong blocking ability behind the plate. She earned ICA Class 3A first team all-state and first team all-Mid Illini Conference honors. 

Clutch Sports Media All-Area Honorable Mention

Tori Birch, senior, Canton - Pitcher 

Lexie Dallinger-Eaker, sophomore, Peoria Notre Dame - Pitcher

Rylee Dare, junior, Eureka - Pitcher

Maddie Feagin, senior, Tremont - Pitcher

Emmy Fleming, junior, IVC - Pitcher

Gabby Frye, senior, Olympia - Pitcher

Zoe Lindahl, junior, Pekin - Pitcher

Kate McGowan, senior, Normal West - Pitcher

Jaelyn Moritz, sophomore, Bloomington Central Catholic - Pitcher

Allie Nelson, sophomore, Metamora - Pitcher

Makenzie Post, sophomore, Normal U-High - Pitcher

Ella Ransom, sophomore, IVC - Pitcher

Emily Stauffer, junior, Dee-Mack - Pitcher

Adalynn Stickel, junior, Midland - Pitcher

Claire Sutherland, junior, Princeville - Pitcher

Jaeleigh Decker, senior, Pekin - Catcher

Maggie Dorsey, junior, Midland - Catcher 

Gabby Drake, senior, Dunlap - Catcher

Teagan Drury, sophomore, Brimfield/Elmwood - Catcher

Nicole Ekhoff, sophomore, Normal U-High - Catcher

Kennadie Finchum, junior, Olympia - Catcher

Brynn Landrus, sophomore, Bloomington Central Catholic - Catcher

Reese Legaspi, sophomore, Brimfield/Elmwood - Catcher

Allie Lueddecke, junior, Metamora - Catcher

Grace Streenz, junior, Heyworth - Catcher

Kinley Arnold, freshman, Pekin - Infield

Mack Barton, junior, IVC - Infield

Lainey Bellas, sophomore, Bloomington Central Catholic - Infield

Myra Books, junior, Olympia - Infield

Joharah Boze, junior, IVC - Infield

Kate Cantwell, senior, Morton - Infield

Kayla Carver, sophomore, Richwoods - Infield

Karissa Cook, sophomore, Heyworth - Infield

Makaylynne Correa, senior, Canton - Infield

Gracie Duley, senior, Farmington - Infield

Erika Durham, senior, Normal West - Infield

Chloe Eeten, senior, Illini Bluffs - Infield

Bailey Engel, junior, Normal Community - Infield

Elle Fesler, sophomore, Tri-Valley - Infield

Rudy Gilbert, sophomore, Dee-Mack - Infield

Avery Head, sophomore, Normal Community - Infield

Finley Hoffman, sophomore, Olympia - Infield

Schyer Meinders, senior, Brimfield/Elmwood - Infield

McKinley Pate, junior, Normal West - Infield

Addie Reed, freshman, Dunlap - Infield

Hallie Reed, junior, Dunlap - Infield

Annabelle Reimer, senior, Illini Bluffs - Infield

Alia Riddle, freshman, Heyworth - Infield

Cici Robinson, junior, Richwoods - Infield

Lauren Shuey, senior, Bloomington - Infield

Meera Sundaram, senior, Normal U-High - Infield

Ashlyn Sweatt, senior, East Peoria - Infield

TeriLynn Timmerman, junior, Fieldcrest - Infield

Sophie Walker, sophomore, Washington - Infield

Izzy DeLost, junior, Canton - Outfield

Paige Fesler, senior, Tri-Valley - Outfield

Addison Forsythe, junior, Dunlap - Outfield

Elsah Ganschow, sophomore, Normal West - Outfield

Mady Gibson, senior, Peoria Notre Dame - Outfield

Layla Hersemann, junior, Brimfield/Elmwood - Outfield

Mikenna Hill, junior, Olympia - Outfield

Devon Mlekush, senior, Washington - Outfield

Anja Nelson, junior, Brimfield/Elmwood - Outfield

McKenzie Nutter, senior, Illini Bluffs - Outfield

Emma Picco, sophomore, Canton - Outfield

Ella Tady, senior, Peoria Notre Dame - Outfield