She made it seem like a video game at times, but what Schuler did was real and it helped her take a spot alongside some of the best area area players who have competed throughout the 2000s. It also helped her enter Mount Rushmore discussion of South Williamsport all-time great players.

Most importantly, Schuler elevated her program and was a major reason the Mounties put together a remarkable four-year run, highlighted by four straight District 4 Class AA championships and punctuated with consecutive state championship appearances.

Put it all together and, despite the area’s talent pool being as deep as ever, Schuler was the obvious selection as the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year. Schuler wins the honor for a third straight year, fighting off a challenge from a runner-up who put together a sensational season, and becomes the first area player since the Sun-Gazette started doing all-star softball teams 21 years ago to win three consecutive Player of the Year Awards.

Let’s start with this season before focusing on what Schuler did throughout her career. The South graduate found a way to up her game even after a dominant junior campaign. Playing against a regular-season schedule where the opponents had a combined .673 winning percentage, Schuler hit .556 with seven home runs, seven doubles and 38 RBIs. She produced an area-high 45 hits, finished second in home runs and RBIs and scored 29 runs.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Alizabeth Schuler of South Williamsport pitches to Shikellamy during the first inning in South Williamsport.

A model of consistency, Schuler hit safely in 22 of 24 games, generating hitting streaks of nine and seven games, while collecting a staggering–as well as area-best–17 multi-hit games. As was the case in each of her four years at South, Schuler was even better in the biggest games. The four-year starter hit .650 in the playoffs, going 13 for 20 with three home runs, 10 RBIs and seven runs as South earned its second straight Eastern Region championship before giving nationally-ranked Neshannock a battle in the final.

Oh yeah, Schuler pitched really well, too. Headed for Bloomsburg, the right-hander went 16-6 with a 1.76 ERA and 118 strikeouts. She allowed two or fewer runs in four straight postseason starts, threw two shutouts and allowed just one earned run against Neshannock.

Everything Schuler did the last four years was a result of her relentless work ethic. As good as she was the previous season, it was never good enough for a player determined to always get better. What a resume that determination built.

Schuler hit .490 for her career, always playing against stiff competition, finishing with a ridiculous 154 hits, 134 RBIs, 113 runs and 30 home runs. Equally impressive in the circle, Schuler went 65-16 with a 1.76 ERA, striking out 448.

Schuler and her six senior teammates were pegged for future greatness after they reached the 2019 Little League World Series. But greatness comes with a price and all paid it. Now, Schuler walks into the high school sunset as one of the best to ever do it in this area.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Williamsport’s Ashlyn Robinson was a Sun-Gazette Player of the Year second runner-up this year alongside Loyalsock’s Easton Waller.

The legacy goes beyond the numbers. What aspiring softball players should look at going forward is not at what Schuler did, but how she did it. Therein lies the key to success.

Sun-Gazette Player

of the Year Nominees

Runner-up–Kayleigh Sheleman, Montoursville: Most years, Sheleman likely would be Player of the Year. She was absolutely dominant this past season, enjoying one of the best offensive seasons in recent area memory, while also excelling at third base and making just two errors. Sheleman was a wrecking machine at times, hitting .610 with a district-high 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. Late in the season, Sheleman literally seemed impossible to retire, going 8 for 8 one week, while homering in five straight games despite playing at a home field which is among the area’s more cavernous.

Like Schuler, Sheleman was as dependable as she was phenomenal, hitting safely in 16 of 18 games, while driving in a run in 16 of 18 contests. She added seven doubles, scored 26 times and compiled a .662 on-base percentage. Sheleman homered three times against District 2-4 Class AAAAAA champion Williamsport, twice against District 4 Class AAA champion Loyalsock and is hitting .517 for her career despite half her freshman year being wiped out by an ACL injury. In just 2 ½ seasons, Sheleman has hit .517 with 21 home runs, 77 hits, 15 doubles, 77 RBIs and 53 runs.

