UIC Freshman Emilia Bartholomew Brings Contact-First Versatility Behind the Plate
Emilia Bartholomew entered 2026 as a freshman for UIC and has already seen meaningful early action, appearing in 33 games and starting 18, which points to real trust from the coaching staff.[2] Her game looks built on steady contact and plate discipline rather than boom-or-bust power: D1Softball lists her 2026 strikeout and walk rates at 12.3% each, and UIC notes she recorded her first career hit early in the season.[5][2] She also contributes as a catcher/first baseman and has shown value in situational plays and running the bases, making her a useful fit for teams that want a versatile, low-mistake contributor.[2][3]
