The Fastpitch Chronicle

The Berlin High School Softball team returns to the field under new leadership with first year head coach Tom Breunig and first year assistants Haley Polakowski and Courtney Bloomer.  They look to bring their decades of playing experience to help grow a split age squad.  

Berlin returns 10 upperclassmen to the team, including 2019 All-Conference Honorable Mention Outfielder Josie Bartol (Sr) who will be positioned in center field.  The team will look to Seniors Jenna Sternitske (LF), Jalyn Moen (SS) and Corrin Ewald (1B) to be big contributors this season.  Unfortunately, Senior Natalie Ott (P) will start the season on the injured list with upper body issues.  Berlin also returns Juniors Allisa Smoody (3B), Hannah Nigbor, Maddy Rilling, Kara Fritz, and Camdyn Rhode to the team and they’ll look to them to contribute on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. 

In the circle, Berlin will be looking to Freshman Jenna Nigbor to have a breakout season.  She has grown significantly as a pitcher the last 2 years, and she is excited to have the starting role.  Other freshmen to watch out for are Macy Rilling (C), Claire Bartol, and Josie Farmer.  

Without the 2020 season, there are 7 more underclassmen that have the potential to step-up and help Berlin compete in a stacked East Central Conference.  

Coach Tom likes what he sees on the defensive side of the ball, and offensively we have a lot of potential when we are zoning up pitches.  

“If the team can do well at playing fundamental fastpitch softball, they should be able to surprise a few teams,” he stated.  “Overall, we are looking to have fun and grow throughout the season.”

Coaches Bios:

Head Coach Tom Breunig started his fastpitch journey in 2005 as a volunteer assistant with the Poynette Varsity team that won the State Championship.  The following year he was entrusted with running the Junior Varsity team.  He had a 10 year playing career in the Madison and Fox Valley regions where he played outfield, first base, and pitched.

Assistant Coach Haley Polakowski is a Berlin native who achieved all-conference honors.  She went on to play at Marian University.  This is her first year coaching softball, but has helped at many Marian University Softball Camps.

Assistant Coach Courtney Bloomer played collegiately at Ripon college and is excited to start her softball coaching career with Berlin.