Freeport junior Sydney Selker has worked on both the prep and travel circuits to improve her craft. She recently committed to continue her career at St. Francis University. Submitted Photo

BUFFALO TWP — Freeport junior Sydney Selker has a full arsenal of pitches — one that will translate favorably to the next level of softball following a couple more go-rounds with the Yellowjackets.

“I have kind of a variety,” she said. “I have a fastball, change-up, I’m working on a drop, curveball, screwball, and rise ball. I can also throw an off-speed curveball.”

Selker recently commited to pitch at St. Francis University, a destination she chose because of its proximity to home and compact class sizes.

Her travel coach with the Ohio Outlaws, Adam Acord, said she’s had more ups than downs in the circle. He has faith in her consistency as a pitcher and — even with the bases loaded and the hitter working a full count — he’ll call an off-speed pitch.

“Her movement and her speed are obviously Division I-caliber,” Acord said. “When her screwball and change-up are working, she’s hard to hit — even at our level.”

This past fall — along with playing for Freeport’s state-champion girls volleyball team during the weekdays — Selker would take part in out-of-state softball tournaments, typically doing homework on the car rides to them. Without a study hall during school days, it was a necessary dedication in maintaining her 4.2 grade point average.

On the diamond, she remembers throwing against a particularly capable lineup in one tournament, ringing five challengers up and then clubbing a go-ahead two-run homer late.

“I think when you do good against teams like that, it just is kind of a confidence booster, which, overall, makes you a better player, too,” Selker said. “I actually love playing tough teams, because I like to see where I sit compared to them.”

Selker was also offered by Valparaiso, which is nearly a seven-hour drive from Freeport.

“That was one of the main factors of choosing a school, was that my family could be able to come watch me play and not have to drive (far) or fly to watch me play,” Selker explained.

She plans on studying business with a concentration in healthcare administration. She’s also considering minoring in marketing. Fewer students in each class allows for professors to adapt to different learning styles, which will also be important as Selker travels for games.

“The softball team is kind of like a bonus, because school is the No. 1 priority,” she said. “With the softball team being as good as it is, that also is a big factor in going there.”

The Red Flash won its fifth consecutive Northeast Conference crown in 2022, marking the longest streak in the league’s lore. St. Francis has compiled an 88-8 record in conference play over that span.

“I think it makes perfect sense,” Acord said of Selker’s choice. “When it comes to softball, (St. Francis) is a powerhouse for a small Division I school.”

Selker has two more campaigns with the ‘Jackets, who graduated five seniors last season. This year’s edition is likely to be more inexperienced than those recently.

“I think it’s going to be eye-opening to see where we stand as a team,” Selker said. “I’m excited to see who steps up this year ... I’m excited to get back out on the field.”