Sophomore center fielder Kieley Tomas’ early success at Mundelein isn’t exactly what she envisioned.
Tomas was pitching at a high level before high school, but she said a “recurring back injury” convinced her to stop in the fall of 2021.
“Being a pitcher was a big part of my softball identity, and it took me awhile to accept my new role of solely playing in the outfield,” she said. “By letting pitching go, I have been able to grow more in the outfield and become the outfielder I am today.”
It just so happens that’s the player the unbeaten Mustangs need. A second-year starter, Tomas is the spark plug igniting the offense from the leadoff spot with her run-scoring ability and is playing stellar defense in center field for North Suburban Conference leader Mundelein (11-0, 3-0).
Tomas was hitting .575 with 23 hits, 19 runs scored and 14 stolen bases — all team highs — and had a .605 on-base percentage through Tuesday. She also led the Mustangs with a .542 batting average last season, when she was named all-conference.
“She kind of picked up where she left off,” Mundelein coach Heather Ryan said. “She just finds a way to get on base, starting in the first inning. We pretty much get a run on the board every game because of her. She’s a guaranteed run every game.
“She plays a really high level of softball. She doesn’t take any days off.”
Mundelein junior first baseman Claire Connelly agreed with Ryan, noting Tomas sets the tone not only from the leadoff spot, but also in the way she works hard and pushes herself.
“Kieley brings 110% to every practice and game,” Connelly said. “She’s always looking to make her game better. Everyone sees how hard she works, and it makes the team want to work just as hard as her. She motivates the team with her positive mindset and work ethic to create a strong environment on the softball team.”
Mundelein’s Kieley Tomas makes a diving catch in center field during a North Suburban Conference game against Warren in Mundelein on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)
Connelly, a third-year starter who had three hits and drove in three runs during Mundelein’s 9-6 win against conference power Warren on April 10, said she isn’t surprised Tomas became an impactful varsity player so soon. Connelly and Tomas have been teammates in travel ball too.
“Being a leadoff hitter as a freshman can be nerve-wracking, but Kieley thrived under pressure and proved her spot in the lineup,” Connelly said.
Tomas didn’t rest on her laurels. Trying to avoid a sophomore slump, she said she got stronger and faster but also tried to gain a better understanding “of the mental side of softball.”
Ryan said Tomas offers a lot of intangibles that can’t be measured by statistics but give the Mustangs an edge.
“She works out on the weekend and is like a coach,” Ryan said. “She scouts teams for me because she knows all the other players. She wants to win so bad that she even looks at our own strengths and weaknesses based on our opponent. She will be a great coach one day.”
Mundelein’s Kieley Tomas (2) rounds third base on her way home during a North Suburban Conference game against Warren in Mundelein on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)
The more immediate future also looks bright for Tomas and the Mustangs, who have just two senior starters.
“This season has been incredibly fun,” she said. “We’ve all been working toward getting Mundelein back on the map for softball. We’ve had elite-level pitching, a lineup that does not have an easy out with multiple girls that can hit home runs, plus some very strong freshman talent filling some critical roles.
“We’re hoping that Mundelein will be a softball powerhouse for years to come.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