Second runners-up–Ashlyn Robinson, Williamsport and Easton Waller, Loyalsock: Robinson did a bit of everything, playing first base, in the outfield and pitching while setting a positive tone as Williamsport captured its second straight district championship. The three-year starting junior hit .549 at the 6A level and was money with runners in scoring position, batting .656 there. She collected 39 hits, seven doubles, 24 RBIs and hit safely in 20 of 22 games. Robinson also delivered 13 multi-hit games and produced 15 two-out RBIs. Robinson excelled in the circle as well, going 7-2 and closing her season with five consecutive wins. Robinson made no errors and flourished as a team leader.

Waller had no trouble adjusting to high school softball and, like Robinson, was a two-way force throughout her freshman year. The team’s top pitcher, Waller also played strong defense at shortstop and sparked a potent offense from the lead-off position, hitting .524 with five home runs, seven triples, six doubles, 20 RBIs and 33 runs. Waller is a five-tool player and also stole 14 bases, generated 43 hits and hit .588 in the playoffs. Speaking of the postseason, the hard-throwing right-hander won three straight playoff contests, helping Loyalsock capture the District 4 Class AAA championship with a three-hit shutout in the final against Hughesville. Waller won nine games and struck out 111 in 80 2/3 innings.

Sun-Gazette Pitcher

of the Year

Second runners-up–Joslyn Schultz and Camdyn Weaver, Central Mountain: These teammates were double trouble for opponents, combining to go 15-2 and help the Wildcats three-peat as District 6 Class AAAAA champions. Shultz compiled a 1.33 ERA, striking out 43 in 42 innings and walking just eight. She came up big in the district final as well, throwing a five-hitter with nine strikeouts. Weaver built off her impressive freshman season a year ago and had a 1.65 ERA, scattering 41 hits in 51 innings with 44 strikeouts. Weaver helped Central Mountain secure a share of its third straight HAC-I championship when she threw a brilliant two-hit shutout in a 4-0 win against rival Jersey Shore.

First runner-up–Alizabeth Schuler, South: Most of what helped Schuler earn this spot was mentioned above, but another thing to remember was just how good she performed in the pitching circle in South’s biggest games. Schuler won 19 playoff games the last four years, throwing five shutouts and stifling some of the state’s most prolific offenses.

Pitcher of the Year–Elyna Booth, North Penn-Liberty: Booth had mighty big shoes to fill after Mackenzi Tice graduated and she picked up where Tice left off, helping a young team replacing eight starters continue flourishing. Booth went 12-5 with a 1.24 ERA, allowing just 66 hits in 112 2/3 innings pitched. The right-hander also struck out 182 batters and tossed five shutouts, including a two-hitter against Athens as North Penn-Liberty handed the District 4 Class AAAA champions their only regular season loss. Booth was a big reason the Mounties finished second in a rugged NTL-I and she struck out 14 in a district quarterfinal win against Warrior Run. Booth threw a three-inning no-hitter against district finalist Hughesville and topped 10 strikeouts eight times.

Sun-Gazette

All-Star Team

Starting Lineup

1 Dani Miller, IF, Jersey Shore (.565, .620 obp, 35 hits, 101 hits in 3 years, 3 HR, 4 3B, 7 2B, 16 RBIs, 34R); 2 Maddie Smith, IF, Hughesville (.541, .614, HR, 2 3B, 6 2B, 21 RBIs, 31R, hit in 20 of 21 last 21 games, reached base in last 21 games, 34 SB, .956 fielding); 3 Alizabeth Schuler, IF, South; 4 Kayleigh Sheleman, IF, Montoursville; 5 Ashlyn Robinson, OF, Williamsport; 6 Easton Waller, DH, Loyalsock; 7 Lily Reidy, C, South (.446, .512 obp, 5 HR, 2 3B, 6 2B, 30 RBIs, 18R, 0 errors … career numbers: .405, 111 hits, 91 RBIs, 78R); 8 Sofia Mileto, OF, Loyalsock (.526, .589 obp, 4 HR, 3 3B, 6 2B, 29 RBIs, 29R, 11 SB. Playoff numbers: 13 hits, .778 average, HR, 2 3B, 2 2B, 7 RBIs, 8R); 9 Lynna Clark, OF, Jersey Shore (.492, .549 obp, 2 HR, 3B, 6 2B, 23 RBIs, 21R, 0 Ks)

