KARNS CITY — Call it an educated guess, maybe coach’s intuition.

Whatever the reasoning, Mike Stitt’s decision to start Jada Polczynski as a freshman on Karns City’s varsity softball team turned out to be a home run.

Karns City senior Jada Polczynski, center, is pictured with her parents, Ken Polczynski and Lori Valetich, shortly before signing a letter of intent Wednesday to continue her athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford. Derek Pyda/Butler Eagle

“It was a gut instinct,” Stitt said. “Even as a freshman, she had softball savvy, was so determined and quick in the field.”

That was in the spring of 2021. Polczynski’s time in the starting lineup began as an outfielder and she’s never left. This spring, the East Brady resident is slated to become the first four-year starter under Stitt, who became head coach of the Gremlins in 2017.

On Wednesday, Polczynski officially committed to playing softball at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

“I went to a lot of softball camps and a lot of them were held on college campuses,” she said. “When I met Coach (Tina) Phillips from Pitt-Bradford and saw the campus, I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”

Stitt said Polczynski did not bat much as a freshman, but played in right field because she was so good defensively.

The next year, she moved to center field and turned in a very solid season at the plate, batting .352, scoring 18 runs, driving in 12 and showing some pop with a pair of home runs.

Polczynski continued to elevate her game in 2023 as the team’s cleanup hitter. She was named a team captain, raised her average to .474 and increased her production to 24 runs scored and 20 RBI.

“We watched her progress and could see the maturity in her and the determination in her eyes,” said Stitt. “She’s only improved since her freshman year. She’s a phenomenal outfielder, made first team All-KSAC last year. I can’t say enough about her.”

Polczynski, who plans to major in biology, credits her time playing travel ball with Pittsburgh Power for many of the strides she has made.

“We played in tournaments all over and faced so many teams,” she said. “It’s good to see different teams and face different competition.

“I started playing travel ball in eighth grade. That’s when I realized I could end up playing in college.”

Along with Stitt, Polczynski has received instruction from KC assistant coaches Mike Grazioli and Russ Dunn.

“Playing for Karns City, it’s been the best time of my life,” she said. “I’ve formed great bonds with my teammates.

“Every coach is different and has something different to offer. I’m looking forward to seeing how the college coaches can help me.”