On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Souderton seniors Kathryn Jones, Ava Detweiler, Izzy Shurtz & Skyler Byrnes were recognized for committing to play collegiate softball. Photos by Keith Clemens Photography. To view the complete photo gallery, click on the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p317476326
Skyler Byrnes – Pace University (Softball)
Major: Biology
Final list of colleges: Pace, Fordham, Drexel
Reasons for choosing Pace: “I ultimately chose Pace because it just felt like the right school when I stepped on campus.”
Favorite Souderton sports memory: “My favorite memory would be last season the first time
we played North Penn at home. The game was just unforgettable.”
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “Skyler was our ace her junior year but was limited this past season with a shoulder injury. This was extremely difficult for her, but Skyler was resilient and grew both as a player and a leader. It broke me as a coach to see her anguish, but helping Skyler to navigate all of the different challenges this past season grew me as a coach. More importantly, it helped our relationship to flourish. Skyler has tremendous talent as a pitcher but really improved as a hitter this year. Skyler wanted to do whatever she could to help the team, and her dedication led to all-conference numbers offensively. She really developed a love for her teammates, and I appreciated that she didn't want our season to end because of her relationships on the team. Skyler is a well-developed player with lots of softball knowledge. Pace University is extremely fortunate to have a player of Skyler's caliber.”
About Skyler:
Favorite food: French Fries
Favorite movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Favorite artist: SZA
Ava Detwiler – Susquehanna University (Softball)
Major: Chemistry & Chemistry Management
Final list of colleges: Susquehanna, Gettysburg
Reasons for choosing Susquehanna: “I ultimately fell in love with Susquehanna. It felt like home when I was on the campus.”
Favorite Souderton sports memory: “My favorite memory is the teammates I’ve had 
throughout the sport.”
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “Ava is a once-in-a-lifetime player. It is difficult to find someone who brings as much to a team as she has for us. Ava is a talented, hardworking player who cares deeply about her teammates. There is no limit to what Ava will do for Susquehanna University at the next level. She will outwork anyone and is extremely coachable. Much of Ava's growth is a result of her willingness to be an open-minded player who will do anything to improve her skills. Ava put up some really good numbers for us this year, both on the mound and offensively. She continues to improve with each year, and I anticipate this will continue throughout her collegiate career. Ava is a well-rounded person and will be successful in anything that she does in life. I am excited about the bright future Ava has ahead of her.”
About Ava:
Favorite food: Vegetables
Favorite TV show: Gilmore Girls
Favorite artist: Josiah Queen
Kathryn Jones – East Stroudsburg University (Softball)
Major: Biology
Reasons for choosing East Stroudsburg: “It was the first school to give me an offer. I loved it so much, and the search kind of stopped there. The coaches and just everyone was so welcoming, and there was no doubt what I would choose.”
Favorite Souderton sports memory: “My favorite memories have come with just bonding with
teammates and getting to know them better.”
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “Kathryn is a unique player with incredible talent. I am amazed at how she has improved in the past couple of years. Kathryn is a hard worker on and off the field. She spent a lot of time this past offseason in the weight room, and it really helped make her a better all-around player. Kathryn puts a tremendous amount of time into her development as a player. It takes a lot to gain her trust because she doesn't want just anyone making adjustments to her mechanics. I am thankful that she spent considerable time working with our coaching staff. It is hard to get her off the field. I have had to, on numerous occasions, force her out of the batting cages or limit her bullpen session because she will just keep going. I would argue that Kathyrn is the most valuable player in all of the state. There is no one player who can play every position as well as she does and brings the kind of value that she did to our team. Her versatility has enabled us to move players around to fit their strengths. ESU is getting a player who loves the game more than anyone I have ever met. Moreover, they are getting someone who is intentional with her relationships and cherishes her teammates.”
About Kathryn:
Favorite food: Burritos
Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite artist: Coldplay
Izzy Shurtz – Gwynedd Mercy University (Softball)
Major: Psychology
Final list of colleges: Gwynedd Mercy, Elizabethtown, Widener
Reasons for choosing Gwynedd Mercy: “I really liked the options for my major and the team environment.”
Favorite Souderton sports memory: “My favorite memory is the spring training trips we go on
every year because we bond on those tripe.”
Souderton coach Tyler Bui: “Izzy played four years of softball and basketball. To say she is a very committed athlete is an understatement. Izzy has always shown dedication in everything that she does, from athletics to the classroom. Izzy is a great teammate and always wants to see others be successful. Gwynedd Mercy is getting a hardworking player who desires to get better every time she is on the field. Izzy will immediately impact the clubhouse and will be a positive addition to the program.”
About Izzy:
Favorite food: Acai Bowls
Favorite TV show: How I Met Your Mother
Favorite artist: Harry Styles
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