Softball: Good things come in threes for Lake All-Area captain Schuler, Antioch

One could easily sing the statistical virtues of Antioch softball great Jacey Schuler until — to quote the 16th century phrase that traces back to the Scottish Highlands — the cows come home.

But for the Michigan State University-bound Schuler, who helped lead the Sequoits to three consecutive Class 3A Top 3 state finishes, all that takes a backseat to the truly meaningful accomplishments over the last four years.

“For myself, the statistics don’t mean much to me,” said Schuler, the captain of the Daily Herald Lake County All-Area softball team for an unprecedented third year in a row.

“It’s the bigger picture of what we have done as a team and the relationships I have built on the team. Looking back, I would say I am so blessed to meet the people I did.”

Since Schuler was a freshman, Antioch went 125-19, finishing second the last two seasons and third in 2022. Schuler was the winning pitcher 86 of those times and shouldered 13 of the 19 losses. The 2021 team advanced to the Class 3A supersectional round.

This past season, Schuler, a four-time Illinois Softball Coaches Association Class 3A all-state first-team selection, was again dominant in the circle and at the plate. She finished 23-4 pitching with 321 strikeouts in only 172 innings and posted a 1.54 ERA against an ultra-competitive schedule. On offense, she found time to hit .523 with 11 home runs (2 grand slams), 44 RBI, in addition to 11 doubles and 22 runs scored.

“Jacey is the greatest player I have ever coached,” said Antioch coach Anthony Rocco, who has, indeed, coached some good ones. “Jacey is a generational talent who could impact the game on defense and offense with pitching and hitting. She led the transformation of our program from great to elite.”

For Schuler, who leaves Antioch No. 2 all-time in state history with 5 grand slams and No. 13 all-time in the IHSA record books in career RBI with 205, improving as a competitor was the greatest stride she took this past year.

“Each year I have become a bigger competitor for the game. I definitely saw that this year,” she said. “I have had to accept some tough losses. I needed to put considerations into the fact it’s OK to have an off day. Sometimes, I have not been my best and I have to accept that and focus on what I have to do after that to be better.”

Schuler was better many more times than not as evidenced by her 1,113 career strikeouts and 1.28 ERA to go with a career .508 batting average (89 extra-base hits, including 35 home runs). And in the eye-opening statistical department, in four years at Antioch, Schuler made zero errors in the circle or in the outfield.

But talk to Schuler’s teammates and there also wasn’t much she could have gotten better at when it comes to being a high-quality human being.

“As many people know, she is a star on the field,” Antioch sophomore catcher-first baseman Addison Webb said. “She is the most hard-working and dedicated person to come through the Antioch softball program. I think I can speak for the team that she is constantly pushing us to do our best and even then strive to do better. Jacey is the definition of an amazing teammate. She was not only one of our captains, but she was also a leader, a role model, a super fan, and a friend to every player on the team.”

Antioch sophomore shortstop Claire Schuyler has been close with Schuler since they were young children.

“Jacey is someone who can change your mood instantly,” she said. “There is never a bad or sad time with Jacey. She is such a genuine person and she truly is so fun to be around. I love playing with her because she never gives up and she keeps everyone motivated. She is such an amazing softball player and shows so much courage and leadership.”

Rocco said besides being a phenomenal player, Schuler “is an even better person,” he said.

“Jacey would come in and make a routine practice enjoyable and competitive. She was a great teammate to everyone on the roster. She made new players to varsity feel welcomed and was always willing to work and support our younger players. She left a profound impact as a player and person in our softball community and at Antioch High School. I will miss the four years Jacey was part of our program and a part of my life.”

Perhaps Schuler’s greatest thrill this season was being able for the first time to play on the same team as her freshman sister, Tegan, who starred in the outfield for Antioch as the only ninth-grader on the varsity. Tegan Schuler, a Daily Herald All-Area first-team pick and an ICA Class 3A all-state second-team selection, hit .384 with 5 homers from the leadoff spot while patrolling center field.

“It’s been the best year yet because of that,” Jacey Schuler said. “We have such a good bond and she did an amazing job backing me up out there. We have a different type of bond on the field than when we are at home.”

Tegan Schuler added: “Playing with Jacey has been the most fun part. I also got to play with some of her friends. Before, I got to see all her highs and lows from a different view. I sat back and watched the last three years. My sister has grown so much as a player and a human. I am very lucky to have her as a role model.”

Now, it’s off to East Lansing and the next phase of her academic and athletic career at Michigan State.

“It’s going to be different but I am excited for the change,” said Schuler, who is playing with her Illinois Chill travel team this summer. “It’s definitely time to take the next step. The culture and the coaches are so welcoming there. I always said when I stepped on that campus, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I could tell right away.”

The feeling is mutual with Michigan State.

“Jacey is a two-way player that can make an immediate impact on our program,” Spartans coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley told the school’s athletic website on National Letter of Intent signing day. “Jacey is the ultimate competitor in the circle that is not afraid to go at hitters. Jacey can swing a big bat on offense and could be a presence in the heart of our lineup.”

When asked how she wants to be remembered at Antioch, conversation quickly veered away from the on-field softball accolades.

“I would say, obviously, have a legacy physically, it’s been great the last four years, but I want to be remembered as a good person, teammate and student who was a good role model for young girls,” Schuler said. “My advice to young girls is to work hard and stay true to your dreams and never quit.”