As Elon Softball prepares for the 2026 season, we reintroduce our Seven Innings series to spotlight members of #Team49 as we count down to Opening Day on Feb. 5.
Today’s Q&A focuses on first-year player Christina Piotrowski, a catcher/third base from Park Ridge, Ill. Piotrowski competed at Maine South High School, where she was a CSL All-Conference while being a varsity captain. She also competed for the Chicago Cheetahs 18u Bullock Premier travel ball team, where she helped her club team to the 2025 LP4U 18u championship.
How old were you when you first started playing softball, and what initially got you into the sport?
I first started playing softball when I was five years old. My dad was starting a house league team with one of his friends and signed me up, and I immediately fell in love with the sport. Ever since then, softball has been a huge part of my life.
What drew you to Elon, and what excited you most about joining the softball program?
I was drawn to Elon because one of my older sisters attends the university, and staying close to her during college was really important to me. As I learned more about Elon, I fell in love with the campus and the strong sense of community. I’m especially excited about the softball program because of the team culture and the girls on the team, along with the opportunity to grow in such a supportive environment.
How has it been adjusting to college so far?
Adjusting to college has been a good experience so far. Having such a welcoming team has made the transition much easier and helped me feel comfortable and at home right away.
What has been your favorite thing about Elon after a semester at the school?
My favorite thing about Elon so far has been the connections I’ve built with my teammates. The relationships and support within the team have made my experience especially meaningful.
How important has your family been in supporting you throughout your softball journey?
My family has been incredibly supportive throughout my entire softball journey. They mean so much to me, and I truly appreciate everything they’ve done to help me get to this point.
Is there a difference between the style of softball in high school and in college?
There is definitely a difference between high school and college softball. In college, the game is faster, more competitive, and the skill level is higher across the board. There’s also a bigger emphasis on strategy, teamwork, and consistency, which pushes you to improve every part of your game.