Antioch senior Samantha Hillner is a softball player without a position.
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Hillner has played numerous positions on the field, including first base, second base, third base and catcher, and she even pitched a few innings in 2024, when the Sequoits finished second in Class 3A for the second straight season.
Hillner said she takes her utility role in stride.
“It’s easy for me because I’m always involved no matter what position I’m playing,” she said. “Being a utility player, if somebody gets injured, I can go to their spot. I’m always useful on the field.”
Even though Hillner doesn’t have a set position, she has a college picked. She announced Monday that she has committed to play at Illinois-Chicago.
“I had probably five offers, but UIC felt right,” she said. “It’s been one place that I really like. I like the people there, the coach, and they are doing great things in the program. I think there’s a lot left to be accomplished.
“I like the athletic facilities. The clubhouse was very impressive, and the indoor facility was very nice. The field also has such a good view of the city.”
Hillner said the city of Chicago appealed to her.
“I like the city,” she said. “I go to the city often, especially during Christmas. I like shopping and the lake and the overall vibe of the city.
“It was an easy decision when I broke it down. If I have a rough day, my family can come the next day and have lunch.”
Hillner was named a Class 3A all-state first-team selection after playing first base, second base and catcher for the Sequoits this past season. She hit .398 with 10 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, 40 RBIs, 38 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in as many attempts.
“She’s got the metrics everybody wants,” Antioch coach Anthony Rocco said. “She has outstanding athletic ability and the ability to play multiple positions — she basically can play every position. She’s softball-intelligent and knows the right questions to ask and is always thinking ahead.”
So Hillner had questions for former Antioch standout Emily Brecht, who will be her teammate at UIC, which has a new coach, Megan Coronado.
“She asked me a bunch of questions about the dorms, the culture and how the city is like,” Brecht said. “I tried to help her with her decision. I wanted to be supportive.”
Hillner appreciated Brecht’s assistance.
“She really helped me out, and whenever I had a question, she was willing to talk and help me,” Hillner said. “She was very detailed, and it was really important for me. She was very positive about everything involving UIC.”
Hillner will join a growing list of softball players from Antioch at the NCAA Division I level. Among them are Eden Echevarria (Illinois), Gabby Debevec (Illinois), Jacey Schuler (Michigan State) and Hailey Webb (Bradley).
Hillner is also the fourth player in Antioch’s senior class to commit to a college program, joining Addison Webb (Bradley), Claire Schuyler (Minnesota) and Kailyn Bockwoldt (Rock Valley).
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“I think it’s really cool, especially with so many playing in the Midwest,” Hillner said. “I will always run into somebody I know every season.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.