Stiegman To Play Softball For Kaskaskia College

Jordan Stiegman signed to play softball at Kaskaskia College. Jordan is sitting between her parents Shane and Leslie Stiegman. Standing is Jordan’s sister Ryan Stiegman, NCHS Athletic Director Alicia Heggemeier, NCHS Hornettes Softball coach Shaun Renth, Southern Illinois Dirt Dawgs coach Doug Elbe, and former NCHS Hornette softball coach Dempsey Witte.
By Brent Huelsmann
Another member of the NCHS Hornettes softball team will continue their career on the diamond. Jordan Stiegman signed to play softball at Kaskaskia College, making her the fourth player from this year’s group of seniors to sign. Stiegman joins Brooke Burcham, Mackenzie McFeron, and Joey Lane as Hornettes who signed to continue their softball career. Burcham also signed to play at Kaskaskia College.
Being familiar with Kaskaskia College was a big plus for Stiegman as she made her decision, also noting her father, Shane Stiegman played baseball at Kaskaskia College. Stiegman also noted the proximity to home, factoring into her decision. “I’ve always known KC. KC is just really close to home. I can live at home. I can commute. I got a good scholarship. I didn’t really need that much for softball. I’ve just played softball my whole life, so I couldn’t see myself stopping.”
Steigman had a great year for the Hornettes this season. Stiegman started all 33 games for the Hornettes this season. Stiegman started the majority of games this season in left field, but also saw time at first base for the Hornettes. Hornettes Coach Shaun Renth praised Stiegman’s willingness to help the team. “She’s just a good player to have on your team. She is that person that will do anything you need her to do. Obviously she is going to play outfield I would assume. She played a game or two at first base. She hadn’t played there in a long time, but she really looked really really smooth over there and I think if they needed to play there. Obviously she is a corner outfielder. Had a great year for us this year hitting wise, a good bounceback year for her.”
Stiegman finished with a .405 average this season, and led the Hornettes with 45 RBIs in her senior campaign. Stiegman tied for second on the team with five home runs. Stiegman notched 45 hits this season, which put her second on the team behind McFeron. Stiegman doubled seven times this season. Stiegman also came through in the clutch, as she batted an incredible .519 with runners in scoring position. 
Stiegman’s bat is one of the things that caught the eye of Kaskaskia College coach Torey Crowell.“Jordan is going to be a really good asset for us. Her stick is just unbelievable. She’s got such a great personality. She’s got the drive. She really wants to play so I think once we get her set in a position, I think she is going to do really well for us.”
Stiegman racked up the accolades during her senior campaign. Stiegman was named First-Team All-Conference, All-South, and Third-Team All-State.
Stiegman was a part of a very successful era of Hornettes softball. She was a part of the 2015 IHSA Class 2A State Championship team. Stiegman says that year was full of great memories. “Definitely the Carterville game. Actually all four years, and State for sure. State is something I will never ever forget. Just playing that whole year as freshmen was like oh my god. Behind Maci and Jordi, and Emily, and Daley all of the seniors you’re like oh my gosh this is really happening. It was really cool. That’s something I will always take with me.”
Stiegman then noted that they never really had a down year while she was at NCHS. “It’s such a good school, and we’re always so competitive. We never really had a bad year. I love Nashville its such a good community and I love the school.”
As for the biggest adjustment she’ll have to make at the college level, Coach Renth talked about adapting to the college lifestyle. “It’s just that college life. You don’t have to be at class all day long. You’re practicing and playing games at different times of the day. When I played here it was 1:00 games, and doubleheaders. I think that is the biggest adjustment. It doesn’t seem that tough but it is. The kids are so regimented. They want a schedule. When they get here, they might have class on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and not have it on other days. That’s a big adjustment for them, but I think she can do that pretty easily.
While at KC, Jordan plans on studying Occupational Therapy and intends on getting her Associates in Science in one year. After that, Jordan says she plans on moving on to either Southern Indiana or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.