Suburban Life 2026 softball season previews

Teams from around the Suburban Life coverage area look to make their mark in the 2026 season

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The 2026 softball season is underway this week. Here are previews of teams from around the Suburban Life coverage area, including top returning players, key newcomers, and what coaches are saying about their teams' prospects for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

High school softball is a beloved spring sport in the Chicago suburbs, with passionate fanbases and competitive conference and postseason races. These previews provide an early look at the teams and players to watch as the 2026 season gets underway.

The details

The previews cover a wide range of teams, from perennial powers to up-and-coming programs, highlighting the top returning players, key newcomers, and what coaches expect from their squads this year. Several teams are led by star players who have already committed to play at the college level, while others are looking to fill key holes left by graduated seniors. Coaches discuss their teams' strengths, goals for the season, and the competitive landscapes of their respective conferences.

  • The 2026 softball season is underway this week.
  • The previews cover the upcoming 2026 season.

The players

Janet Royal

Head coach of the Benet Academy softball team.

Matthew Dillard

New head coach of the Hinsdale Central softball team, taking over for Eric Landschoot who retired.

Jim Cushing

Head coach of the Downers Grove North softball team.

Valerie Jisa

Head coach of the Mother McAuley softball team.

Dawn Chantos

Head coach of the Glenbard East softball team.

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What they’re saying

“We have some key holes to fill, but our roster has a good mix of returning experience and newcomers ready to contribute.”

— Janet Royal, Head coach, Benet Academy (shawlocal.com)

“We expect to compete for a conference championship and win another regional title.”

— Matthew Dillard, Head coach, Hinsdale Central (shawlocal.com)

“We have to play well defensively in order to be successful.”

— Jim Cushing, Head coach, Downers Grove North (shawlocal.com)

“This group has a lot of potential. We have the talent and work ethic. Our focus will be on bringing it all together and competing at a high level.”

— Valerie Jisa, Head coach, Mother McAuley (shawlocal.com)

“Glenbard East will be tough to beat. We should be battling for first or second.”

— Julie Fonda, Head coach, Glenbard South (shawlocal.com)

The takeaway

The 2026 softball season in the Chicago suburbs promises to be highly competitive, with several teams returning key players and looking to build on recent success. Coaches are optimistic about their teams' potential, though they know they will face stiff challenges from conference rivals and elite programs throughout the region. As the season gets underway, these previews provide an early glimpse of the teams and players to watch as the race for conference titles and postseason glory heats up.