Here’s what you need to know for the 2025 high school softball season in the Baltimore area:

Storylines to watch

One-way communication is a reality:This season, the National Federation of High Schools added a rule for catchers to wear a receiver in their mask that allows one-way verbal communication with the coach. The device, sort of a walkie-talkie with an earpiece, can only be worn while the catcher is behind the plate. While several local coaches said that they are traditionalists and don’t want to use these types of devices, at least one, Glenelg’s Anna Pallozzi, said the Gladiators intend to use it and have already tested it during scrimmages. “This is the direction the game is going, and they are using it at some colleges,” Pallozzi said. “I just think we’d rather be on board than left behind.”

Pitching is still the name of the game: It’s no secret that teams with the best pitching are usually the most successful. With that said, the area seems to have an abundance of good, young pitching this year. Led by Francis Scott Key senior Jasmine Kline, Carroll County has several aces. Liberty will have freshman Rylee Safran, while Century boasts sophomore Kristin Kreh. Anne Arundel County has Presley McGinty and Kayleigh Fyffe at Northeast, Marley Connor at Crofton, sophomore Rylan Crisafulli at Broadneck and junior Anna Bristol at Arundel. Howard County will have the league’s Player of the Year Abby Magdar, a junior from Mt. Hebron, as well as Abbie Frisvold, a senior at Reservoir. Harford County’s Patterson Mill will have two aces in sophomore Mandy Redmiles and senior Lilly Baldwin. Senior Cessi Prince will lead the way for Spalding.

Which local teams have a shot at a state title?Last season, local teams were shut out at all four levels, with Chesapeake-AA, Perry Hall and Francis Scott Key all losing in the state semifinals. Who has the best chance this year? Northeast-AA is loaded with pitching and returnees and has to be considered one of the favorites in Class 3A. Right behind them could be Dulaney, Mt. Hebron, and Chesapeake-AA again. Class 1A might be the best classification in the state, with FSK returning a strong core and Patterson Mill having a terrific mix of younger standouts and veterans. In 2A, Glenelg has a veteran lineup, while Broadneck looks to be a contender in 4A.

Fresh faces in familiar places:Several local teams will begin the season with new coaches, some of whom will take over from long-standing established coaches. Maybe the most significant of these changes is at Reservoir, where Megan Maloney took over for veteran coach Julie Frisvold. In another change in Howard County, Roo Saglimbeni is now in charge at River Hill, replacing Marni Rosenbaum. Carroll County will have two new coaches, as Ashley Harford, who coached Westminster from 2012 to 2016, returns to take over for April Sexton, and Tyler Murr took over for Kim Perdue at Century. Anne Arundel County will also have a change, as former player Linsey Voorhese replaces Kelly Guarnieri at North County.

Who could be the surprise teams?Leading the list would have to be Broadneck. With Rylan Crisafulli in the circle and a ton of experienced players, the Bruins enter the season with high expectations. South Carroll is another team that could come out of nowhere. Despite losing some players to graduation, the Cavaliers had a great turnout for tryouts, and coach Lindzie Hoff usually finds a way to get the most out of her players. Severna Park has many of the pieces needed to be successful but features five freshman starters. If they grow up fast, the Falcons could make some noise in the area’s best league.

Players to watch

Kallissa Coats, John Carroll, senior, shortstop:This senior shortstop helped lead the Patriots to the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland A Conference title last year. The Towson University commit hit .433 with 24 RBIs and four home runs last year.

Marley Connor, Crofton, senior, pitcher:The Albany commit averaged 10 strikeouts per game as Crofton’s No. 2 pitcher last season. At the plate, she compiled a .537 average with 43 hits, 20 runs and nine home runs to lead the Cardinals.

Rylan Crisafulli, Broadneck, sophomore, pitcher: Crisafulli burst on to the local scene last year, compiling a 2.35 ERA and 92 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings. She only gave up 18 earned runs all season.

Kimani Dennis, Dulaney, junior, infielder: A stellar fielder, Dennis hit over .400 for the Lions last season to lead the team. Her leadership will be crucial for Dulaney this year.

Abbie Frisvold, Reservoir, junior, pitcher-catcher:One of the most versatile players in the area, Frisvold had a 9-4 record with 86 strikeouts as a pitcher last season. The UMBC commit also hit .609 with three homers and 27 RBIs.

Jasmine Kline, Francis Scott Key, junior, pitcher: Maybe the best pitcher in the area, Kline compiled a 17-1 record while allowing 35 earned runs with 171 strikeouts last year. The Quinnipiac University commit had a .394 average at the plate, including a grand slam.

Kenzie Knight, Patterson Mill, junior, outfielder: Knight batted .492 last season with 32 hits and 12 RBIs to go with 22 stolen bases. She will play at Syracuse next season.

