recruits
Anyone know anything on the 2020 incoming class? Barring any injuries expectations have to be to at least win 1 game in the WCWS next year, but will need a freshman or soph-junior transfer as a solid #2 pitcher
We have four coming in next year unless there is a late addition. With transfers these days, you never know who might come in.
Kianna Jones Pitcher from Canada. We can only hope, right.
Olivia Peterson Dyer, Ind. Catcher/Utility
Sydney Strelow Kenosha, Wisc. Infielder
Delanie Cox Aurora, Co Utility player
Minnesota Golden Gopher softball added another student-athlete to their 2019-20 roster, head coach Jamie Trachsel announced Wednesday.
Delanie Cox out of Aurora, Colo. and Cherokee Trail High School signed her National Letter of Intent this week and will join Kianna Jones, Olivia Peterson and Sydney Strelow as newcomers on next year's team.
"The second I stepped on campus at the University of Minnesota, I got this feeling that I belonged there and in that moment I knew I wanted to be a Golden Gopher," Cox said. "Everything I learned after being on campus confirmed the feeling I got right away. From the amazing facilities to the unbelievable culture, I knew that Minnesota was the perfect fit for me."
Cox was named an All-American by the NFCA and earned CHSAA All-State honors twice in her career. As a senior Cox hit .638 with 49 hits, 45 RBIs and eight home runs. Cox played club ball with the Colorado Bombers for seven years and the Colorado Styxx Gold for two years.
"Delanie is a great addition to our already well rounded 2019 class," Trachsel said. "She is a very good athlete who is comfortable playing multiple positions. She is a right-handed hitter who can hit for average and power. She is very mature and radiates a sense of calm and confidence as both an athlete and as a person."
Cox was named to Softball America's Top-300 and was selected to play in the 2018 ESPN Triple Crown All-American game. In the 2018 5A State semifinal game, she hit a walk-off single despite swinging with one hand due to playing with a cast on her right hand. Off the field, Cox is the senior class president and has been in student government the past two years.
"Delanie's composure, mentality, willingness to learn and ability to make changes quickly will serve her well as she adjusts to the collegiate level," Trachsel said. "We look for her to be a contributor in multiple ways immediately and are proud she will be wearing Maroon and Gold."
Minnesota Golden Gopher softball added three student-athletes to their 2019-20 roster, head coach Jamie Trachsel announced Thursday.
"It is with great pride and a tremendous amount of excitement that we welcome our 2019 class and their families into our Gopher softball family," Trachsel said. "All of these young women bring with them a tremendous amount of passion for the University of Minnesota and our softball program, the work ethic and desire to be great and the unselfishness to be part of something bigger than themselves. I have no doubt they will make immediate contributions to the success of our program on and off the field as we challenge for excellence in the classroom and championships on the field."
Kianna Jones | Pitcher/Utility | Surrey, BC, Canada | Burnsview Senior Secondary
"I chose the University of Minnesota because I loved the atmosphere and the people there," Jones said. "Everyone is amazing and I learned a lot from the staff while I was there. Minnesota will not only make me a better player but a better person. I truly believe that at the end of my four years there I will have grown tremendous amounts."
Jones was selected to the Canadian Junior Women's National Team Fastpitch pool in 2018. She competed with the Surrey Storm and won Provincial Championships in 2013, 2015 and 2016. They were also the Canadian National Champions in 2015 and 2016 with an impressive 210-45-9 record. She competed with the Delta Heat and won Provincial and National Championships in 2017. Jones will be the second black belt on the Gophers joining Amber Fiser as she has a Tae-Kwon-Do 2nd Degree Black Belt.
"KJ is the kind of player and person you want on your team and in your program," Trachsel said. "She is a balanced athlete with great size, movement and the ability to throw with velocity and accuracy. Her desire to be part of this team and drive to not just be good but great, make her a welcomed addition to our program. Her ability to play multiple positions, pitch and hit for power will be valuable to the strength and depth of our team. We look forward to working with KJ and being part of her journey and collegiate experience. Her energy, class, humbleness and character will be a true asset to this program."
Olivia Peterson | Catcher/Utility | Dyer, Ind. | Lake Central High School
"I fell in love with the University of Minnesota the moment I first walked on campus in seventh grade," Peterson said. "I loved the people, the city, the team and the atmosphere. I knew I wanted to be a Gopher ever since."
Peterson helped her teams to a twelfth place finish at the 2014 PGF Nationals and an eighth place at the 2016 PGF Nationals. She has lettered in softball every year since seventh grade and helped lead her high school team to the state championship game as a junior. She has been named Northwest Indiana Athlete of the Week in her career.
"Olivia is a great addition to our program. She is a very solid and balanced player who has a tremendous work ethic and true leadership skills," Trachsel said. "Her maturity, humility and poise will allow her to make big strides physically and mentally as a freshman. Olivia's unselfishness, sacrifice and commitment to this program will make her an asset on both sides of the ball as she can play multiple positions well and has a strong understanding, knowledge base and foundation as a hitter. Her character, passion and pride are exactly what being a Gopher is about."
Sydney Strelow | Infielder | Kenosha, Wis. | Bradford High School
"I feel overwhelming joy whenever I step on campus," Strelow said. "There's a family atmosphere not only among the softball team, but within the whole university. The U is exactly where I belong. I'm blessed to call Minnesota my future home and am super excited to compete as a Gopher."
Strelow is a three-time All-Conference, two-time All-District and two-time All-State softball honoree and has helped lead her team to three straight WIAA Regional Championships. She was named Team MVP the past two seasons and is set to be a team captain for the second straight year in the 2019 season. Strelow has also earned All-Conference honors in basketball and claims that she can, "juggle like a boss."
"Sydney is a natural athlete who brings with her a feisty personality and true passion for the game," Trachsel said. "The combination of her athleticism, competitive mindset and determination will be her foundation as she challenges to contribute to the success of this program immediately. Her great hands and strong arm make her a versatile player in the infield while her confidence and hand eye coordination will be the backbone to her development as an offensive player who can hit for average and power. There's no question she will excel on and off the field and represent Minnesota softball with the utmost respect." Follow Minnesota Softball
