Missouri-bound Riley Zache ready to have some fun with Saint Joseph softball

Saint Joseph softball star Riley Zache says she wants to study medicine and someday become an Orthopedic Surgeon.

It's already clear that the versatile Zache can operate with the best of them on the diamond.

Junior Zache, a do-it-all performer for the Indians, is planning to take her immense skill set on to the University of Missouri. She made a verbal commitment to play for the Tigers back in the fall.

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"There was just something different about Missouri from the other schools who were recruiting me," said Zache of her decision to join the Tiger program. "After I had a phone call with their coaches back in September, I said that was a fun phone call. I love their coaches. It was like they wanted to get to know me and it just felt different.

"Then I went for a visit and I just loved the campus. I also loved the structure there. I thought that I need that being eight hours from home. I needed a familial feel and that's how I felt at Missouri."

"When I was little and lived in Texas, I wanted to go to Texas. But I went into my recruiting with an open mind. There was just something about Missouri."

Zache earned All-State honors as the record-setting catcher for the Class 3A state champion Indians a year ago. Zache, as a sophomore, set program records for home runs (10), hits (55), doubles (15) and runs scored (40). The sweet-swinger hit .573 with 29 RBI as St. Joe went 28-3 and beat No. 1 Tri-West Hendricks 1-0 in nine innings in the 3A title game for the first state title in program history.

Zache, who played second base as a freshman on a 19-8 team that lost in the semistate semifinals, has made quite the impression on her coach.

"What makes Riley an elite talent, goes beyond her strong arm, speed and explosive bat," said St. Joe coach Earl Keith, set to enter his 18th season. "She is always focused on the task at hand. She plays with extraordinary instincts.

"Riley is a tremendous leader, both on and off the field. She studies the game and knows everyone's responsibilities on every play. It's truly like having a coach on the field.

"She is a highly skilled catcher, which has developed by catching elite pitchers over the years. She's great at blocking pitches, framing pitches and has an arm that is explosive. For us this season, I anticipate her playing some shortstop as well. Again, her strong arm and quickness allows her to play any position."

Zache teamed with younger sister Berkley in 2022 as arguably the best pitcher-catcher combination in the state. Berkley, a 6-1 righty flamethrower, went 17-1 in the circle as a freshman phenom with 270 strikeouts and seven earned runs allowed in 124.1 innings pitched. The pair play together in the offseason for the Beverly Bandits, an elite travel team, and Berkley is one of the highest rated pitchers nationally in the Class of 2025. Berkley had 20 strikeouts in the state title game last June and the Indians did not allow a single run in seven postseason wins and ended the year with a 68-inning straight scoreless streak.

"I absolutely love catching Berkley," said Riley. "I also love playing shortstop too. It's so much fun. But I'm looking forward to doing both this season. I'm just thankful to play either position for my team."

Zache, whose mother Leslie is an assistant coach for the Indians, was also being recruited by schools such as Kentucky, Oklahoma State, Purdue and Northwestern.

Missouri, under the direction of fifth-year coach Larissa Anderson, went 38-22 overall and 12-11 in the SEC in 2022.

Zache, 17, lived in Texas early on in her childhood before moving to Paw Paw Michigan first and then to her current home in Niles some 12 years ago when her grandfather became ill. Her aunts, Kelli (Zache) Martin and Kendra (Zache) Lebold were both star pitchers for Brandywine High School in Niles and each played at Western Michigan University and Bethel College in Mishawaka. Kelli is now the head softball coach and Kendra an assistant coach at IUSB after each served in the same capacities at Saint Mary's College in South Bend previously.

"The high school season is my outlet to just go out and play and enjoy the game. It's just a more relaxed, fun atmosphere. I love my high school team and all of my teammates. I have all the confidence in the world in every girl on our team. I know the work they are putting in.''

Saint Joseph softball catcher/shortstop Riley Zache

Zache says she is looking forward to her junior season as the Indians move up to Class 4A for the state tournament series due to the IHSAA success factor. They are slated to open their season at Mishawaka March 28.

"The high school season is my outlet to just go out and play and enjoy the game," Zache said. "It's just a more relaxed, fun atmosphere. I love my high school team and all of my teammates. I have all the confidence in the world in every girl on our team. I know the work they are putting in.

"I took some time off to have a physical break and just a mental reset. Now I'm ready to go. I'm just so excited to be back on the field and to be in that environment where I play with my friends and against my friends.

"I just want to go out and be the best player I can be. I want to strive to do better and improve in every area of my game this season."

Keith, who has won 316 games, is happy to see No. 8 back in his dugout for a couple more seasons.

"Riley's attitude and ability won't let her fail," remarked Keith. "She will continue to succeed anywhere and do great things no matter if it is high school or college. It's an honor to watch her grow. Chemistry leads the way to success and Riley is always helping develop that chemistry."