EC Softball Announces 2022-23 Recruiting Class
EUREKA – After getting her feet wet in her first season as Eureka head softball coach, Juell Hodges announced a historic recruiting class on Wednesday.
The Red Devils will be adding a program-record 26 players to its roster for the 2023 season. The maroon and gold will welcome 19 freshmen and seven transfers, 20 in-state talents and seven out-of-state recruits from Missouri, Washington, Montana, California, Ohio and Alaska, respectively.
Eureka will also be returning 10 players from the 2022 squad, mounting all kinds of excitement for next spring.
"I am very excited for the incoming class," Hodges said. "There is big talent coming in that is going to make a difference in our program. The 10 returners have set a standard, and I am looking forward to seeing them guide the newcomers."
The Class of 2022-23 includes:
A 5-foot-9 freshman from Dunlap, Hannah was a four-year varsity player and a pitcher/second baseman for the Eagles.
A 5-foot freshman from Ellisville, Missouri, Gina was an infielder and Golden Glove recipient at Lafayette High School.
A sophomore transfer and infielder from Lincoln College, Gada was a First Team All-Vermilion County and a First Team All-Vermilion Valley Conference honoree for Bismark-Henning/Rossville-Alvin.
A 5-foot-6 freshman pitcher from Pekin, Mady helped the Dragons win a regional championship in 2021.
A 5-foot-8 freshman pitcher from Enumclaw, Washington, Caitlin helped the Enumclaw Hornets capture a conference championship and was named South Puget Sound League 2A Honorable Mention in 2022.
A 5-foot-6 freshman Peoria, Kelsie previously pitched and played first base at Limestone.
A 5-foot-7 freshman from Stanford, Rachel pitched and played club softball in the Springfield area.
A 5-foot-6 junior transfer and second baseman from Lincoln College, Kacy previously helped her team win a regional championship and was an Honor Student at Brown County High School.
A 5-foot-9 freshman from Pekin, Bailey caught, played first base and helped the Dragons earn a regional championships title in 2021.
A 5-foot-10 sophomore transfer first baseman from Lincoln College, KayLee was a Second Team All-State, First Team All-Lincoln Prairie Conference, Team MVP and set the program record for home runs at Arcola. She also helped the Lady Raiders win a regional championship as a senior.
A 5-foot-3 freshman from Warrensburg, Carmen was a utility player and First Team All-Central Illinois Conference honoree.
A 5-foot-4 freshman utility player from Lemont, Lexi was a contributor on Lemont's 2022 Class 3A state championship team and the 2021 3A state runner-up squad.
A 5-foot-4 freshman utility player from Mansfield, Farrah was a Second Team All-Illinois Prairie Conference honoree, a Bloomington Normal Girls Softball Association All-Star selection and a four-year Honor Student at Blue Ridge.
A 5-foot-4 junior transfer and catcher/outfielder from Billings, Montana, Klaire hit over .300 in two seasons at Williston State in North Dakota.
A 5-foot-1 freshman pitcher/outfielder from Manito, Kloe Norris was a Second Team All-Tomahawk honoree, a Tomahawk Conference All-Academic selection and Honor Student at Midwest Central.
A 5-foot-2 freshman from Delavan, Claire was a four-year varsity player for the Panthers and a Second Team All-Tomahawk and All-Inter County Athletic Conference honoree. An accomplished student, she was also valedictorian.
A 5-foot-2 sophomore transfer and catcher/infielder from Lincoln College, Kylie previously bat .600 and recorded a perfect fielding percentage while earning Second Team All-Mid-Illini honors at East Peoria.
A 5-foot-8 freshman from Springfield, Tatum was a successful slugger and pitcher at Glenwood, leading the team offensively in most batting categories in 2021 and becoming the team's ace in 2022. An All-Central State 8 honoree, she helped the Titans win three regional championships.
A 5-foot-7 freshman pitcher/infielder from Morton, Sasha was known for her dependable glove in the field, recording a .976 fielding percentage.
A 5-foot-2 freshman from Turlock, California, Angelica batted .382 with 23 RBI and was selected First Team All-Central California Conference Athletic League.
A 5-foot-6 freshman catcher/third baseman from Farmer City, Ashlyn was a First Team All-Lincoln Prairie, First Team All-Area and Third Team All-State honoree and Honor Student at Blue Ridge.
A 5-foot-6 freshman corner infielder from Fairborn, Ohio, Abigail helped the Fairborn Skyhawks win the Miami Valley League conference championship.
A 5-foot-4 junior transfer and oufielder from Heartland Community College, Kloey was a two-time All-Prairieland honoree at Farmington. At Heartland, she received the GRIT Award of Heartland Athletics.
A 5-foot-3 junior transfer and outfielder from Illinois Central College, Macey helped the Panthers win three straight Mid-Illini Conference titles from 2017-2019 and played for ICC as a freshman.
A 5-foot-4 freshman outfielder from Anchorage, Alaska, Shelby received All-Tournament honors during the 2022 season.
A 5-foot-6 freshman pitcher from Peoria, Claire racked up 127 strikeouts as a senior and received Academic Inter County Athletic All-Academic honors.