Journal & Topics Media Group

Emily Pater Signs With Kenyon College


The Willows Academy, located in Des Plaines, doesn’t typically conduct signing days, so that’s what made Friday, May 4 so special for the school and Emily Pater. The senior signed to continue her softball career at Kenyon College (Gambier, OH).
Pater, a pitcher, was named Independent School League (ISL) Player of the Year last year as well as all-conference honors as she led the Eagles. She took more of a leadership role this season, according to her coaches Sean Norris and Shannon Ciesla.
“Emily has played for us since she started high school and has grown phenomenally,” Ciesla said. “She has developed a lot as a pitcher, gaining new pitches, while also being a hot bat for us. She is a great leader for us and the girls all really look up to her.”
Pater said this year has been great, getting to spend time with all her friends on the team and having a chance to be a leader. She said playing at Willows creates a great bond that she didn’t get to have playing travel softball.
“It is really great knowing I get to represent my school (Willows) going forward,” Pater said with a smile.
Her choice for Kenyon College was not a hard one.
“Honestly it is a beautiful campus, the area is incredible and the academics are top notch,” Pater said. “I wanted to go to a liberal arts college and they have a great writing program, which is what I think I wanted to do. The coaches are great and so are the facilities. I am excited to start.”
Kenyon went 19-21 this past season under head coach Erin O’Neill. The last Journal-area athlete to play softball at Kenyon was Glenbrook South alum Maddy Stark who graduated in 2015.

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