JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Saint Peter's University softball team and head coach Christopher Stelma announced today the signing of five freshmen to the program for the beginning of the 2023 season. The six players all come from the east coast, with New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania being represented in the class of 2026.
"It's a very exciting time for Saint Peter's Softball", said Stelma. "We continue to go out and find the best players for our program. These four ladies bring an immediate impact to our roster and our community. You're going to see one major common theme with these four ladies, and that is toughness. This is a gritty bunch who is coming to the Shack to take care of business. No nonsense, nose to the grindstone kind of workers. The program has become a tribute to the grind it out type of personality of Jersey City and Hudson County as a whole. It's going to be very tough to come into Jersey City to play the Peacocks! Welcome to "The Shack" ladies!"
Meet the Saint Peter's University Softball Class of 2026
Isabella Chugranis | Outfield | Norwood, N.J. | Old Tappan High School
Before Saint Peters: Chugranis heads to the Peacock family after a stellar high school career at Old Tappan High School. Chugranis has been a First Team All-League, First Team All-County, Second Team All-Conference and Third Team All-State selection in her career at Old Tappan. She has also thrived in her select softball career as a member of the New Jersey Elite.
Coach Stelma on Chugranis: "Bella is a kid we found late who has a real competitive drive. She felt overlooked and wanted to join us in Jersey City to show some people what they missed out on. She is a great offensive threat and will be on base for us a lot. I'm very excited welcome Bella and can't wait to watch her grow!"
Sydney Palmer | Pitcher | Sebastian, Florida | Bayside High School
Before Saint Peter's: Palmer comes to Saint Peter's after being a four year starter at Bayside High School. She played club for the Gulf Coast Firecrackers 04 under coach Nelson. She was named Rookie of the Year during her freshman year. Becoming a captain her sophomore year of high school, she helped lead her team to the regional championship her junior year. Also during her junior year, she was named to the 5A All-State Florida Second team and to the first team All-State Coast Conference.
Coach Stelma on Palmer: "Sydney Palmer is without a doubt the real deal. We are beyond excited to welcome both her athletic ability as well as her personality to our family. She possesses big game talent that is not easy to find and we look forward to watching her compete in the MAAC!"
Abby Pawlowski | Shortstop | Jamesburg, New Jersey | Monroe Township High School
Before Saint Peter's: Abby Pawlowski comes to Saint Peter's after playing for Monroe Township High School and playing travel for the Monroe Thunder. She has been named to both the GMC All-Red Division team, as well as the GMC All-County Team.
Coach Stelma on Pawlowski: "Abby is a fantastic talent at Shortstop. She is tall, athletic, and plays the game to win. We expect her to transition to the Division 1 level very easily and be an impact player for us in Jersey City. She's a tough kid who loves to win!"
Samantha Pawlowski | Second Base | Jamesburg, New Jersey | Monroe Township High School
Before Saint Peter's: Samantha Pawlowski is the sister of Abby, and also played at Monroe Township and for the Monroe Thunder. During her time at Monroe Township High School, she was named to the honor roll every semester, as well as the principal's list.
Coach Stelma on Pawlowski: "Sam is another real tough competitor. She is a grinder, she will come out and outwork you day in and day out. She's not only skilled at her position, but she's going to play the game the right way. She's a gritty player who we can't wait to see out there at the Shack!"
Natiah Turner | Third Base | Havre de Grace, Maryland | Havre de Grace High School
Before Saint Peter's: Turner, a late signee for the class of 2026, heads to the Peacock softball program after playing her high school softball at Havre de Grace High School and playing club softball for the Churchville Lightning. Turner is a First Team All-County and Second Team All-Conference selection and was also selected as the Team MVP in her junior campaign.
Coach Stelma on Turner: "Natiah is the second player we have committed from the Churchville Lightning. She is a fantastic athlete with great power at the plate. She is a very good fit for our program and will be able to come in and make an impact for our program. We can't wait to get her in Jersey City to see what she can do."
Aspen Walker | Catcher | Dalmatia, Pennsylvania | Line Mountain High School
Before Saint Peter's: Walker crosses state borders as she comes to New Jersey by way of Pennsylvania. She played high school ball for Line Mountain High School and played club for Rock Gold Lancaster. She was part of the National Honors Society during her time at Line Mountain, and was named freshman honorable mention during her freshman year.
Coach Stelma on Walker: "Aspen is a kid we were really hot on early in her recruiting process. She fell in love with the school and we were lucky enough to get her. She's again another player that will excel in our program. A grab your lunch pail and go to work kind of kid. She will work hard and compete hard which will help us in depth and close the gap on our conference opponents. She is a solid defensive catcher who has a knack for getting on base, very exciting to watch!"
