There is a real excitement headed into Galesburg High School’s softball season this spring. There is a new coach and a new start. The Streaks will be led by a young, energetic coach. GHS grad, Andrea Sampson takes over the softball program. Andrea had outstanding high school and college careers playing softball.
I asked her to give us a preview of what is ahead for the Silver Streaks softball program …
Head Coach- Andrea Sampson
Attended Galesburg High School from 2015 to 2019. Colleges attended include Eastern Illinois University (2020 to 2023) and Western Illinois University (2023 to 2024). This is my first year as head coach, my second year coaching in this program.
Who Are Your Assistant Coaches
- Assistant Varsity Coaches: Josh Bland, Hannah Erickson, Mark Harden Jr., Tallen McWilliams.
- Head JV Coach: Tallen McWilliams
Last Year’s Team
Last year’s team struggled with a record of 0-34 overall, 0-14 conference, finishing 8th in the WB6.
Key Loss From Last Year’s Team
The key player lost from last year was Ariel Martinez, the starting center fielder, 3 hitter in the lineup, and exemplary leader on the team. She continues her athletic and academic career at Monmouth College.
Key Returners
Seniors Mary Moore and Hannah Barton will play big roles for us defensively and offensively. Juniors Avayah Bridgewater, Evelin Guel, and Abby Casey were all starters returning for us. Sophomore starting pitcher and catcher duo is Taylor Lee and Layla Shepler.
Varsity Roster
Mary Moore, Sr., Utility/Pitcher
Hannah Barton, Sr., Utility/Catcher
Avayah Bridgewater, Jr., Infield/Pitcher
Evelin Guel, Jr., Infield
Abigail Casey, Jr., Outfield
Addison Painter, Jr., Utility
Addison Stanley, Jr., Infield
Amyah Pruitt, Jr., Outfield
Deonna Stevens, Jr., Infield/Pitcher
Skylar Webb, Jr., Infield/Pitcher
Layla Shepler, So., Utility/Catcher
Taylor Lee, So., Utility/Pitcher
Justina Mims, So., Outfield/Catcher
Mavery Bland, Fr., Utility
JaNyah Ferguson, Fr., Utility
Tamryn Davis, Fr., Utility
JV Roster
Lyn Crawford-Walker, Jr., Utility
Skylar Webb, Jr., Infield/Pitcher
Justina Mims, So., Outfield/Catcher
Addison Thompson, So., Infield
Callie Caulkins, So., Utility/Pitcher
Taliyah Nelson, So., Infield
JaNyah Ferguson Fr., Utility
Tamryn Davis, Fr., Utility
Emmerson Painter, Fr., Infield
Gracie Blake, Fr., Infield
Anna Kubis, Fr., Infield/Pitcher
Alex Worsfold, Fr., Infield/Catcher
3 Things That Need to Happen for Success This Spring
For a softball team coming off a 0–34 season with a new coaching staff, “success” means culture change, competitiveness, and clear improvement. The biggest change has to be the mentality. The team needs to buy into the new culture. Players must trust the coaches and buy into the process, and hold each other accountable.
The defense needs to become reliable. Even just cutting errors in half can turn several blowouts into competitive games. When pitchers attack the zone, the defense stays engaged, and games stay manageable.
The true growth comes from the off-season, and we have had many committed players dedicate their time from the beginning of the school year up to the beginning of the season. Even going from 0 wins to 5–8 wins and going a full 7 innings with the competing teams in the WB6 would be a huge step forward for a program reset.
What the New Turf Field Means
The turf surface gives our girls a sense of pride. Look good, feel good, play good. However, it means more to us than just an update to the complex. Yes, this surface allows for fewer rainouts/cancellations, supports hosting tournaments, and offers one of the best fields in the WB6 to play on, but there is more to it than meets the eye.
We are turning the page and moving on with high standards, high energy, and a sense of togetherness. This field symbolizes those new beginnings. It signifies a new era of Galesburg softball.
2026 Home Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Varsity | JV |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 12 | Abingdon-Avon | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| March 14 | Monmouth United | 11 a.m. | 12:30 p.m. |
| March 19 | Washington | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| March 26 | West Central | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 1 | Rockridge | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 9 | Sterling | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 10 | Canton | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 14 | Moline | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 16 | Alleman | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 21 | Rock Island | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 22 | IVC | 4:30 p.m. | — |
| April 23 | UT | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 24 | Macomb | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 28 | Quincy (Senior Night) | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| April 30 | Geneseo | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. |
| May 16 | Pekin (Doubleheader) | 10 a.m. & noon | — |
Where is Streaks Softball on Social Media?
Facebook: Galesburg Silver Streaks Softball
Instagram: silverstreakssoftball
Game Changer for live updates: Galesburg Varsity Silver Streaks and Galesburg Junior Varsity Silver Streaks
