General 3/10/2026 4:17:00 PM Chris Kuchta

Pioneers Look For Return to Greatness in Year 1 Under Williams

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. --- When he accepted the position of head softball coach at Prairie State, Dan Williams knew that he had big shoes to fill in replacing the legend that was previous head coach Frank Wilkins.

At the time, Williams made it clear that he was up for the challenge. His outlook on his first campaign at the helm of PSC softball certainly shows nothing less.

Williams, who takes over for Wilkins, the winningest coach in program history, enters Year 1 of his tenure with a roster that features just three sophomores and a plethora of talented freshmen.

"We have a very talented, young group, with all the potential in the world," Williams said. "We have added speed on the bases and strong defense with four new transfers, the addition of whom will be a major part of our success this year.

"We have a group of young ladies who have a strong presence in the batter's box with great softball IQ on the defensive side of the ball. The expectation for this group is to go out and give 110% every single pitch. We need to play every inning with the fight of a dog, never lay off the gas pedal and most importantly, be a family."

PSC has three returners on its roster from a year ago as standout two-way player, Natalie Kozub (Kouts H.S., INDIANA) is back for year 2 of her career as a Pioneer.

Last season, Kozub hit .358 with three home runs, 39 RBI and 13 doubles. She also had a strong year inside the circle, working a team-high 152 innings while striking out 90 hitters.

Sophomore infielder Makailyn Stout-Dukes (Crete-Monee H.S.) is also back following a freshman campaign which saw her post a .422 average with a homer and 37 RBI. She also stole a team-best 26 bases.

Odelia Gascon (Hammond H.S.) looks to improve upon her on base percentage of .345 with 23 runs scored from a year ago.

While Williams sits in the pilot's seat of PSC softball, he is quick to acknowledge the role former PSC softball and basketball standout Mariana Serratos plays as his lead assistant.

"Coach Mari is a former PSC athlete who's presence on and off the field in regard to this team cannot go unnoticed," Williams said. "Mari is a rock-solid coach with tremendous on and off-field softball IQ. Myself and our 14 athletes are tremendously lucky to have her on this journey we are about to start.

"We coach this team together as equal parts to the mixture. Communication is one of the keys to two coaches being successful and we knock that out of the park daily for this group."

As mentioned earlier, Williams' first class of freshman while be leaned on heavily in 2026.

As with any strong softball or baseball team, the Pioneers look to be strong up the middle defensively. This begins behind the plate as PSC will employ the help of two solid catchers this spring in first-year players Maeve Koeppen (Lake Central H.S.) and Isabella Shippen (Portage H.S.).

"We have great catchers behind the plate in Maeve and Bella," Williams said. "These two ladies will be our voices on defense and both have been named team captains as well along with Natalie (Kozub)."

Outfielder Terah Coiley (Bradley-Bourbounnais H.S.) and infielders Megan Crumbaugh (Bloom H.S.) and Evalyn Servin (Bloom H.S.) will also be looked at to make strong contributions.

"With the additions of Terah, Megan and Evalyn, it completely changes our dynamics on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball," Williams said.

Freshman middle infielder and outfielder Morgan Niedzwiedz (Bishop McNamara H.S.) also drew high praise from Williams.

"Morgan has great body language on the field. She's fast on the bases and possesses a tremendous softball IQ all around."

The Pioneers open the 2026 slate on their spring trip in Melbourne, Florida.

For dates and game times please visit: Prairie State College - Official Athletics Website

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Players Mentioned

#1 Natalie Kozub: P/1B; Sophomore

#25 Odelia Gascon: OF/P; Sophomore

#88 Morgan Niedzwiedz: MIF/OF; Freshman

#24 Isabella Shippen: C/3B; Freshman

#17 Maeve Koeppen: C/P/1B/OF; Freshman

#2 Makailyn Stout-Dukes: MIF/OF; Sophomore

#3 Terah Coiley: OF; Freshman

#12 Megan Crumbaugh: MIF/OF; Freshman

#13 Evalyn Servin: MIF; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#1 Natalie Kozub
: Sophomore
: P/1B

#25 Odelia Gascon
: Sophomore
: OF/P

#88 Morgan Niedzwiedz
: Freshman
: MIF/OF

#24 Isabella Shippen
: Freshman
: C/3B

#17 Maeve Koeppen
: Freshman
: C/P/1B/OF

#2 Makailyn Stout-Dukes
: Sophomore
: MIF/OF

#3 Terah Coiley
: Freshman
: OF

#12 Megan Crumbaugh
: Freshman
: MIF/OF

#13 Evalyn Servin
: Freshman
: MIF

Players Mentioned

Players Mentioned

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