Starting Rotation

Elyna Booth, North Penn-Liberty; Alizabeth Schuler, South; Joslyn Schultz, Central Mountain; Camdyn Weaver, Central Mountain; Bailey Livermore, Williamsport (10-4, 3.96 ERA, 81 1/3 IP, 96 Ks. Last 10 games: 8-2, 1.92 ERA, 62 IP, 52H, 74 Ks)

Bullpen

Easton Waller, Loyalsock; Ella Breneisen, Hughesville (14-4, 2.31 ERA, 118 1/3 IP, 84 Ks, 2 playoff shutouts, 19 straight scoreless innings into playoffs); Julie Friel, Montoursville (8-7, 2.87 ERA, 100 IP, 82 Ks); Emilia Viveiros, Sullivan County (12-6, 2.57 ERA, 95 1/3 IP, 87 Ks, 31 career wins, 267 Ks in 3 years); Carrie Ditty, Bucktail (9-8, 4.15 ERA, 89 1/3 IP, 79H, 113 Ks); Ava Hartman, Montgomery (11-4, 73 Ks)

First-Team Reserves

Brenna Beck, IF, Williamsport (.481, .500 obp, .606 with risp, 38 Hits, 2 HR, 2 3B, 10 2B, 31 RBIs, 22R, 11 multi-hit games, 14 two-out RBIs); Taylor Shannon, C, Muncy (.643, .766 obp, 7 HR, 2 3B, 7 2B, 33 RBIs, 16 of 27 hits for extra bases, 21 BB. Career numbers: 117 RBIs, 114 hits, 22 HR); Madisyn Miller, IF, Montgomery (.585, .647 obp, 2 HR, 2 3B, 4 2B, 35 RBIs, 30R, 14 game hitting streak, hit in 17 of 18 games, 9 multi-hit games, just 1 error. Career numbers: 90 hits, 98 RBIs, 78R; Maura Woland, IF, Warrior Run (.500, .554 obp, 3 HR, 6 2B, 20 RBIs, 23R, just 1 error at shortstop, 10 multi-hit games. Career numbers: .402 average, 80 hits, 65R); Abby Lorson, IF, South (.373, .427 obp, 3 HR, 3B, 3 2B, 17 RBIs, 21R, .986 fielding. Career numbers: .360, 104 hits, 9 HR, 72 RBIs, 87R); Kayla Fowler, C, Sullivan County (.area-best .640, .719 obp, 5 HR, 3 3B, 6 2B, 29 RBIs, 35R, 16 SB, hit in 16 of 18 games, reached in all 18, 10 multi-hit games. Career numbers: .541, 100 hits, 102 runs, 86 RBIs, 11 HR); Lakesha Hauck, OF, Warrior Run (.436, .484 obp, 5 HR, 8 2B, 28 RBIs, 14R, 7 multi-hit games. Career: .360, 13 HR, 72 hits, 70 RBIs, 50R); Kinsie Phillips, IF, Loyalsock (.391, .547 obp, 5 HR, 3B, 8 2B, 33 RBIs, 20R, hit .571 in playoffs with HR, 4 2B, 8 RBIs); Kylie Schall, OF, Jersey Shore (.473, .532 obp, 15 RBIs, 14R); Eva Sockman, IF, Bucktail (.526, .597 obp, 2 HR, 9 2B, 3B, 31 RBIs, 28R. Career: .545, 97 H, 103 RBIs, 69R); Maddie Pinkerton, OF, South (.411, .434 obp, 7 2B, 3B, 11 RBIs, 16R, 30 hits, 0 errors); Sage Lorson, OF, South (.319, .413 obp, 3 HR, 9 2B, 20 RBIs, 19R. Career: .319, 92 hits, 13 HR, 87 RBIs, 68R)

