EIU Adds Three Softball Players To Roster

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Published on November 11 2021 9:41 am
Last Updated on November 11 2021 9:42 am

Eastern Illinois head softball coach Tara Archibald has announced the addition of three players for the Panthers 2023 roster as the NCAA’s November signing period opened on Wednesday (Nov. 10).  Set to join the Panthers roster are Daleny Chumbley (LHP / INF), Kendall Grover (INF) and Avary Makarewicz (C / UT).

“We are very excited to celebrate the addition of Daleny, Kendall and Avary to our program. This class adds athleticism and depth all over the field, but more importantly we are adding great people and excellent students,” said Archibald as she enters her third season at EIU.  “This group is competitive, motivated and will continue to elevate our program. The future is bright for EIU Softball!”

Chumbley is a lefthanded pitcher and lefthanded hitter that plays at Tri-City HS.  She was a first team All-MSM selection in 2019 and 2021 earning second team All-State honors in 2019 and first team All-State honors last year.  A native of Illiopolis, Ill., Chumbley was the State Journal-Register Small School Player of the Year in 2021.  During her junior season she was 8-1 with a 1.02 ERA posting 140 strikeouts in 75 innings of work.

“Daleny brings lefty power to our roster on both sides of the ball.  She throws a hard, heavy ball and loves to compete.  Daleny is one of the top 2022 pitchers coming out of the state of Illinois and we can’t wait to see what see can accomplish during her career as a Panther,” said Archibald.

Grover is a right-handed hitting infielder from Mooresville, Ind., that attended Mooresville HS.  She has been a three-time Mid-State All-Conference selection and was the MHS Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.  Last spring she hit .500 striking out only three times in 103 at-bats with a 1.428 OPS.  She tied the school record for most RBI in a season with 43 and was the MHS Rookie of the Year in 2019.   In 2020 she was named to the Indianapolis Star Super Team.

“Kendall is a special hitter with the ability to hit for both power and average.  She has incredible hand-eye coordination and hit ability.  Kendall has tremendous work ethic. She is very excited to be a Panther and help our program compete for championships.  I can’t wait to see her in EIU Blue,” said Archibald.

Makarewicz is a catcher / utility player from Ripon, Wis., that attended Ripon HS.  She was a first team All-East Central Conference selection. In 2021 she was a first team All-District and second team All-State selection after earning unanimous first-team All-Conference catcher honors.  She led her travel team, the Wisconsin Heat, to the 2021 Youth Softball National Championship.

“Avary is an extremely athletic catcher who can play multiple positions on the field.  She has an elite arm and an incredible presence behind the plate.  We are excited to watch Avary grow and develop throughout her career as a Panther,” said Archibald.