Upton Signs to Play College Softball at PNC

Upton-1Years of long practices, workouts and rounds of batting practice have paid off for Portage High School senior softball player Stephanie Upton, who will continue her career collegiately at Purdue North Central next year.

Upton helped the PHS varsity team to an 18-8 record last season as the starting first baseman. She knows that moving on to the college ranks will require an adjustment period.

“I think it’s going to be a completely different ballgame,” Upton said. “I’m going to have to adjust a lot and get used to it.”

Upton said her decision to play for the Panthers was based on PNC being “a really nice program,” and the chance to stay home for college. She has heard nothing but positive comments from athletes who have gone through the program. Upton will play for head coach Jeff Boardman.

The Panthers, who compete in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference, are loaded with local talent. Two Wheeler graduates, two Lowell graduates, two Hebron graduates and one Clark graduate all play for PNC.

Upton-2Upton credits varsity head coach Lisa Hayes for helping her along the way. Hayes was Upton’s junior varsity coach her freshmen and sophomore years and then the two moved up to varsity together last season.

“She’s probably one of the best coaches that I’ve ever had,” Upton said. “She’s always there for us whenever we need her. If we need to talk about something; she’s there. She’s taught me a lot.”

Upton listed her most memorable high school games as last season’s upset victories over Lake Central and Crown Point. She also savors memories of the team’s off-the-field bonding experiences, including pasta parties.

Upton’s recommendation for youth softball players who hope to eventually play in high school and college is to “just keep working hard.” She plans to follow her own advice during her final season of high school softball.

“I really hope we can take the sectionals because we know we can do it if we just put our minds to it and work really hard,” she said.