First Connecticut, then the nation. The Woodland Softball team has put themselves on the map as they were ranked #25 in the nation in the Sports Illustrated “Top 25 National high school softball rankings (5/22/2025)”. The team is well known for their run as three time state champions that they have won back to back to back. Over the past three years they have had an overall record of 72-3 and their record for this season is 21-0.
The team has set extremely high standards for themselves that they continue to meet every season. The top performers on the team are UMASS commits Ella VanAlstyne and Julia Rowley, Kate Lisowski, and Caitlyn Braun. VanAlstyne has 207 strikeouts as of May 28th. She also leads the team in hits this season with 49 hits. Additionally she leads the team in batting average, on base percentage, stolen bases, earned run average, runs, hits, slugging percentage, and doubles. Rowley leads the team in homeruns with 5 for the season as well as runs batted in with 41 for the season, she also has a .464 batting average. This pitcher and catcher duo have been the cornerstone to the Hawks’ success.
Braun and Lisowski have also served as offensive weapons this season. Braun has 2 home runs, 34 runs, 36 hits, 37 runs batted in, and 5 triples. She recently won the Connecticut High School Coaches Association softball player of the week award. Lisowski has a .519 batting average, 8 stolen bases, 32 runs, 40 hits, and 27 runs batted in. She recently had her 100th hit on May 9th during a home game against Oxford. Lisowski recently won the Buffalo Wild Wings player of the week.
Now imagine all of these outstanding players working together. They have become a powerhouse. Overtaking the Naugatuck Valley League, and posing as a top threat to the other tough Class M teams.
“In the beginning of the year we’ve always set goals to take home the division championship, NVL championship, and state championship,” said Lisowski. “That’s what we’re always playing for. Now that we have that ranking we’re all thinking that there’s no reason we shouldn’t win those titles. It’s given us confidence.”
With confidence fueling their momentum, the Hawks have embraced the pressure and turned it into motivation. Their dominance is not just a result of individual talent, but a reflection of their discipline, preparation, and unity as a team. Each player contributes in crucial ways, creating a balanced lineup and a strong defense that is difficult to match. Their focus and intensity have only sharpened as the postseason approaches, and their sights are set firmly on achieving a perfect season. This ranking shuts down any doubts that the league and state may have had about the Hawks.
“I know that on GameTime CT we’re not ranked in the state, even though we are undefeated,” said VanAlstyne. “It shows that we’re better then the state thinks we are.”
Being a small school from a small town and a small state makes it incredibly difficult to be recognized. The pure talent and grit demonstrated by this team has allowed them to break through and show the public that they deserve a bigger stage.
“We all work really hard and show up everyday to work for things like this. Being nationally recognized is a whole new accomplishment that we didn’t see coming,” said Lisowski. “It’s even better for us since we are from a small school, the ranking puts our name on the map.”
Although the Hawks are appreciative of this ranking, it’s not what they have their eyes set on. A fourth consecutive state title is the main goal for this team. They don’t allow their success to cause them to become cocky. The girls know how to stay disciplined and work hard regardless of any past games. The only game that matters to them is the next one on the schedule.
“I feel like throughout the whole season we’ve been motivated,” said VanAlstyne. “Nothing has really changed, we’re still just as driven. We want to focus on states and not the ranking.”
The Hawks know what it feels like to consistently win, they don’t expect it, they only earn it. If they had let their current and past success get to their head, they wouldn’t be as revered as they are today. Discipline is the key factor for this team.
“[The ranking] wasn’t expected for us, and I know the team is really excited. It shows how all of the hard work and practices have paid off,” said VanAlstyne.
Moving up in the ranking is definitely a possibility for the Hawks with the season they have had, but that’s not what they play for. The ranking is an amazing accomplishment for the girls and has given them confidence, but the real goal lies within the postseason.
RANKING: Top 25 National high school softball rankings (5/22/2025)
STATISTICS: MaxPreps
