A recent trip to the Netherlands to play in The Cup softball tournament was packed with highlights.
Two stood out for Thomas Jefferson sophomore Zoie DeCostro, one that brought out her competitive juices and the other as a wide-eyed tourist.
“My favorite moment with my team was either playing our first game together,” she said, “or watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle with my teammates.
“I have been playing softball since I was 5 and never thought that at 15 I would be playing softball internationally. I have had so many amazing coaches throughout my career that have helped me continue to love the sport every time I step onto the field.”
The 30th annual international fast-pitch event known as The Cup 2026 took place Jan. 13-20 in the town of Schiedam, which is located near Rotterdam.
DeCostro and another TJ sophomore, Madden Stanek, joined top players from across the United States to compete indoors against elite international teams from countries such as Russia, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands.
The trip combined history, cultural and social experiences along with the softball competition. Players ranged in age from eighth grade students to high school seniors.
DeCostro and Stanek, both infielders at TJ, competed for Chaos, coached by Peter Katz and assistant Joahan Korpel.
Games took place Jan. 16-18 in halls in Schiedam and Groenoordha. Between games, players were scheduled to visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, explore the canals and markets of cities dating to the 1200s, and travel to Paris and stay near Notre Dame, the Louvre, Napoleon’s Palace and the Eiffel Tower.
It was promoted as a weekend of high-level play and possible once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“I think it was a great opportunity to see how softball is played in another country,” said Heidi Karcher, TJ’s softball coach, “and learn drills from teams outside the USA that maybe TJ softball can implement.
“Zoie is very reserved yet confident. She was poised under pressure last year as she made some varsity starts when my senior third baseman was hurt. I think it was a great opportunity for her to get exposure outside of the USA, and I’m hopeful Zoie will have a crucial role in the infield this year.”
Both TJ girls traveled with family members to Europe on the eight-day, seven-night trip.
“I was very fortunate to be selected to play with some of the top players around the country,” DeCostro said. “The talent overseas is next level, and I am thankful to have gotten to play at that next level. This trip was truly an amazing opportunity to get to play at that level of talent. It was a true test of my personal skills as an athlete and how we worked together as a team.
“I was able to share this experience with my family — mom Jill, dad Rob and sister Maggie — and some of my best friends on my travel team and my travel coach. I was also excited to meet all the girls from different states that we were playing with.”
The 5-foot-4 DeCostro said she had fun on the trip both on and off the field.
“I was expecting the competition to be tough knowing we were going up against the top players in the Netherlands,” DeCostro said, “and my expectations were met. The level of talent was unreal. I just trusted what I knew and what I had trained for and had so much fun. I would like to thank my travel coach Peter Katz, the Chaos head coach, for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime that I will never forget. And I am thankful for my Chaos assistant Johan Korpel for believing in me and always figuring out a way to make me smile.
“I would also like to thank my family for giving me opportunities like this. I am very thankful that my parents drive me around to my practices, and for my sister for always coming to watch my games. It means a lot.”
TJ’s softball team opened its 2026 season March 13 on the road against Penn-Trafford.
TJ won the Section 4-5A championship with a 10-2 record last year, one game ahead of Baldwin and Trinity, to qualify for the postseason.
After winning six of its final seven regular-season games, the Jaguars blanked Armstrong, 1-0, in the WPIAL first round but lost to West Allegheny, 2-1, in the quarterfinals to finish 13-7 overall.
“We won our section title and we made it to second round of playoffs,” DeCostro said, “but I hope we achieve those goals and more this season. I also hope to get more opportunities on varsity and possibly secure a starting spot.”
TJ is inundated with underclassmen on the 2026 squad. There are eight freshmen, 10 sophomores and only two juniors playing this year — pitcher Aubrey Shaffer and outfielder Sophia Janosko.
The senior class is represented by shortstop Adalina Bracco, pitcher Kaityn Beach, infielder Giuliana Mendel and outfielder Kaci Byrne.
DeCostro is listed as a third baseman and Stanek a utility player on the TJ team roster.
Other sophomore players consist of Rylee Nemcheck (UTIL), Madison Sheehan (P), Jemma Danko (C), Camdyn Noderer (1B), Addison Price (2B), and outfielders Ryanna Paczan, Myah Palmer and Rylann Donohue.