Former Hempfield ace ‘building a complete team’ at Franklin Regional

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Maddie Uschock made visits to the pitching circle during games last season as an assistant softball coach at Franklin Regional.

The former WPIAL and PIAA championship-winning ace at Hempfield, who played at Shippensburg, brought calmness to ailing pitchers. She helped them reset.

As she begins her first season as head coach of the Panthers, Uschock knows her duties will be much more encompassing.

“My focus has been on building a complete team,” Uschock said. “While my background is in pitching, our emphasis as a program is on playing well-rounded softball — strong defense, disciplined hitting, aggressive baserunning and situational awareness. This group has worked hard in the offseason, and we’re excited to see how they continue to grow together.”

Franklin Regional finished second in Section 2-5A at 13-7, 9-3, in longtime coach Jim Armstrong’s final season.

Armstrong led the Panthers for 23 years before turning the program over to Uschock.

Franklin Regional was blanked by Fox Chapel in the first round of the playoffs, 4-0.

The team has a massive task in replacing a tremendous one-two power punch in Division I players Toryn Fulton (South Florida) and Ciara Camacho (Kent State), but Uschock is far from rebuilding.

Just two seniors return to a group with a large concentration of juniors.

The seniors, Adrianna Martz and Olivia Cowell, bring important leadership to the group, Uschock said.

“Adrianna will help anchor the outfield, and Olivia has been a steady presence for us who leads by example and helps set the tone for our younger players,” Uschock said.

Top returning juniors include catcher Alex Speranza, infielders Ava Rhoten, Ceana Copeland and Bella Salas, pitchers Salas, Ellah Rozycki and Maddie Hill and Celina Camacho and Laurel Goldstrohm in the outfield.

Uschock expects depth in the pitching circle.

Salas, Rozycki and Hill all return with varsity experience, while sophomores Mia Martz and Peyton Carder stretch the bullpen.

“Developing consistency and depth in the pitching staff will be important for us throughout the season,” Uschock said.

“Offensively, we expect to have a balanced lineup with a mix of speed, experience and emerging young talent.”

Camacho and Adriana Martz will get games started at the top of the order, with Copeland and Rhoten looking to drive in runs from the middle of the lineup.

Speranza is another threat to drive in runs.

“We’re also excited about some younger players stepping into larger roles, including freshmen Gracelyn Stark and Cassidy Gizler, who bring versatility and athleticism to the infield,” Uschock said.

The new coach wants to continue the winning tradition put in place by Armstrong.

Her staff will include Jesse Mallon, Kelli Higgins, Jen Devey and Becky Mertz.

“I love every aspect of the game,” Uschock said. “Fortunately for our team, I have a great coaching staff in my assistants, who make it all possible.

“(Armstrong) built a program with a strong tradition and reputation at Franklin Regional, and our goal is to continue that standard while also establishing our own identity centered around accountability, preparation and competitive team culture.”

The Panthers have made the WPIAL playoffs nine straight times. (There was no season in 2020 because of the covid pandemic.)

“Class 5A has a number of strong programs, so our focus is on improving every day and competing at a high level within the section,” Uschock said. “This group has a lot of athleticism and versatility, and we’re excited to see how they compete together this season.”

The Panthers will open the season at the Cal Ripken Experience in Pigeon Force, Tenn.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional