Frontier Regional’s Skyler Steele formally announced on social media that she will play Division 1 softball at UMass after her career with the Redhawks reaches its conclusion following the upcoming spring season. The announcement came on Saturday night.
The power-hitting, silky smooth shortstop with the rifle arm wanted to stay close to home. A quick trip to Amherst also helps out her family support system who wants to continue to watch her play softball. But there is a connection to the program that goes back a couple years. Steele has memories of watching the Minutewomen at Sortino Field growing up near Amherst.
“It’s always been my dream school,” Steele said. “I used to go to games there when I was younger. It’s close to home, that really sealed the deal. I really love the coaching staff. Just watching the girls out there I could just envision myself on the field. The support system from my family, they don’t have to travel far.”
UMass went 19-30 last season, with a 10-17 record in the MAC. Danielle Henderson is the coach for the Minutewomen. Regardless of attention from other schools, UMass was always the first option for Steele.
“I didn’t want to go anywhere else,” Steele said.
Steele is a softball junkie, outside of Frontier she plays on the Fury Platinum 18-U Roumelis. A travel team that expands skillsets and creates a lot of exposure inside softball circles. Even with soccer and basketball at Frontier, there is always softball.
A certain game at Sortino Field between UMass and UConn where Steele was in attendance helped fuel the decision. The game was in April of 2024. Her family took her to the game as an early birthday present. While peering out at the talented players on the field for both teams, Steele envisioned herself on the same field one day.
“I fell in love with UMass and UConn,” Steele said. “But I’ve always favored UMass a little more. But that was something that was really special to me.”
There is still some unfinished business to attend to in South Deerfield before she takes her talents to the Division 1 field.
“I expect it to be a great year,” Steele said. “I think that our team will come back stronger than ever. We are still sour about that last game of the season. I think we have something to prove. I think it should be a great season for us and I am super excited.”
During her career at Frontier, Steele has 48 homers and 171 hits. Last season, the Redhawks fell to West Bridgewater in the Division 4 Round of 16.
