'Played for each other': Westmont Hilltop graduate Zailees Seda helps Glenville State softball team make history
Ever since Westmont Hilltop graduate Zailees Seda entered the transfer portal in 2024 after a coaching change at NCAA Division I St. Peter’s University, she never would have dreamed of a scenario she lived out this past softball season.
The junior second baseman at Glenville State University and her teammates made program history by advancing to the NCAA Division II Softball Championship for the first time.
It was an unforgettable season for Seda and the 51-18 Pioneers.
“Since the beginning of the year, we set our goals as a team,” Seda said. “One of our goals was to win the conference tournament and not only did we do that, we made it the whole way to the World Series. That accomplishment is something I used to dream of as a child. Every day, we went into practice with a chip on our shoulders and worked on getting better and like Coach (Sara) Scoone always tells us, ‘Win the first inning.’ “
Seda started all 69 games at second base and hit .367 with 28 runs, 12 doubles, one triple, five home runs, 48 RBIs, a .430 on-base percentage and a .505 slugging percentage. She drew 24 walks compared to eight strikeouts and provided six sacrifice flies. Seda was named to the Mountain East Conference first team for the second consecutive season.
Zailees Seda
Glenville State second baseman Zailees Seda gets ready for at-bat during the NCAA Division II Softball Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn.
“Zailees has been one of our most consistent players since she stepped foot on campus,” Scoone said. “Her and her family really bought into our program, and we are so thankful to have them. Although Zailees is a wonderful player, this year, she was able to step into a leadership role. Her constant ability to be vocal in the infield and make routine outs, while making adjustments in the box, she really was imperative to our lineup this year.”
‘So thankful’
With a 24-6 mark, the Pioneers clinched their second straight MEC South Division title. Glenville State then won five straight games in the MEC Tournament to earn gold, defeating Charleston twice. The Pioneers lost their Atlantic Regional Tournament opener, then reeled off four consecutive victories. Glenville State beat Charleston twice in a row to earn the pod title and secure a spot opposite Kutztown in the best-of-3 super regional.
After winning the first game 10-6, Glenville State dropped a 7-3 decision to the Golden Bears to force a Game 3. the Pioneers prevailed 7-3 to earn their first trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, as part of the final eight teams in the country at the Division II level.
“Personally, it felt amazing to be a part of this team this past year,” Seda said. “This year, we came together as one and played for each other in the good and bad. I am very honored to have played such a small part of this team’s success, and I am so thankful that I was able to do it all with these girls.”
Glenville State lost 5-3 to Missouri Southern and 5-0 to North Georgia in Chattanooga.
The Pioneers won nine straight elimination games between the MEC and Atlantic Regional tournaments.
“For a team to make it as far as what they did, it’s not just luck,” Scoone said. “It took skill and knowledge of the game. However, what took us as far as we went was team chemistry, resiliency and the drive to want to win. We won nine straight elimination games. That’s what is most impressive to me from this team.”
‘Had its challenges’
After playing primarily at shortstop in 2025, Seda made the switch over to second base. She encountered some troubles, but posted a .960 fielding percentage with 125 assists and 116 putouts.
“Moving to second base this year was not a big adjustment, but it had its challenges,” Seda said. “I had played a little bit of second base in travel softball for Team Pennsylvania, so I had the general knowledge. Coach Scoone worked with me at second base and helped me get back into the groove. From playing shortstop last season (2025) to playing second base this season, I am just thankful to have the opportunity to be a Pioneer.”
In 2025, Seda made 21 errors and finished with a .876 fielding percentage. Teammate Delaney Warnick, Glenville State’s first softball All-American, made the move from outfield to shortstop. Seda made her impact felt at second base and provided leadership and stabile play.
“What hasn’t she brought is the real question,” Scoone said of what Seda brings to the team. “Her energy is consistent with every practice. Her ability to step up when the team needs someone has been almost routine, and her family is such a joy to have around every game with constant cheering and confidence in all players. Zailees brought a new level of competitiveness and drive to our program, along with an elite skill set, which is exactly why we recruited her.”
Seda batted .380 with 37 runs, six doubles, two triples, two home runs, 26 RBIs, a .461 on-base percentage and a .479 slugging percentage in 2025. In 122 starts at Glenville State, she has a .373 average with 65 runs, 18 doubles, three triples, seven homers, 74 RBIs, a .444 on-base percentage and a .493 slugging percentage. She makes consistent contact, drawing 39 walks compared to 15 strikeouts and reached base on 15 hit by pitches.
Through three seasons, Seda has 214 career hits.
‘Become a home’
There was uncertainty after Seda’s freshman season at St. Peter’s in 2024. She was teammates with Ferndale graduate Angelina Wagner at St. Peter’s. Peacocks coach Chris Stelma took the same job at Oakland University in Michigan. Seda entered the transfer portal after batting .264 with 13 runs, six doubles, one homer and 18 RBIs.
Zailees Seda
Glenville State second baseman Zailees Seda gets ready for an at-bat during the NCAA Division II Softball Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn.
“I entered the transfer portal due to a coaching change at St. Peter’s, and that’s where Coach Scoone and Glenville State found me,” Seda said. “Glenville State has become more than a school to me, it’s become a home. At Glenville, I have found lifelong friends and made connections with some amazing people all thanks to Coach Scoone. Coach Scone recruited my teammate Delaney Warnick. We played on the same travel team, so she had seen me play before. Unfortunately, I was already committed to St. Peter’s by that time.”
Seda, who was named to the 2023 Pennsylvania High School Softball Coaches Association Class 3A all-state second team, has experienced growth as a person and on the diamond.
“My time at Glenville State has been incredible so far,” Seda said. “I’ve had the opportunity to grow both as a player and as a person while being surrounded by great teammates, coaches and support from the university community. We’ve been able to accomplish a lot as a program, and being part of that success has made my experience even more meaningful.”
She is looking forward to building on an unprecedented 2026 season during her final season.
“Looking ahead to next year, it will be very important to keep the softball program performing at a high level,” Seda said. “As I head into my final season, I want to help continue the standard that has been built here and leave the program in an even better position for the players who come after me. Maintaining a winning culture, working hard every day and continuing to compete for championships will be a major focus. I want my last season to be about helping the team achieve its goals while making sure the success of Glenville State softball continues well into the future.”
Scoone has high expectations for Seda’s final season in 2027.
“I expect the same thing I always expect – work hard, care about your craft and care about your team,” Scoone said. “Zailees knows exactly what she’s capable of, and that’s competing with her team for a national championship. I couldn’t be prouder of the player she is, and we adore the person she is.”
