Bishop Noll junior Daniella Zvonar shouldn’t be much of a nomad on the softball field this season.
Zvonar is listed on the roster as a catcher, infielder and outfielder after taking on different roles last season. But she’s expected to spend most innings behind the plate, and she’s ready for that challenge.
“It’s the one player who can see the whole field,” Zvonar said. “The responsibility it takes, with having your infielders know where to go and knowing where the runners are going, things like that are really important throughout the game.”
Hitting has been one constant throughout Zvonar’s career. She has four hits in her first six at-bats with two doubles, a triple and six RBIs after a pair of lopsided victories for the Warriors. Last year, Zvonar batted .407 with 24 runs scored.
But Bishop Noll coach Elena Sobilo said Zvonar is a different hitter this season.
“She’s taken more of a relaxed approach to the plate, which is helping her see the ball better,” Sobilo said. “She’s done a nice job of being patient and finding good pitches to hit.”
Zvonar said she also spent extra time working on hitting fundamentals to ensure she’s generating all the power she can muster at the plate.
“I worked on using my whole body in my swing, making sure I not only have power from my top half but also my lower half, using my legs in my swing to really make the ball go farther and have more power behind it,” she said.
Bishop Noll’s Daniella Zvonar drives the ball during a game against River Forest in Hobart on Thursday, April 7, 2022. (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)
Zvonar hit .404 during her freshman season, which she started as the team’s shortstop. But her positional journey started soon after. Zvonar eventually played all over the infield in her first two seasons. The changes don’t bother her.
“I’ve always wanted to do what’s best for my team,” she said. “I know I can step into places when I’m needed, and I’m a really competitive person, so I’ll do anything we need to win.”
Considering Zvonar’s other sport, it might not be surprising to see her catching. During volleyball season, she was a libero and had a team-high 446 digs.
Junior pitcher/infielder Molly Whelan, who also plays volleyball, said Zvonar brings the same energy to softball.
“She just has so much passion for both sports,” Whelan said. “She’s always stepping in wherever she is needed. She had so many different roles on our team last year, and she did the same thing in volleyball. She’s just constantly ready.”
Zvonar’s more defined role this season is common among Bishop Noll’s many juniors, who should have significant roles in every game. That group also includes outfielder Anais Reyna, who hit .317 average last season, and two transfers, infielder Caitlyn Walker (Marian Catholic) and pitcher Madelynn Queen (Andrean), a Bethel commit.
Sobilo said the juniors have embraced their increasing importance to Bishop Noll’s success.
“They’re learning to become leaders,” Sobilo said. “They’ve taken more ownership over their own abilities to impact the game and what our program is doing. They understand that they are active participants now, more than just being along for the ride.”
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter.
