Alum Spotlight: Laila Summers ’20 Continues Her Journey with the Chicago Snowballs

For alum and former Celtic softball player Laila Summers, the game never really ended – it just evolved.

After graduating high school, Summers continued her softball career at Saint Xavier University, where she played all four years. But even after college, she wasn’t ready to walk away from the sport that had shaped so much of her life.

That next opportunity came in an unexpected way – she’ll be playing for the newest Chicago team, the Chicago Snowballs (think of the Savannah Bananas here in Chicago)!

“My mom found the Chicago Snowballs tryout on Facebook and said, ‘This would be perfect for you!’” Summers recalled. “We sat at the kitchen table and filled out my application together – and the rest is history. My motto is ‘You Only Live Once’, and I thought the only regret I could have is not trying out.”

That mindset paid off.

After attending tryouts for the Chicago Snowballs, Summers quickly realized she had found something special.

“There were three days of tryouts, and they were so high energy. Everyone brought so much talent,” she said. “I honestly just had so much fun. We did baseball, which was new for me coming from softball, along with dancing, tumbling, sharing a special talent – I sang – and even interviews about who we are.”

Just days later, she got the call that changed everything.

“I was in the car with my best friends on the way to Lake Geneva for a birthday when I got a call from a number I didn’t recognize,” she said. “I remember asking, ‘Do I answer? What if it’s the Snowballs?’ and they all yelled, ‘Yes!’”

On the other end of the line was CEO Cherie with life-changing news.

“She said, ‘Laila, I wanted to let you know that you are going to be a Chicago Snowball.’ I was completely speechless – which, if you know me, is very uncommon,” Summers laughed. “My friends were freaking out, and then I called my parents and grandma right away to share the news.”

Since then, the experience has exceeded every expectation.

“The best part has really been the people,” she said. “Coming back to being a full-time athlete is something I’ve missed since graduating, but this team made it even more special. We clicked instantly – it feels like we’ve been family for years. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but we just fit together perfectly.”

Now, Summers is looking ahead to the season, eager to bring energy and excitement to the field.

“I’m most excited to be back playing baseball and putting on an incredible show for our fans,” she said. “I want people to see the fun, playful side of the game and leave with smiles and laughs.”

The Snowballs will open their season on May 2 at Kerrywood Field in Chicago, with games continuing through September 2026.

For Summers, though, the journey is about more than just the game – it’s about what sports have given her and what she hopes to pass on to others.

“Continuing to be involved in athletics has been the joy of my life,” she said. “Softball has given me relationships I’ll have forever, from when I was 10 years old all the way to now.”

She also has a message for the next generation of female athletes.

“As women, we have that fiery competitiveness – and we should embrace it, not shy away from it,” Summers said. “Playing all my life gave me a confidence that I carry every day. Now I bring that into the Snowballs, where I play alongside amazing women and men. We want to show people that women are capable of playing this sport at the highest level – with confidence, energy, and grace.”

Laila, your entire Celtic Family is cheering you on – we can’t wait to see you compete!