Marist's Soleil Tate ready to take over as junior ace

Wisconsin commit Soleil Tate steps up as Marist's pitching leader after standout sophomore season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Marist junior Soleil Tate, a Wisconsin commit, is set to take over as the ace pitcher for the RedHawks softball team this season after serving in a supporting role as a sophomore. Tate was part of a strong pitching staff last year that included two senior standouts, but now the ball is in her hands as she looks to lead Marist to another successful campaign.

Why it matters

Tate has been an impact player for Marist since her freshman year, both in the circle and at the plate. As the team's new ace, her performance will be crucial to the RedHawks' chances of contending for a championship this season.

The details

As a sophomore, Tate was part of a pitching staff that included seniors Gianna Hillegonds (Bradley) and Mari Jarmoszka (Carnegie Mellon). Now, the pitching duties fall squarely on Tate's shoulders, with junior Jenna Manfre and freshman Savannah Jones providing support. Tate is ready for the challenge, saying 'It's sad that we lost our pitchers from last year, but it's exciting to be recognized as No. 1 in my third season.' Tate has been an impact player since her freshman year, hitting .354 with 9 home runs and 38 RBIs, while going 10-2 with a 1.03 ERA in the circle. Last season, she took another big leap, batting .446 with 51 RBIs and posting a 17-3 record with a 0.80 ERA.

  • Tate was a key contributor as a freshman in 2025.
  • In 2026, Tate's sophomore season, she was part of a strong Marist pitching staff.
  • This season, 2027, Tate will be the team's ace as a junior.

The players

Soleil Tate

A junior at Marist High School and a Wisconsin commit, Tate is set to take over as the team's ace pitcher after serving in a supporting role as a sophomore.

Gianna Hillegonds

A senior pitcher at Marist last season who is now committed to Bradley University.

Mari Jarmoszka

A senior pitcher at Marist last season who is now committed to Carnegie Mellon University.

Jenna Manfre

A junior pitcher who will provide support to Tate in the Marist pitching rotation this season.

Savannah Jones

A freshman pitcher who will also contribute to the Marist pitching staff this season.

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What they’re saying

“I feel good. It's sad that we lost our pitchers from last year, but it's exciting to be recognized as No. 1 in my third season.”

— Soleil Tate (Chicago Tribune)

“Soleil has always been just the ultimate team player. Her and Gianna were very good friends. We were so fortunate to have both of them. I think she was totally OK with sharing the pitching because she really liked to hit, too.”

— Colleen Phelan, Marist Head Coach (Chicago Tribune)

“Soleil was our No. 4 hitter. She was our power. She was our spunk in the dugout as the cheer starter. Whether it's in the circle, the box or in the dugout, she's just a remarkable young lady.”

— Colleen Phelan, Marist Head Coach (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Tate and the Marist RedHawks will look to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run, with Tate leading the way in the circle.

The takeaway

Soleil Tate's transition to becoming Marist's ace pitcher as a junior highlights her growth and development as a player, as well as the trust her coaches and teammates have in her to lead the team this season. Her well-rounded skills and team-first mentality make her a valuable asset for the RedHawks.