Ellefritz signs with Black Hawk

Kaci Ellefritz of Illini West High School committed to play softball for Black Hawk College in January. She is shown with Hall of Fame Black Hawk coach Carrie Calderon.

Kaci Ellefritz made her collegiate decision early, joining a team with a long record of success.

Ellefritz, a senior at Illini West High School, committed in January to play softball at Black Hawk College in the Quad Cities.

Ellefritz said she looked at Black Hawk while seeing other schools. Black Hawk coach Carrie Calderon talked with her over the summer. While visiting other schools, Ellefritz decided to see Calderon. She pitched for her and closed the deal shortly after.

“We decided to meet with her while we were meeting with a few other schools,” said Ellefritz. “We didn't have anything planned. It just kind of happened.

“She had me throw for her while I was there. I guess she liked what she saw.”

Ellefritz will learn from a very successful coach. Calderon is starting her 15th season as coach at Black Hawk. She has a career record of 512-153. Last season, the team finished 35-10. They won the Arrowhead Conference for the 13th time in the last 14 seasons.

The team advanced to its 14th Region IV Final Four Tournament. They won the school's fifth Region IV Final Four Tournament to advance to the National Tournament for the fifth time in Calderon's tenure. The team finished in fourth place, the highest finish in school history.

Calderon capped 2007 by being inducted into the NJCAA Region IV Hall of Fame.

“I didn't know how good their program is,” said Ellefritz. “I have to step up in everything, especially my hitting, so I can still play even if I'm not pitching.”

Ellefritz was a three-year starter at Carthage High School as a pitcher and third baseman. She finishes her high school career this season in the first season of the Illini West softball team. Carthage won two straight regionals, the first regional softball titles since 1988, and advanced in each of the past two seasons to a sectional semifinal to close the book on its history.

Ellefritz found out after signing that she knows a few players at Black Hawk.

“I didn't know I knew anyone there. I met a girl from Stronghurst who is finishing her last year there. A girl from Burlington (Iowa) I met playing softball is also going there. It's nice because I don't feel like I don't know anybody.”

Ellefritz plans to major in social work.

She is the daughter of Joel and Tanna Ellefritz of Ferris.