November 30, 2022

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Left-handed pitchers and hitters are a special commodity at the higher levels. When teams have a threat from that side, it gives them a distinct advantage. As a 2023 lefty, Isabel Royle consistently produced in both the batter’s box and the circle. Recently, Royle signed her NLI to play for Saint Louis University (Mo.), an NCAA Division I school.

“Isabel is an excellent two-way player as a lefty pitcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter for both her club and high school team,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She doesn’t blow batters away with her 61 mph fastball, but she’s outstanding at mixing a variety of pitches to keep hitters off balance. At the plate, Isabel consistently makes solid contact and also is very fast on the basepaths with her 10.97 home-to-home speed.”

Royle led Sun Prairie H.S. to runner-up finishes at the WIAA State Championship each of the last two years. Her club stats feature 165 strikeouts and a 1.75 ERA, to go with a .418 batting average, eight triples and 47 RBIs.

“Isabel plays the game with passion and heart,” SLU Coach Christy Connoyer said on the SLU website. “She drives the ball with great force on offense and covers ground in the outfield. Her athleticism is remarkable, and she will bring a competitive drive to our program day in and day out. We’re looking forward to Isabel becoming a Billiken and bringing her love for the game to our team.”

Royle communicated with double-digit schools across all levels, receiving multiple offers. She’s looking forward to continuing her growth both on and off the softball diamond.

“Saint Louis is one of the top academic schools in the country,” Lauren said. “I was ecstatic when she committed there, not only for the academic fit, but also she’ll have the opportunity to play at the NCAA D1 level. Isabel loved that Saint Louis’ campus is all within a couple blocks and has a small-town feel in a big city. I’m excited to see the impact she makes there!”

With a 3.95 GPA and ranked in the top 10% of her class, Royle has a bright future in Saint Louis. Her family is grateful that ScoutU helped open that door for her.

“Jason and ScoutU were integral and provided a platform to Isabel’s recruiting process, which ultimately led to her accepting a D1 offer from Saint Louis University,” her father Jay said. “That platform provided all the tools necessary to help get noticed by multiple schools. If you are serious about becoming a student-athlete in college, ScoutU can certainly make that happen.”