Abby Magdar, Mt. Hebron, junior, pitcher: The Howard County Times Player of the Year last season, Magdar had a 12-6 record with a 2.39 ERA and 123 strikeouts. She also batted .394 at the plate as a sophomore with 28 hits and 17 RBIs.

Presley McGinty, Northeast-AA, sophomore, pitcher-outfielder: McGinty was the catalyst for one of the area’s best teams last season, batting .483 with 28 hits, two triples, seven stolen bases and 10 RBIs. She also recorded 46 strikeouts and a 2.25 ERA in the circle while only giving up 15 hits in 46 2/3 innings.

Maddie Stouffer, Glenelg, senior, first baseman: Stouffer led the Gladiators with a .538 batting average while recording 28 hits and 21 RBIs last season. She also posted a perfect fielding percentage at first base last season.

Preseason Top 15 poll

1. Northeast-AA

Coach: Joe Hart

Last season: 16-2 overall, ranked No. 6

Postseason: Class 3A East Region I finalist

Outlook: The Eagles return a talented team that lost only two seniors from last season, and neither of them started. Junior Presley McGinty, one of the best pitchers in the area, returns to lead a talented group that will look to bounce back from an early playoff exit last year. She will be supplemented in the circle by senior Kayleigh Fyffe, so runs will be hard to come by against Northeast. Center fielder Maddie Burris, a junior, will lead the offense. Unless injuries derail the plan, the Eagles should be one of the favorites to win the state title.

2. Glenelg

Coach: Anna Pallozzi

Last season: 15-2, No. 3

Postseason: Class 2A West Region I finalist

Outlook: Glenelg took Howard County by storm last year and will look to repeat as the county champions with a stacked lineup. The Gladiators lost two starters, but Pallozzi is confident that she has the players to replace them. First baseman Maddi Stouffer and pitchers-second basemen Kaylee Brogan and Bella Wisniewski, all seniors, will provide the hitting and leadership. Palozzi also has some good, young players to integrate into the lineup. Howard County will be competitive, but Glenelg looks like the team to beat.

3. Patterson Mill

Coach: Jeff Horton

Last season: 18-3, No. 5

Postseason: Class 1A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: A perennial power in local softball, this could be a special year for the Huskies. The team returns ace Mandy Redmiles, a sophomore, and senior leader Lilly Baldwin, a pitcher-infielder-outfielder. The Huskies only lost one starter, and Horton is convinced that he can find the replacement in a talented group of incoming freshmen. Senior Kenzie Knight, a hitting and base-stealing phenom who has already committed to play at Syracuse, will lead the offense. Class 1A will be competitive, but expect Patterson Mill to be right in the thick of that.

4. Francis Scott Key

Coach: Stephen Turner

Last season: 19-3, No. 4

Postseason: Class 1A state semifinalist

Outlook: The Eagles came close to winning a state title last year, and it’s now or never for this talented group. They are led by senior Jamine Kline, one of the best pitchers in the state and the team’s leading hitter, and she will have a big say in how well they do. The Eagles did lose four starters from last season, but a great nucleus remains. When Kline isn’t pitching, sophomore Maddie Rill will handle the duties in the circle. Junior Piper Beahm will move to catcher this season. If the youth on the team jells, then FSK will again be a force at the state level.

5. Mt. Hebron

Coach: Mark Graydon

Last season: 13-6, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A South Region I finalist

Outlook: Everything is set up for the Vikings to have a great season. They return junior ace Abby Magdar, the Howard County Times Player of the Year last season, and she will be paired with Gianna Giacoletto, a left-handed pitcher and Mount de Sales transfer. Freshman center fielder Isabella Widstrom will be counted on for her offense. Graydon feels that the team can compete with anyone if they get their hitting established early. Look for Mt. Hebron to be right at the top of the Howard County standings.

6. Dulaney

Coach: Dave Barwick

Last season: 12-6, No. 10

Postseason: Class 3A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: Always one of the better programs in Baltimore County, the Lions have an experienced-laden lineup this year that will look to make some noise at the state level. Although starting pitcher Lilly Tinker graduated, Barwick returns most of her roster. The offense and defense will be led by All-Metro second-team third baseman Kimani Dennis, a junior. The Lions should be able to hit the ball, and junior outfielder Ava O’Donnell stole 30 bases last year. If Dulaney can get its pitching situation worked out quickly, then look for this team to be one of the area’s best.

7. Spalding

Coach: Delaney Bell

Last season: 12-4, No. 7

Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist

Outlook: Graduation took its toll on the Cavaliers, who lost seven seniors, but they still have a lot of young talent in the pipeline. It all starts with the pitching, where senior starter Cessi Prince will lead the way. Junior Taylor Cody will provide much of the offense. Bell says she loved the vibe the team has and how the young talent plays for each other. The question for Spalding will be how quickly they can make all the pieces fit together. Even with the losses, the Cavs should still be the team to beat in the IAAM A Conference.