Second Team

Gianna Goodman, IF, South (.357, .393 obp, 4 HR, 2 3B, 5 2B, 20 RBIs, 26R, 16 SB. Career: .395, 116 hits, 102 runs, 62 stolen bases, 5 HR, 46 RBIs); Shyla Fulp, C, Loyalsock; Lola English, OF, Bucktail (.453, .589 obp, HR, 9 2B, 16 RBIs, 32R, 23 SB); Kendall Cardone, IF, South (.358, .434 obp, 2 HR, 3 3B, 4 2B, 19 RBIs, 17R, .960 fielding. Career: .331, 81 hits, 8 HR, 67 RBIs, 65R); Aubrey Eiler, IF, Central Mountain; Isabelle Engel, IF, Jersey Shore (.400, .435 obp, 5 2B, 18 RBIs, 108 career hits); Jaylee Ward, IF, Canton (.564, .649 obp, HR, 7 2B, 12 RBIs, 23R, 21 SB, 1 K); Haley Litzelman, IF, North Penn-Liberty (.433, .485 obp, 8 2B, 15 RBIs, 16R, 78 career hits, 73 RBIs, just 1 error); Ashlyn Barlett, OF, Hughesville (.377, .449 obp, 3B, 3 2B, 19R, 20 RBIs, 19R; 9 SB); Taylor Doyle, OF, Central Mountain (.386, 440 obp, 2 2B, 2 3B, super defense); Mikaiya Hills, OF, South (.316, .413 obp, 4 2B, 2 3B, 11 RBIs, 27R) ; Ava Doyle, OF, Central Mountain (.380, .436 obp, 3 2B, 2 3B, 12 RBIs); Avery Cozzi, IF, Montoursville (.345, .448 obp, 5 HR, 3B, 5 2B, 19 RBIs, 13R, .972 fielding); Makenna Stone, IF, Bucktail (.491, .603 obp, 12 RBIs, 39R, 5 2B, area-high 42 SB); Emma Vollman, C/IF, Williamsport (.352, .473 obp, .529 with risp, HR, 3B, 8 2B, 12 RBIs, 32R, 17 BB, 14 SB)

Sun-Gazette

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Second runners-up–Chevelle Bauman, Muncy and Ella Printzenhoff, Warrior Run: Bauman missed most of her junior season but came back strong in her high school finale, helping a young Muncy team return to the playoffs. In addition to topping 100 strikeouts in the pitching circle, Bauman set the tone for Muncy’s offense from the lead-off spot, hitting .439 with a .522 on-base percentage. Bauman never struck out, scored 27 times, drove in 18 runs and added six extra-base hits. Like Bauman, Printzenhoff did an excellent job setting the table for Warrior Run’s offense at the top, hitting .424 with a .507 on-base percentage. Printzenhoff helped the Defenders surge down the stretch and hit safely in 16 of 19 games, scoring 20 runs. She was a big reason Warrior Run entered districts on a five-game win streak.

First runner-up–Shyla Fulp, Loyalsock: Catching for the first time in high school, Fulp developed into one of the district’s best defenders and also packed an offensive punch, combining hitting prowess with speed. Fulp rarely let pitches get past her and shut down running games with a strong arm. Hitting second in the lineup, Fulp was a consistent producer, hitting .372 with a .484 on-base percentage and stealing 16 bases. Fulp drew 17 walks, hit 10 doubles, drove in 14 runs and scored 27 times. She also provided a calming influence for the pitchers as Loyalsock reached states for a second straight year.

