The St. Thomas Aquinas College Softball team welcomes eight freshmen student-athletes, including three pitchers, to the team this fall. STAC had their 2020 season abruptly ended, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during the team's 12-game Spring Break trip to Florida in early March. The Spartans graduated four seniors; Melissa Sadler, Taylor Sullivan, Me'-Lani Kendle and Valerie Winalski.

“I am very excited about this group of freshmen,” said Head Coach Kristen Sullivan. “We graduated four starters so these new players will compete for playing time immediately.”

Here is a look at the future STAC Class of 2024 alphabetically. 

Sinead Albelli

Sinead Albelli: Shortstop/Third Base, Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan

Albelli enjoyed a very successful career at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan (N.J.), where she was a four-year starter. In her junior year, she batted .354 with 27 RBIs to help her team post a 19-9 record and win the Bergen County championship.

“Sinead is a very quick footed infielder with a strong arm,” said Sullivan. “She has great range and should help solidify our infield at shortstop and third base.”

Jacqueline Castro

Jacqueline Castro: Utility, La Salle High School

Castro is a lefty slap hitter with speed and versatility on defense, where she can play infield and outfield positions. She played for a Los Angeles-area all-star team in Cuba in 2018.

“Jacqueline is an experienced player who brings a lot of skills to our team,” said Sullivan.

Tara Hagan

Tara Hagan: Pitcher/First Base, Clarkstown South High School

Hagan was named All-Section in 2018 and 2019 at Clarkstown South High School for her excellent play at first base and pitcher. She batted .377 in her junior season.

“Tara is an excellent softball player who will add depth to our team in many different ways,” said Sullivan. “She can hit with power and I expect her to also log innings on the mound.”

Camryn McGee

Camryn McGee: Pitcher, Pearl River High School

McGee was named to the All-State team in her junior season after leading Rockland County in wins (15) and earned run average (0.99). She is another pitcher in a long line of accomplisher hurlers to play at Pearl River High School.  

“Camryn should make an immediate impact on the mound as a freshman,” said Sullivan. “She is an experienced pitcher who has great speed and movement.”

Ileana Santiago

Ileana Santiago: Outfield, Yonkers High School

Santiago is a two-sport athlete who will play softball and soccer at STAC.

“Ileana is an outfielder who has great speed,” said Sullivan. “Our offense is built around speed so she is a welcome addition to the program.”

Lindsey Thyberg

Lindsey Thyberg: Pitcher, Suffern High School

Thyberg hails from the same high school where Head Coach Kristen Sullivan played. She gives Sullivan another promising young pitcher.

“Lindsey will add depth to our pitching staff,” said Sullivan. “She is an experienced pitcher who works very hard at her craft. I’m looking forward to seeing her develop at the next level.”

Kaitlyn Tudico

Kaitlyn Tudico: Outfield, Marlboro Central High School

Tudico was an all-star outfielder for Marlboro (N.Y.) High School. She was named to Varsity 845’s first team as a sophomore and was a member of the Daily Freeman and Poughkeepsie Journal’s first teams in her junior year.

“Kaitlyn is a solid outfielder who will add extra-base power to our lineup,” said Sullivan.

Nevaeh Via

Nevaeh Via: Second Base, Washingtonville High School

Via will fit perfectly into Sullivan’s offense that emphasizes stealing and aggressive base running. She is also a skilled second baseman.

“Nevaeh is a strong infielder with great range,” said Sullivan. “She has outstanding speed and will be a threat on the base paths.”