Softball teams mix it up: Public vs. Private games are thriving in NJ

New Jersey’s softball scene is doing something rare: mixing public and private schools in real competition. At recent tournaments, public schools like Steinert, Columbia, and Marlboro have beaten top private teams including Mount St. Dominic and Immaculate Heart. In one event, five out of six public teams won against private opponents. This isn’t just luck—it’s happening more often than in other sports. Why does softball stand out? Unlike basketball or football, where talent gaps and old rivalries keep teams apart, softball coaches seem more willing to play tough matches. Some say it’s about fairness. Others admit private schools often have an edge, pulling athletes from wider areas. But many coaches argue that if you have a strong pitcher, you can compete anywhere. Take Steinert, a public school that beat three straight private state champs this season. Their coach, Jenn Melker, doesn’t worry about where players go to school—just how well they play. For her, the goal is simple: tough games make better teams. The same goes for Middletown South, which schedules private schools like St. John Vianney and DePaul to test their skills.Not everyone is happy about mixing publics and privates. Some coaches, like Watchung Hills’ Brian Figueiredo, prefer separate leagues. He’d rather play schools that recruit locally than deal with what he sees as an uneven playing field. But even he admits that elite pitching can level the game. The numbers show public schools are rising. Last year’s state rankings had 15 public teams in the top 20—proof that talent isn’t limited to private programs. Coaches like Donovan Catholic’s Debbie Schwartz, who’s worked at both public and private schools, believe competition makes everyone better. She schedules games against strong public teams whenever possible. Even in tough divisions, coaches refuse to back down. Colts Neck plays in a league stacked with private powerhouses but still schedules showcase games against them. Their coach, Anthony Iachello, says, “Anybody can win on any day. ” That attitude keeps softball’s public-private rivalry alive—and maybe even changing the game.