Breakthrough Player of the Year–Zoe Furman, Montgomery: An injury ended her sophomore year before it started, but Furman came back strong this spring and played a critical role in Montgomery going 14-4. A dynamic center fielder who covers ample ground, Furman made no errors and turned several would-be hits into outs. A state finalist wrestler, Furman made a smooth transition to the field and hit .429 while posting a .586 on-base percentage. Furman’s speed helped her often take extra bases and she stole 18 bases, while scoring 23 times, driving in 13 runs and adding six doubles.

Sun-Gazette Newcomer of the Year

Second runner-up–Aubrey Eiler, Central Mountain: There was no learning curve for Eiler who helped solidify the top of the order for Central Mountain while playing well at second base. Eiler hit .444 with three home runs, five doubles and 19 RBIs. Her consistent production played a major role in Central Mountain going 15-2 despite losing the majority of its starters from 2024.

First runner-up–Annika Clark, Jersey Shore: One game into her high school career, Clark showed why she would quickly become a standout player. The freshman catcher homered twice in that initial contest and finished her debut season hitting .319 with a .441 on-base percentage. Clark is a disciplined hitter who walked 11 times and finished with three home runs and 16 RBIs. She also excels behind the plate and made just one error, while containing opposing running games.

Newcomer of the Year–Zaelana Minor, Williamsport: Like Clark, Minor needed just one game–one at-bat actually–to show that both the present and future were bright. Minor homered in her first high school at-bat against Central Mountain and never really showed down. A versatile player who adapted well while playing second base for the first time, Minor hit .441 and collected 30 hits. She drove in 16 runs, scored 13 times and hit safely in 19 of 23 games. Minor and fellow freshman Kinsley Cannode gave Williamsport a big lift and Minor produced 10 multi-hit games.

Sun-Gazette Coach

of the Year

Second runners-up–Mark Godfrey, Loyalsock and Dave Dimoff, Hughesville: Loyalsock had just one senior and graduated the bulk of its starters. It also faced a daunting schedule, but Godfrey again helped it make massive strides throughout the season as Loyalsock captured both a share of a fourth straight league championship and the District 4 Class AAA title. Showcasing its development, Loyalsock entered districts as the No. 5 seed, but bulldozed its way to the crown, outscoring three higher-seeded teams, 25-10.

Dimoff helped Hughesville enjoy its best season ever as the Spartans kept making history. Hughesville shattered the program record for wins, going 16-6, won its first playoff games since 1999 and reached both its first district championship and state tournament. Highlighting its growth, Hughesville blanked North Penn-Liberty, 1-0 in the district semifinals after losing to it 18-0 in the season opener. All this with just two seniors on the roster.

First runner-up–Tom O’Malley, South: O’Malley and his excellent staff again helped bring out the best in South as it became just the second area team in the 2000s to win four straight district championships. The Mounties also were the first area squad to reach consecutive state finals. South played its best softball at the perfect time again and O’Malley helped this senior-laden team win 83 games the last four years, including 19 in the playoffs.

Coach of the Year–Scott Stugart, Williamsport: As was the case with the players, the coaches’ field was pretty loaded. And that Stugart earns this honor speaks to how good he and his staff were in their first season at Williamsport. From the start of the season to the end, Williamsport may have made the most progress of any area team. Facing a tough schedule, the Millionaires entered states having won 12 of 13 games, including eight straight. Every aspect of the team’s play dramatically improved as the season progressed and Williamsport won a share of its first HAC-I championship, handing Central Mountain its lone regular season loss, before repeating as district champions. Williamsport won eight more games than the previous year and has a strong foundation in place going forward.

Honorable Mention: Taylor Thompson, Central Mountain; Mike Poorman, Bucktail; Chris Glenn, Montgomery; Jason Chapel, North Penn-Liberty; Mark Evans, Warrior Run; Mikayla Arnold, Montoursville