(ULLIN, Il) – The Shawnee Community College Saints Fastpitch Softball program is gearing up for an exciting 2025-26 season with the addition of two standout players from western Kentucky’s competitive Region One high school circuit.
Head Coach Kyle Smith announced the team’s fall schedule this week and expressed enthusiasm about the incoming talent joining the Saints’ roster. “I’m excited about this group of Saints and ready to hit the field,” Smith said.
The program has secured commitments from two highly regarded high school athletes: Johnna Riggs from Ballard Memorial High School and Merriel Jackson from Marshall County High School. Both players want to make immediate impacts as they don the Saints’ maroon uniforms for the first time.
The Saints compete at the highest level of junior college softball, participating in the NJCAA Division I Great Rivers Athletic Conference within Region 24. The conference is known for its competitive play and serves as a stepping stone for many players seeking to advance to four-year programs.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans already have an opportunity to show their support. Personalized player apparel and gear featuring Merriel Jackson‘s name and number are now available through the Saints official athletics merchandise store at https://shawneecc.athsolutions.shop/collections/merriel-jackson-43561
The addition of these two western Kentucky standouts signals the Saints’ commitment to recruiting top-tier talent from the region and building on their competitive foundation in Division I junior college softball.
For more information on Saints Fastpitch Softball, visit https://shawneecc.edu/athletics/softball.
