On Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, Central Bucks West seniors Katherine James and Jillian Boyle were recognized for committing to continue their softball careers at the collegiate level.
Jillian Boyle – Messiah University (Softball)
Major: Applied Health Sciences on a physical therapy track
Final list of colleges: Messiah, Swarthmore
Reasons for choosing Messiah: “The campus had a really good sense of community, and it felt like home, and I really loved the coaching staff, and they had the major I was looking for:
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level? “Once I started playing travel softball, I really fell in love with the sport, and I just always wanted to continue playing in college because it’s 
something I love.”
Central Bucks West coach Mike Daher: “Jill Boyle is a three-year letter winner for the Central Bucks West softball team. As their starting left fielder during her sophomore year, Jill led the Bucks in numerous offensive categories. These included base on balls with 12, stolen bases with 11, runs scored with 16 and hit by pitches with 6. She also added 12 hits and 9 RBIs during that year. She played an outstanding left field while being chosen as the team’s Most Improved Player.
“When the 2025 season rolled around, the Bucks needed a replacement for their graduating senior Molly Gibson. Jill made the move from left field to center field and quickly proved she was up to the task. Ultimately, Jill was honored at the Bucks end of year softball banquet by being selected as their Defensive Player of the Year. Jill did not make an error in center field all season and consistently made plays in both the left and right center field gaps with her impressive speed. Her exceptional speed again paid off on the base paths as she scored 20 runs, while stealing 6 bases during her junior season.
“Jill is an outstanding player with tremendous determination to improve her game every single day she is on the field. She demonstrates true leadership qualities and is an outstanding role model for our younger players by setting an example through her work ethics. Jill is always willing to help her teammates by making suggestions for improvement. It’s like having an extra coach on the field at all times. We are expecting big things from Jill during her senior year. I love watching Jill play and can’t wait to see what she does during her senior year, as well as next year at Messiah University.”
About Jill:
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Favorite music: Noah Kahan
Katherine James – Allegheny College (Softball)
Major: Undecided/Engineering
Final list of colleges: Allegheny, Temple, Penn State
Reasons for choosing Allegheny: “There was a very homey feel when I went on the campus and I walked around. I felt a lot more comfortable there than I did at other schools I was looking at.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in softball at the collegiate level?
I really started considering playing in college after I started feeling a little bit more comfortable playing it. I always loved the idea of competing. I’m very competitive, and I love running around and having fun.”
Central Bucks West coach Mike Daher: “After the 2024 softball season, Central Bucks High School West needed to find a replacement for their starting shortstop Chloe Dryden. Dryden had been the starting shortstop for the Bucks for four years. But, upon graduation from West, she went off to play softball at Boston University. The Bucks turned to junior infielder Katherine James, who needless to say, had big shoes to fill.
“Kat did about as well as could be expected. Not only did she play her new position well defensively, making only three errors over the course of the season, she was also equally impressive at the plate. Kat finished her junior year with a very impressive .349 average. She collected 22 base hits, including 17 singles and 5 doubles. She used her impressive speed on the bases to score a team leading 23 runs, while stealing five bases on the year. She also drew 10 walks and drove in 10 runs, while batting leadoff for the Bucks. Her impressive season as the new Bucks shortstop also earned her second team all Suburban One League honors.
“We went into last year not really knowing who would win the position as our starting shortstop. Throughout the winter and into early spring practices it became obvious that Kat James would earn that position through hard work and her determination to excel. She was willing to put in the extra time needed to not only play the position, but to play it well. Kat is a very focused and determined student athlete who attends every practice and game with the same work ethic to excel. She is willing to do whatever is necessary to improve as an athlete and to help her team find success. I have every expectation that Katherine will continue to play at this level during her senior year and carry that right out onto the field at Allegheny College.”
About Katherine
Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan
Favorite TV show: Whatever my family’s watching on TV
Favorite artist: Tyler the Creator
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