WilmU softball team wins DSBA Team of the Year recognition

The Wilmington (WilmU) softball team has been chosen as the DSBA Team of the Year for 2024. after making its second straight NCAA Division II World Series; setting a school record with 46 wins, the last coming at the World Series; and finishing the year ranked fifth in the final Division II Top 25 national coaches’ poll.

The Wildcats also won the  Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference championship and Eastern Regional Championship. The National Championship win was also a program first.

Asked about what made the recognition from the Delaware State Broadcasters Association special, Head Coach Mike Shehorn went beyond the wins and championships.

“Last year’s team was built around many Delaware players that either played with or against each other growing up,” he said. “To see them come together and play at Wilmington University was special. What they were able to accomplish is something that will be remembered for a very long time.”

The Wildcats roster had 11 Delaware players on its roster: Lexi Moore (Smyrna), Kyle Saienni (Red Lion), Isabella Eleazer (Appoquinimink), Cassidy Zelano (Cab Calloway), Sara Miller (Smyrna), Rylee Maloney (Caravel), Julia Thuer (Smyrna), Delani Sheehan (DMA), Taylor Gillis (Wilmington Charter, Sam Freeland (DMA), and Gigi Duca (Smyrna).

“Being a born and raised Delaware guy, I have always followed the DSBA and enjoyed seeing the recipients each year,” Shehorn said. “I would like to thank the committee for this recognition.”