As a student-athlete, Grayslake North junior Jane Pritchard is a throwback, and she has no plans to change course.
A third-year starter at shortstop for the softball team, Pritchard is also a setter for the girls volleyball team and a point guard for the girls basketball team. She thinks that experience has benefited her.
“Playing other team sports helped me handle the team dynamic,” she said. “It really helped me with softball to lead the team better.”
That’s particularly important because Pritchard is in her second season as a captain for the softball team, which has five freshmen in prominent roles.
“She is a great teammate and friend to be around,” Grayslake North junior second baseman Alyson Alvarenga said. “She shows great leadership in whatever she does, and it really does make a lasting impact.”
Pritchard makes an impact in more ways than one for the Knights (12-4, 4-1), who are in second place in the Northern Lake County Conference. She’s batting .352 with six doubles, 17 RBIs, 18 runs scored and five stolen bases, and she has an .860 fielding percentage.
“Being a three-sport athlete and a starter, she does a great job of leading and motivating the other players,” Grayslake North coach Amanda Rodriguez said. “She’s improved so much at the plate and is showing great range in the field.”
Rodriguez noted Pritchard has made strides as a hitter since last season.
“She’s more patient and has only struck out once this year,” Rodriguez said. “She knows how to work a pitcher and wait for her pitch.”
Pritchard, whose older brother Sam graduated from Grayslake North in 2022 and plays baseball at Rock Valley College, is seeing the results of that patience.
“I think that my ability to make contact has become a lot stronger, every time I go up to bat, whether I’m fouling it off or putting it in play,” she said.
Pritchard also puts in the work.
“What makes Jane a great player is her dedication off and on the field,” Alvarenga said. “She is always trying her best in games but is also putting in the hard work and effort during our practices.”
Through it all, Pritchard keeps her head up.
“She has a positive mindset, and it shows on the field,” Grayslake North junior left fielder Raygen Moore said. “She’s constantly cheering for her team. She keeps a positive attitude even when she feels she’s having a bad game or practice.”
Obviously, Pritchard is involved in a lot of games and practices. She also plays travel softball and has played club volleyball in the past. She said her schedule can get “intense,” but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I love being busy,” Pritchard said. “If I’m not busy, it makes me crazy. I can’t sit still.
“I can’t imagine not playing sports. I think sports is a great way to make new friends. It also drives me every day. I look forward to sports. After school, I always get to play a game or go to practice.”
Rodriguez said Pritchard, who also has a 4.3 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, is always ready to play.
“She’s such a gamer,” Rodriguez said.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
