MOUNT VERNON, Ill. — Mount Vernon Township High School rising senior Arwyn Wilkey has committed to John A. Logan College to continue her softball career. The commitment gives Wilkey a future home with one of southern Illinois’ strongest junior college programs.

“It felt amazing to officially commit to John A. Logan College because that was my goal from the beginning and to finally complete the goal was such a good feeling. The opportunity to play college softball means a lot to me because of all the years of hard work and dedication into an opportunity to compete at a high level while growing as an athlete and as a person,” said Wilkey.

Wilkey has built an impressive resume through her first three varsity seasons at Mount Vernon, establishing herself as one of the Lady Rams’ most consistent hitters while also competing as a multi-sport athlete with basketball.

She has never hit below .440 in a varsity season. Wilkey opened her career by batting .448 as a freshman, followed it with a .442 average as a sophomore, then produced her best average yet by hitting .462 during her junior campaign.

Across 85 career games, Wilkey has collected 132 hits in 293 at-bats for a .451 career batting average. She has scored 84 runs and driven in 48, while recording 23 doubles, five triples and eight home runs.

Her ability to reach base extends beyond her batting average. Wilkey owns a .484 career on-base percentage, .645 slugging percentage and 1.129 OPS.

“To stay consistent at the plate takes a lot of hard work. Every week I went to hitting lessons and if something was off in my swing I would get my net and tee out and take swings at my house,” said Wilkey.

Wilkey took another step during her junior season. In 27 games, she recorded 43 hits in 93 at-bats, scored 21 runs and drove in a career-high 24. She added four doubles, two triples and two home runs while posting a .475 on-base percentage and .613 slugging percentage.

“The part of my game I take a lot of pride in is being able to make contact with almost every at-bat. I feel like I’ve grown the most in my confidence and leadership. I have learned how to respond to my mistakes instead of letting them affect me the rest of the game,” said Wilkey.

Her performance earned recognition beyond Mount Vernon, as Wilkey was selected to the 2026 All-South softball team.

The honor added another accomplishment to a high school career that has included success in multiple sports. Wilkey also competes for the Lady Rams basketball program, balancing the demands of two varsity sports throughout the school year.

“Playing basketball has made me a better softball player because it has improved my reaction time, communication skills, and ability to work as a team. Basketball has also taught me how to stay focused under pressure and make quick decisions which helps me a lot being a catcher,” said Wilkey.

Wilkey has also established herself as a reliable presence defensively.

She has recorded 654 putouts and 10 assists across 668 total chances while committing only four errors. That translates to a .994 career fielding percentage, including a .994 mark during her junior season after committing just one error in 178 chances.

She has also provided a threat on the bases throughout her career, stealing 32 bases over three seasons.

John A. Logan College in Carterville competes at the NJCAA Division I level and has developed into a consistent contender in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference. The Volunteers reached No. 9 in the NJCAA national rankings last season and have been able to develop their players further, consistently sending them to four-year universities after their stint in Carterville. 

Head coach Taylor Siefert has been at the center of that success, recently reaching 350 career victories. The Volunteers regularly have fielding lineups capable of hitting above .300 as a team.

“The thing that separated John A Logan from the other schools is the environment the team has and the high-level competition they play against. The thing that made the program feel like a right fit for me was the coaching style and the team environment. I felt welcomed by the coaches and players, and I could see myself growing both as a player and as a person there,” said Wilkey.

However, before Wilkey arrives in Carterville there is still a senior season to play.

“I want to get my 200 hits this year at Mount Vernon for my final season. I want people to remember my career as a Lady Ram as someone who always worked hard and supported my teammates. Also I want to be remembered as a good teammate and a leader who helped make the program better and left a positive impact,” said Wilkey.

We at WMIX wish Wilkey and all of the Lady Rams continued success throughout the upcoming athletic seasons. Go Lady Rams!