Village board honors Linkaway West girls softball team after first state title

The Village Board of Manhattan formally recognized the Linkaway West girls softball team on June 16 after the program completed a 30–7 season and won the IHSA Class 4A state championship.

Chair opened the recognition by noting the school’s “most successful season in the school's 17‑year history,” and read the roster of seven seniors the board said led the run. The chair described the postseason path: a regional victory over Homewood Flossom, the program’s first sectional championship in a 2‑1 win over Lockport, a super‑sectional 9‑3 victory over Edwardsville, and state final wins over Meris and Mundelion.

Coach Novak, who the board identified during the presentation, thanked the community and praised the players’ preparation and spirit. “They were just incredible — their ability to execute and their teamwork,” the coach said, adding that the team practiced a daily gratitude exercise that helped focus players during the postseason. The coach also thanked staff, parents and opposing coaches for their support.

The board presented a plaque (donated by Spasia and Taylor Law Firm) and called individual players forward by name for congratulations. Athletic director Ted Robbins was acknowledged at the ceremony; Robbins is retiring and the board noted his long service.

The recognition concluded with board members offering congratulations and brief remarks about district athletics and recent graduations. The ceremony was an agenda item and required no formal board action beyond the presentation.

The village minutes note the team’s roster and postseason results as part of the official record; a plaque was presented and photographs were taken at the meeting.