How Three Seneca Stars Led Their Team to the Big Stage

Four years ago, three freshmen named Lexie Buis, Camryn Stecken, and Tessa Krull stepped onto the softball field for Seneca High School. By this spring, they weren’t just teammates—they were the heart of the team. Their journey ended last weekend in the state championship with a tough 3-1 loss to Carterville, wrapping up a season that saw them go 39-3. While the final score stung, their impact stood out far beyond wins and losses. Since stepping onto the varsity squad, these three have steered the team through 129 wins and just 18 losses. They’ve collected regional titles and dominated their conference, going 59-1 over four years with four straight titles and a 53-game winning streak. It wasn’t just talent—it was leadership that kept the team grounded through rough patches and big wins alike. What made this year different? The players didn’t just rely on skill—they owned the responsibility. Beating tough opponents like Beecher became personal after falling short in past sectional games. Stecken said the goal wasn’t just to reach state; it was to prove they belonged. And for many, stepping onto that familiar Louisville Slugger field felt different when wearing Seneca colors instead of travel-team jerseys.Krull’s emotions summed it up best: pride in the effort, sadness in the goodbye. She watched from the dugout as her teammates held the runner-up trophy, knowing her final season had been special. The team didn’t set out saying, “We’re going to state. ” They just knew if they kept playing their game, the results would follow. That steady focus kept them calm even when the championship was on the line. Buis thought about the bus rides, the late-night practices, and the shared moments that built trust over four years. She felt the team’s strength came from staying present—no games were treated as bigger than others. Even in defeat, they didn’t shrink from the moment. That’s leadership. Coaches will tell you handing the reins to teenagers isn’t always easy. But these three proved leadership isn’t just about calling plays—it’s about showing up every day, even when the road gets bumpy. As one season closes, the question lingers: who will step up next to carry that same fire?