PASS THE BAT: Celebrating Thunder Seniors

PASS THE BAT is a special section of the Thunder Blog that highlights exceptional Thunder player stories that impact the next generation of Thunder success. Passing the bat matters more than the hit itself. It’s about the hard work, dedication, and resilience it takes to be able to get to base for your team, and then passing that momentum, opportunity, and lessons to the next teammate.

If you can see her, you can be her.

At Thunder, we pride ourselves on the motto, "More than a Game." Inspired by co-founder Angie Alberti, it reminds us that although YES - softball is an amazing game that is fun to compete in, but ALSO, it is a vessel for life's lessons, joys, successes, and experiences. We are more than who we are on the softball field, and Thunder is a place we can learn that meaningful lesson.

It's May 2026, and the seniors of NJ Thunder are in the heat of their HS senior softball seasons, submitting housing deposits for college, and picking up their cap and gowns that they'll wear as they walk across the graduation stage in June.

We want to take a moment to CELEBRATE our seven 2026s, their history and amazing memories as a ball player, and their victories in choosing a university to attend that feels like a great fit for them. Please join us in taking this moment for them!

BAILEY JACOBSON, COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON

Anticipated Major: Marketing/Communications

Most excited for CofC because of: the opportunity to challenge myself academically while exploring new interests, learning from my professors, and gaining experiences that will help prepare me for the future.

Most excited socially/athletically for CofC to: meet new people, build strong friendships, and become part of the College of Charleston community. Staying active and continuing my fitness routine is also important to me, and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of Charleston’s outdoor lifestyle. Even though I won’t be playing softball in college, athletics has always been a big part of my life, so I plan to keep training and staying involved in fitness in new ways. I’m also looking forward to living in Charleston and experiencing everything the city has to offer, from campus events to the beaches, restaurants, and all the opportunities around me.

First Memory as a softball player: I started playing in kindergarten and, while I don’t remember one specific moment, I do remember being excited to be on the field, wearing my uniform, and loving being part of a team. Even then, I looked forward to practices and games, and that early experience really sparked my love for softball and made it such a big part of my life. I never complained about going to practice or games—I truly loved every minute of it. There were tough times where I had to prove myself, but also so many great moments along the way that helped shape who I am as a player.

Favorite Memory as a softball player: My favorite softball memory was our trip to Florida because it was about so much more than just the games. Getting to travel, play together, and spend so much time as a team made it really special. Staying together and bonding off the field helped build so much camaraderie, brought us even closer, and created memories I’ll always look back on.

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: is to never take the little moments for granted. The practices, tournaments, long weekends, and friendships become some of your best memories. Work hard, stay confident, and remember that every challenge helps make you a stronger player and person. Never give up on yourself, and don’t let anyone else determine your value or how far you can go. Believe in your abilities, trust your hard work, and keep pushing to become the best player you can be.

ELIZ KUCUKARSLAN, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY

Anticipated Major: Mathematics, minoring in Neuroscience on a pre-med track

Most excited for Case Western: to challenge myself academically and explore a field I am passionate about!

Most excited socially/athletically for Case Western: to visit a new part of the country and meet a diverse population of people!

First Memory as a softball player: Learning my first chants on my first travel ball team and never losing a smile on my face that entire game

Favorite Memory as a softball player: Running full force into the foul line fence with the other team’s winning runs on base, and making the final out to end the game allowing us to win

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: At the end of the day, softball is a game that you might not play for you entire life. You’re only on the field for so long until you step off the field for the last time, either leaving the game altogether or coming back to coach. Have fun with the game, meet your best friends, and make some unforgettable memories!

EMILY LAPPETITO, WESTCONN

Anticipated Major: Criminal Justice

Most excited academically for WestConn because of: The internships ahead and being hands-on in the law enforcement field

Most excited socially/athletically for WestConn to be: The new people I will meet and the family I'll build through my team

First Memory as a softball player: Playing on the Razorbacks for Little League

Favorite Memory as a softball player: Going to Florida with my team

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: IT'S JUST A GAME. You won't remember the failure, but you'll remember the adventures and fun times you'll have!

MAYA NEWELL, UMASS AMHERST

Anticipated Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Most excited academically for UMass because of: Research opportunities in big-name labs in the field I want to be employed in: genetic oncology

Most excited socially/athletically for UMass because of: The possibility to join anything socially and athletically like club softball and volunteering for their Special Olympics program

First Memory as a softball player: playing short center at our home field in Hillsdale in 4th grade

Favorite Memory as a softball player: beating the team we haven’t beat in 11 years with the most close knit group of girls I’ve been able to play with for high school

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: It’s a GAME for a reason! The second you shake off the mistakes that feel overwhelming, the game comes easy and it’s fun to be on the field with girls who have a common interest with you

SOPHIA SAVINO, AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Anticipated Major: Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

Most excited for Auburn because of: Football games and the SEC environment

Most excited socially/athletically for Auburn to be: To meet new people and rush

First Memory as a softball player: Practicing with my dad when I was little

Favorite Memory as a softball player: Hitting my first over the fence home run

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: Failure is a huge part of this game. Never give up and always put your best effort forward.

SOPHIA TRIPODI, UNITED STATES COAST GUARD ACADEMY

Anticipated Major: Government

Most excited academically for USCGA because of: the internships the Coast Guard will offer while I am studying

Most excited socially/athletically for USCGA to be:  physically challenged as a cadet at the academy this June during Swab Summer

First Memory as a softball player: My very first softball memory is learning how to swing a bat in my backyard with my dad

Favorite Memory as a softball player: My favorite softball memory was this past summer playing in the Sparkler Tournament in Colorado with the 16u National Team

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: To always put 100% into everything you do. Leave everything at every game, practice, or workout

JAMI WEST, GASTON COLLEGE

Anticipated Major: Undecided

Most excited academically for Gaston because of: I'm looking forward to growing and developing academically as a student and figure out what path will suit me best

Most excited socially/athletically for Gaston to be: I'm excited to build new friendships and improve my game so I can follow my dream of playing softball at the highest level

First Memory as a softball player: playing ball with all my friends

Favorite Memory as a softball player: diving in the air during a competitive game to catch a hard line drive

PASS THE BAT Moment: One thing I want younger Thunder players to know about being a softball player: Work harder than everyone else and carry yourself like a winner. Stay disciplined, stay humble, and success will follow.

Seniors: Thank you for PASSING THE BAT to the next generation of Thunder players with your stories, your wisdom, and for paving your OWN path that can be inspiring for them to witness!

Want to join Thunder? Email info@njthunder.com to get started.