SARNIA – The London to Sarnia connection continues to pay dividends on the recruiting trail.

Pitcher Laila Pachucki has officially committed to Head Coach Greg Shortt and the Lambton Women’s Softball Program for the 2023 OCAA season, and beyond.

Pachucki is the seventh member of the 2023 recruiting class for Shortt and his coaching staff. Come September. Pachucki will join Kylee Shortt (Wyoming, Ont.), Ava Thompson (Wyoming, Ont.), Bri Dugal (Ayr, Ont.), Riley Brush (Wyoming, Ont.), Avery Moninger (Wallaceburg, Ont.), and Paige Hudson (Wyoming, Ont.) as newcomers with the Lions on the diamond.

“I’m excited for what’s to come this year,” said Pachucki. “I’m looking forward to continuing to play softball at the collegiate level for the Lions.”

Pachucki comes to Lambton College by way of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School in London. She’s currently a part of the Flames softball program, which is in its first year of competition. In addition to playing for her high school program, Pachucki plays for the London Lightning in the spring and summer months.

The addition of Pachucki adds versatility and depth to the Lambton roster.

Primarily a pitcher, Pachucki gives the Lions another talented arm on the mound, one that can throw deep into games. When she’s not on the mound, Pachucki patrols the outfield, thus adding more depth to the outfield rotation and giving the coaching staff options when it comes to the lineups.

Academically, Pachucki will be enrolled in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Program at Lambton College.

Heading into the off-season, Shortt and his coaching staff made it a priority to add depth on the mound. Pachucki is the third pitcher in this year’s recruiting class, joining Kylee Shortt and Avery Moninger. The rotation has been bolstered, to say the least, which has helped to increase the levels of excitement and anticipation ahead of September.

The Lions are coming off a 2022 season that saw the group be competitive from the outset in their first year of action in the OCAA. And, while they narrowly missed out on a spot in the playoffs on the final weekend, their inaugural season has created excitement for what’s to come in 2023, and beyond.

The addition of Pachucki adds to the positive buzz surrounding the program heading into year two.

Welcome to The Den, Laila!