Last year was a banner year for Lincoln-Way East’s Cassidy Jagielski and her mother, Liz.
In June, Liz Bouck-Jagielski was hired to be DePaul University’s head softball coach. Cassidy, a junior third baseman, then committed to Notre Dame in September.
So, the big question is, did Liz try to recruit Cassidy?
“She tried,” Cassidy said, beaming. “I needed to take a step out to get the college experience. She loves all of the coaches. She feels it’s a perfect fit for me and she’s 100% behind my decision.”
Cassidy also has been a perfect fit for the Griffins in a lineup that has plenty of firepower.
Jagielski opened the 2025 season with a huge game Tuesday, going 3-for-3 with a home run, three runs and three RBIs in a 12-1 five-inning nonconference win over St. Laurence in Frankfort.
Audrey Bullock hit a two-run homer in the fifth and Mia Balta added two hits for Lincoln-Way East (1-0). Washington-St. Louis recruit Jessi Szafoni didn’t allow an earned run in three innings and struck out three in recording the win. Bullock pitched two shutout innings to close things out.
Seton Hall recruit Vanessa Kates had two hits and scored the only run for St. Laurence (0-1) in the first inning.
Jagielski, meanwhile, said she’s hoping to hit double figures in home runs this season after coming up with five last spring.
“My first home run came in eighth grade actually,” said Jagielski, who was a standout at Hickory Creek Middle School. “We were playing at Barrington and I was literally on cloud nine. I could not believe it.
“Once you get there, they just keep coming.”
While Lincoln-Way East coach Elizabeth Hyland does enjoy the home runs, she likes Jagielski’s all-around game even better.
“She’s been a solid third baseman for us,” Hyland said. “Our left side is strong between her and (shortstop) Maddie Henry. They both keep us in the game and show great leadership.”
Hyland knew she had something special with Jagielski right away, even if there were a few growing pains.
“She had to make adjustments as a freshman on the varsity,” Hyland said of Jagielski. “I think you feel a little more comfortable your sophomore year and junior year, finally getting the hang of it.”
Szafoni appreciates having Jagielski’s bat in the lineup — and then some.
“Aside from her big bat, she brings energy,” Szafoni said. “She’s super communicative in the field and brings the infield together.”
Szafoni was the No. 1 pitcher last season as the Griffins finished with a 23-12 record. Last March, her first varsity start was a 7-3 win over St. Laurence.
The Griffins are carrying just 12 players on the roster, and Hyland is good with that for now.
“We want to see what these 12 girls can do,” she said. “If we need it, we will look to the JV team to find someone who can contribute.
“But it’s a work in progress, and we’re OK with it. That’s what the next couple of weeks are for, and we’ll make adjustments from there.”
Right there is Jagielski, who hopes she and her teammates will have a big season.
She’s also hoping for big things for her mom’s career. DePaul (12-13) pulled off a 9-8 win Tuesday over Illinois-Chicago. Liz was a star player at Thornwood and also played for the Blue Demons.
Liz has been huge in Cassidy’s softball career.
“I started playing when I was 7 and I’ve been with her every day,” Cassidy said of her mother. “She’s been my hitting coach and she’s helped me with my fielding.
“I’ve never had anyone else but her by my side.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