8. Westminster

Coach: Ashley Harford

Last season: 9-11, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A South Region I semifinalist

Outlook: After a few down seasons, the Owls look ready to compete for the title again in Carroll County. Harford, who coached the Owls from 2012 to 2016, will return as coach, and she has a good group to start off with. Senior center fielder Ryley Winebrunner, a Stevenson commit, will return and lead the offense. The Owls return all of their starting pitching, led by senior Mallory Johnson. Junior Libby Green will be counted on for her leadership. Harford’s goal is to reestablish the program as an area power, and she has a good foundation to do exactly that.

9. Reservoir

Coach: Megan Maloney

Last season: 13-4, No. 8

Postseason: Class 3A South Region II finalist

Outlook: Maloney, who was an assistant last year, takes over for longtime coach Julie Frisvold. The Gators return a lot of firepower that helped them contend for the Howard County title last year. Senior catcher-pitcher Abbie Frisvold will return for her senior season, as will senior first baseman Campbell Sagin, and both of them will be counted on for their offense. Frisvold handled a lot of the pitching from last season, but this year she will share the responsibilities with junior Catherine Yourishin. Look for Reservoir to push both Glenelg and Mt. Hebron for the county title.

10. Broadneck

Coach: Stephanie Millard

Last season: 11-8, not ranked

Postseason: Class 4A East Region II semifinalist

Outlook: If pitching is the key to winning games, then the Bruins are in good shape. Sophomore Rylan Crisafulli, the consensus top pitcher in Anne Arundel County, will lead in from the circle, and she will have 10 talented seniors playing behind her. The team will have a ton of versatility, with many players playing multiple positions. Catcher Abby Favazaa and infielder Bella Herrera will be the featured players on offense. Millard is bullish on the experience her team has, and this could be the year the Bruins finally make a run at a state title.

11. John Carroll

Coach: Sherry Hudson

Last season: 16-1, No. 1

Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion

Outlook: The Patriots had a dream season last year, upending Spalding to win the IAAM A Conference championship. The team lost seven players from last year, but there’s still a lot of talent left in Bel Air. Kallissa Coats, a senior shortstop, and Savannah Claycomb, a junior center fielder, will provide most of the power at the plate this year. Catcher Juli Aragon, a senior, will handle the duties behind the plate. Hudson likes some of the new players on the team, and how quickly they mesh with the returnees will tell a lot about how the Patriots do.

12. Arundel

Coach: Lisa Mills

Last season: 13-4, not ranked

Postseason: Class 3A East Region I semifinalist

Outlook: The Wildcats have been on the fringes of competing for a state title before, but it looks like this might be the year Arundel grows up. The team is young, but Mills says she has depth at every position. The pitching will be led by junior Anna Bristol, a lefty, and she will be backed by sophomore Aedyn Prince, who will also play at first base. Senior Madison Hamolia brings experience behind the plate. If Arundel can jell early and get past a tough early-season schedule, this could be a special season in Gambrills.

13. Chesapeake-AA

Coach: Brittany Owen

Last season: 16-3, No. 9

Postseason: Class 3A state semifinalist

Outlook: The loss of four starters would normally handicap a program, but Chesapeake always seems to find a way. Despite the losses, the Cougars return a solid core, led by senior pitcher-center fielder Lindsay Cavey and junior pitcher Amya Murphy. Chesapeake will be strong defensively, but the hitting, led by senior catcher Ryleigh Smoot, will be a work in progress for this young team. The Cougars made a deep playoff run last season, and this team should be good enough to compete in a highly competitive Anne Arundel County race.

14. Mount de Sales

Coach: Pete Waskiewicz

Last season: 10-6, not ranked

Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist

Outlook: The Sailors used to be a fixture on the local softball scene, and Waskiewicz thinks he has what it takes to compete in the IAAM A Conference this season. Junior pitcher Brooke Fuhr, the staff ace from last season, returns, and hitters Olivia Ross, a senior, and Vanessa Gilman, a freshman, will lead the offense. Waskiewicz says the Sailors will hit well this season, but the defense will be a work in progress. After being an afterthought in the IAAM A Conference the past few years, this could be the Sailors’ year to make some noise.

15. Eastern Tech

Coach: Giselle Alvarez

Last season: 11-3, No. 13

Postseason: Class 2A state quarterfinalist

Outlook: Alvarez always finds a way to get the most out of her charges, and she will have to do that again this year after the Mavericks were hit by graduation. Still, a lot of talent remains at the Essex school. Pitcher Shawna Dyer returns, and her presence in the circle will be key for the Mavs. Senior Audrey Coker, a shortstop, and center fielder Grace Himmelman will lead the offense. Alvarez likes the chemistry on the team, but the challenge will be getting the new arrivals from JV up to the speed of the varsity game. Look for Eastern to again contend for the Baltimore County crown this season.

Others considered: Crofton (16-4), Fallston (13-6), Manchester Valley (10-6), Severna Park (14-5), Towson (13-3-1)

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13.