Claire Kohlman became the Lake Zurich softball team’s only senior when a couple of players decided not to return this season.
Kohlman, a fourth-year starter, understood what that meant for her.
“I think I found out mid-February that I would be the only senior,” she said. “I took from that that I need to be a leader for the girls on my team, help give them some sort of help, so they have someone they can look up to.
“I’m not the loudest on the field, but through my work ethic and just by staying positive, I think my teammates have bought into that concept. I was a little nervous, but the coaches have been really good helping me fill that position.”
Coach Nicole Pieper said Kohlman has filled it well for the Bears (9-7, 6-2), who have been one of the best teams in the North Suburban Conference.
“Claire brings good leadership and a strong work ethic,” Pieper said. “She’s a kid you want leading young players. Last year, we had five seniors leading the team. Claire knew she would have to step up.
“It’s been an easy transition for her to take on that role. She works hard every day and is mentally very strong. She is always positive and energetic.”
Teammates like junior first baseman/catcher Camryn Krysciak, who called Kohlman “an amazing senior leader,” and junior middle infielder Kendall Hull agree.
“Claire is constantly leading by example and being a role model,” Hull said. “She is a very selfless player and always is showing how much she cares for us and the team.”
Hull noted that Kohlman is a productive player too. A Colorado School of Mines commit, Kohlman is batting .333 with four doubles and 10 RBIs and has a .949 fielding percentage at third base. She batted .398 and had a .957 fielding percentage last season.
“Claire is a consistent player who we can always count on,” Hull said. “She can always pull through with a clutch hit when we need it, and she is always locked in at third base, making unbelievable plays.”
Pieper said Kohlman is particularly good at the hot corner.
“She is so solid defensively with such quick reaction skills at third base,” Pieper said. “She makes a ton of challenging plays. Offensively, she puts the bat on the ball and is very disciplined in the box.”
Lake Zurich third baseman Claire Kohman, top, tries to to tag Grayslake Central’s Emma Andrews during a nonconference game in Grayslake on Thursday, April 3, 2025. (Rob Dicker / News-Sun)
Pieper and Krysciak also highlighted Kohlman’s ability to handle pressure.
“She always stays level and doesn’t let anything bother her,” Pieper said. “She’s a good role model for our younger kids.”
Kohlman, who said she has a 4.57 GPA and intends to major in chemical engineering at Colorado School of Mines, wants to continue to be that figure for the Bears. They begin the second half of their conference schedule this week.
“We’ve been doing really good and have some good conference wins,” Kohlman said. “I’m excited to see what we’re going to do in the playoffs.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.