Gabi Novickas has been a leader for Marist for quite some time. But there are times this season that the senior third baseman is definitely in charge.
Fellow senior-in-charge, Penn State-bound outfielder Bree Hanik, illustrated one way that Novickas puts things right with the RedHawks.
“After our pregame, we go in our huddle and she really knows how to fire everyone up,” Hanik said. “If we have a crummy warm-up and we’re kind of like lazy, she’ll make sure we don’t bring it into the game. She’ll give it to you straight how it is.”
Novickas, a Georgia recruit, did some firing up with her bat Wednesday for Marist during a 12-1 East Suburban Catholic Conference victory in five innings over visiting Joliet Catholic.
A red-hot Novickas went 3-for-3 with a double and a home run for the RedHawks (15-1, 5-0). Hanik contributed a two-run homer, while Maddie Rogers added two hits. Bradley commit Gianna Hillegonds pitched four innings and struck out three for the win.
Erica Johnson hit a home run for Joliet Catholic (10-7, 1-3).
Novickas hit her team-leading eighth homer in the bottom of the third. She also came through with a double and a single and scored twice. It was quite an encore after going 4-for-4 with a double, a home run and five RBIs in Monday’s 12-2 win over the Angels.
“I kind of just go out there and try my best,” Novickas said. “That’s really all you can ask of a team. When everyone goes out there and tries their best, it’s a job well done.
“You’re going to leave the ballfield at the end of the day happy.”
The happy days have been constant for Novickas, who’s bating .521 with 22 runs, nine doubles and 27 RBIs. The homers have come in a variety pack, according to Marist coach Colleen Phelan.
“Gabi hits the towering home runs and she hits the line drive rocket,” Phelan said. “She hits it 300 feet. She hits it 200 feet. She hits all different types and knows exactly when she gets a hold of it.
“It’s fun to see because you can see her lighten up as she turns at first base.”
Phelan has never seen her light up the team pregame huddle.
“Gabi does?” Phelan said, laughing. “Ha-ha, see, I don’t go into the huddle. That’s a players-only thing. But I love to hear that about her. She wants to win this thing (a state title).
“It’s her senior year and it’s her last chance. You know, it’s not an individual sport, it’s a team sport. We need all 17 players here, and she’ll hold everyone to a high standard.”
And help them. She’s been a shining light for sophomore infielder/outfielder Mary Fortner.
“From the left side, she always there to pick me up,” Fortner said. “When we’re communicating together, she helps me know where I’m supposed to stand and what place I’m supposed to go to.
“Gabi is the best at explaining stuff. Even if it doesn’t take a lot of words, she’s super good at leading by example or showing you the steps.”
Novickas is in her fourth varsity season. As a freshman in 2022, she was used mostly as a pinch hitter. As a sophomore, she took over at third base for Kaitlyn Wright and hit .446 with 18 homers as the RedHawks won the 2023 Class 4A state title.
In 2024, Novickas batted .471 with a team-leading 19 homers and 61 RBIs as Marist finished second in the state.
She wasn’t in charge of the RedHawks, however. Those duties fell to the only two seniors, Camryn Lyons and Caroline O’Brien.
“They were great,” Novickas said. “I thought, with a young team, they took over. They definitely taught the seniors for this season how to lead.”
They also spurred on Novickas in a junior season that earned her 2024 Daily Southtown Softball Player of the Year honors. She’ll pass on the pressure to double up.
“I’m extremely grateful for last year, but in my last season wearing a RedHawks uniform, I’m focusing on having fun,” Novickas said, smiling. “Next year, it’ll be a whole different level.
“I have to make the most of my last few times playing in high school.”
Tony Baranek is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
