WEST HARTFORD—For years, they have been showing up to the fields together.
Some since they were 8 years old.
Others even longer.
They’ve played rec ball together. They’ve played All-Stars together. They’ve grown together through the West Hartford Girls Softball system.
Now they’re district champions.
After capturing the District 6 championship this summer, West Hartford enters Sectional play believing its journey may be far from over.
“We’ve seen most of these kids since they were eight or nine years old,” manager Josh Brier said. “It’s amazing to watch them and how much they’ve developed over the last few years.”
That development has produced a team capable of winning in a variety of ways.
West Hartford can manufacture runs with speed. It can play small ball. It can hit for power. And perhaps most importantly at this age level, it can pitch and play defense.
“I would say we’re really well balanced,” Brier said. “There’s a good amount of speed, there’s a good amount of power, there’s a good amount of small ball. There’s a little bit of everything that they’re able to do.”
Everything starts in the circle with ace pitcher Elle Fox.
A dominant force throughout District play, Fox surrendered fewer than one run per game during the tournament while serving as both West Hartford’s primary pitcher and No. 2 hitter in the lineup.
Brier has watched her develop for years and said her growth as both a pitcher and hitter has been remarkable.
“Elle’s just grown tremendously over the last couple years as a pitcher and a player,” Brier said. “She’s our primary pitcher, she’s our number two hitter and she’s been dominant in the district.”
Should West Hartford need additional pitching, the staff also features Erin Sills and Ella Rafferty, two versatile players who have spent much of the tournament contributing at other positions while Fox controlled games from the circle.
Behind the plate is Ellie Brier, who made a commitment last fall to become a catcher, knowing West Hartford would need someone to fill that role this season.
The hard work paid off.
Armed with a strong throwing arm and growing confidence behind the plate, Brier has helped control opposing running games while providing stability to the defense.
When needed, Antonia Jones can also move behind the plate. The versatile left fielder even caught an inning during the district championship game and gives the coaching staff another dependable option.
The infield is anchored by a group of experienced players who have spent years playing high-pressure softball.
At first base, Casey Taylor provides steady defense and a strong softball IQ. Brier praised her ability to consistently put herself in the right position and credited her with helping execute key defensive plays throughout the tournament.
At second base, Rafferty serves as the team’s leadoff hitter and emotional spark plug. A multi-year All-Star, she combines speed, experience and leadership while setting the tone at the top of the lineup.
Shortstop Erin Keefe may be one of the younger players on the roster, but she already plays with the confidence and awareness of a veteran. Dependable in the field, consistent at the plate and smart on the bases, Keefe gives West Hartford another player who understands every aspect of the game.
At third base, cleanup hitter Sienna Dziedzic brings athleticism, experience and a proven track record in All-Star competition. Whether it’s with her glove or her bat, she remains one of the team’s biggest difference-makers.
The outfield may be where West Hartford’s athleticism shines brightest.
Jones patrols left field while providing a key bat in the middle of the order. A former baseball player making her first season in softball, she has transitioned seamlessly and become an important contributor on both sides of the ball.
In center field is Grace Winiarski, known throughout the dugout as “Lightning McQueen.”
The nickname fits.
One of the fastest players in town, Winarski covers enormous amounts of ground defensively while emerging as one of West Hartford’s most clutch hitters. Brier said she led the team in RBIs during the district tournament and repeatedly delivered in key situations.
Right fielder Stella Danziger rounds out the starting outfield. Though one of the younger players on the roster, Danziger has spent years playing above her age level and has earned a reputation for consistency, intelligence and reliability.
West Hartford’s depth extends well beyond its starters.
Addison Bambery has emerged as one of the team’s most dangerous power hitters, capable of driving the ball into the gaps and changing a game with one swing.
Sills not only contributes pitching depth but also provides smart, aggressive play in the field and at the plate. Despite being one of the younger players on the team, she already understands the game at a high level.
Elsa Leshem, a returning All-Star, brings power, defensive versatility and leadership. Whether she’s filling in at first base, helping in the outfield or keeping spirits high in the dugout, Leshem impacts the game in countless ways.
Together, Fox, Ellie Brier, Jones, Taylor, Rafferty, Keefe, Dziedzic, Winiarski, Danziger, Bambery, Sills and Leshem have already accomplished the first goal they set for themselves.
Winning districts.
Now comes the next challenge.
“We’ve said to ourselves, ‘Why not us?’” Brier said. “Our goal is to make it to the state Final Four and give ourselves a chance to put it all out on the field.”
For a team that has spent years growing together through the West Hartford softball program, that dream suddenly feels very much within reach.
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