Softball | November 13

DeKALB, Ill.— Northern Illinois University softball head coach Kathryn Gleason is set to welcome four athletes from Illinois and Indiana to the Huskies softball program.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Michaela, Makenzie, Kylie and Lilly to the Huskie Softball Family," said Gleason. "All four are Midwest kids who come from great families, and who excel in the classroom and give back to their community. They are great competitors who have a desire to work at their ability and to compete for championships."
 
Kylie Fish is set to join the Huskies softball program after competing for Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana. Fish helped the Quakers post a record of 25-2 and 14-0 in conference play last season as they won the conference and county championships. In the 2024-25 season, Fish recorded 36 hits, 42 runs, and a batting average of .404. Fish also saw action with New Lenox Lightning Gold in 34 games with a batting average of .391.
 
Lilliana "Lilly" Heath is the second player to join the Huskies from the state of Indiana, having competed for Avon High School in Avon, Indiana. Heath saw action in 90 games in the last three seasons, recording 117 hits and 44 RBIs. Heath had a batting average of .412 or above all three seasons with a team record of 43-17. Heath, with the Orioles of Avon, were three-time sectional championships. Additionally, Heath earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2022-23 and Indy Star Freshman impact honors.
 
Makenzie Johnson was part of the Beecher High School team that has posted three straight undefeated conference seasons, going 45-0 in that time. The Beecher, Illinois native helped posted an overall record of 104-9 during that time and was a part of the 2024-25 Illinois state champion team. Johnson scored 106 runs, 130 hits, 11 home runs, and a batting average of .459 during her high school career. Jonhson has earned multiple All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State honors for the Bobcats.
 
Michaela Power joins the Huskies after competing for William Howard Taft High School in Chicago, Illinois. Power has held to post a record of 49-24-1 over the last three seasons and is a member of the three-year 4A Regional Champion team. Power had a batting average of .449 with 33 hits, 9 home runs, and 17 RBIs. In the circle, Power has recorded 19 wins and zero losses with an ERA of 2.61 and 47 strikeouts. Power earned CPL Player of the Year honors in 2025, the first non-senior to earn the award.
 
"They each fulfill a need we have with the 2026 graduation of many impact players," noted Gleason. "They each add power to the hitting lineup, with two lefties added to the mix, and have a strong, athletic presence on the mound, and in the field.  We look forward to them making an immediate impact in the classroom, on the field and in the community."
 
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