Hickory Creek Tigers Capture 2025 IESA Softball State Championship

Frankfort, IL - September 30

The Hickory Creek Middle School Tigers capped off a dominant season by winning the 2025 Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) Class 3A Softball State Championship on September 20 in Normal, Illinois. Behind a mix of power hitting, record-setting pitching, and steady defense, the Tigers defeated Washington Central 11-2 to secure their second state title in three years and fifth in the last decade.

Coached by Mitch Stein and Erin Nemeth, the Tigers finished the season with an impressive 27–1 record. The team, composed of both seventh- and eighth-grade players, featured a balance of returning veterans and new contributors who were motivated by last year’s sectional loss to eventual state champion Manteno.

“This team was a family and above all showed great sportsmanship and enjoyed their time as Hickory Creek Tiger Softball players,” Coach Stein said. “Each and every member of the team contributed to this state championship. The girls loved each other and supported one another till the end. It was great to coach such amazing and confident young ladies.”

A Championship Run

The Tigers started their season in late July with a clear goal: to reclaim the state crown. They opened the year with 20 consecutive victories and went on to win the Manteno Invitational on August 23 and the DPVC Conference Tournament on August 28. Their path through the postseason included:

• Regional Championship: 2–1 win over Manhattan (Sept. 13)

• Sectional Championship: 10–0 win over Flossmoor Parker (Sept. 17)

• State Quarterfinals: 5–1 win over Channahon (Sept. 19)

• State Semifinals: 6–2 win over Chatham Glenwood (Sept. 20)

• State Championship: 11–2 win over Washington Central (Sept. 20)

In the three state tournament games, Hickory Creek outscored its opponents 22–5.

Title Game Highlights

The Tigers wasted no time in the championship, plating four runs in the first inning and adding two more in the second to grab a 6–0 lead. Leadoff hitter Nora Novak set the tone, reaching base four times and scoring three runs. Mia Hartmann and Lily Kalman combined for six hits and five RBIs, while key contributions from Sophia Zeiger, Nicole Franta, and Macklyn Simon kept the offense rolling.

On the mound, Nicole Franta worked the first four innings, allowing just two runs. Brooke Franta closed the final three frames, striking out five batters to seal the victory.

Dominant Pitching and Key Performances

Pitching was a cornerstone of the Tigers’ postseason success. Nicole Franta threw eight innings across the tournament, giving up only three earned runs and striking out six. Her sister, Brooke, was nearly unhittable—delivering 13 shutout innings and recording 25 strikeouts, including 15 in the semifinal win over Chatham Glenwood, setting a new Class 3A State Tournament record.

Behind the plate, Macklyn Simon caught all three games, providing steady defense and leadership. On offense, Novak tallied seven hits and scored five runs during the tournament. Hartmann, Kalman, Zeiger, Sievers, and both Frantas also came up big with timely hits and run production.

Building a Legacy

This championship adds to Hickory Creek’s rich softball history. Over the past 10 seasons, the Tigers have now:

• Won five state championships

• Reached the state title game seven times

• Captured two titles in the past three years

The 2025 Tigers roster featured: Ashley Brewer, Brooke Franta, Nicole Franta, Taylor Gardner, Mia Hartmann, Lily Kalman, Gianna Labriola, Evelyn Nelson, Nora Novak, Noelle Sievers, Macklyn Simon, Kaylee Stering, Aubrey Stevens, Brianna Sweet, and Sophia Zeiger.

As Stein noted, the program’s legacy is built not just on wins but on teamwork, confidence, and sportsmanship. With this latest title, the Hickory Creek Tigers once again cemented their place among the elite programs in Illinois middle school softball.