EIU’s rising workhorse with a winning punch in the circle
In the 2026 season, Rylan Gick emerged as a true difference-maker for Eastern Illinois, going 12-4 with a 4.08 ERA, 91 strikeouts, and 118.0 innings while ranking third in the OVC in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched. She also logged eight complete games and a .750 winning percentage, which tied for one of the best single-season marks in EIU history. The big takeaway: she’s durable, competitive, and reliable in pressure spots—exactly the kind of pitcher who can stabilize a staff and swing a postseason race.