Ball State University Athletics
Ciolli Bartlett Inks Six in Inaugural Softball Signing Class
November 20, 2015 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - With the signing of six players to National Letters of Intent during the 2015 early signing period, Ball State softball first-year head coach Megan Ciolli Bartlett has bolstered the team's depth in nearly every position.
Set to join the Cardinals for the 2017 season are outfielder Haley Dominique (Oregon, Ohio/Clay), catcher Janae Hogg (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral), pitcher Darcie Huber (Greenfield, Ind./Greenfield Central), first baseman/outfielder Caitlyn Robinson (Clarksville, Ohio/Clinton-Massie), pitcher Alyssa Rothwell (Ashville, Ohio/Teays Valley) and infielder Kennedy Wynn (New Albany, Ind./New Albany).
“I am thrilled to announce the signing of our 2016 class,” Ciolli Bartlett said. “This is a talented, enthusiastic and already tight-knit group of young athletes. I know they will contribute to the ongoing success Ball State softball has come to expect, as well as catapult the program to new heights.”
Dominique enters her senior season at Clay High School in Oregon, Ohio, as the reigning Three Rivers Athletics Conference Player of the Year. A two-time first team all-district selection, Dominique finished her junior campaign as a .505 batter for the Eagles. She scored 49 runs and tallied 34 RBI to help lead Clay to its third league title and third sectional championship in the past three years. She also made 11 appearances in the circle last season, recording a 1.07 ERA and 50 strikeouts while issuing just five walks. As a freshman, she finished the year with a school-record 1.000 fielding percentage to earn the program's Golden Glove Award. In addition to her high school career, Dominique helped her Beverly Bandits 18U Travel Team capture the 2015 ASU/USA National Championship.
"I am extremely excited to play softball at Ball State and to become part of their family,” Dominique said. “The coaches, players and atmosphere are incredible. I knew right away this school was meant for me, and I cannot wait to become a Cardinal."
Hogg enters her senior season at Cathedral High School as a .345 career batter for the Fighting Irish, who she helped guide to a 17-13 overall record and a berth in the Indiana High School Athletics Association (IHSAA) Class 4A Section 10 Championship Game. Prior to attending Cathedral, Hogg was a two-year letterwinner at North Central High School where she was a first team all-conference selection as a freshman and academic all-conference honoree as a sophomore. Hogg hit .531 as a freshman and .587 as a sophomore at North Central, and has seven home runs and 35 RBI over her three-year playing career. In addition to her high school career, Hogg plays on the Indy Dreams-Bell 18U team.
“I chose Ball State because I wanted to be part of a successful softball program and I wanted to attend a school that has a reputation for providing academic excellence,” Hogg said. “I also loved the family atmosphere the Ball State softball program offers. I am excited to have the opportunity to play for Ball State and look forward to being a part of a winning tradition."
Huber enters her senior season at Greenfield Central High School fresh off a 2015 campaign which saw her earn third team all-state accolades after helping guide the Cougars to a 27-5 overall record, as well as conference and sectional championships. The Hancock Country Player of the Year as a junior, Huber earned a 20-2 record in the circle, logging a 1.15 ERA and 211 strikeouts over 23 appearances. At the plate, she was a .472 batter for Greenfield Central, driving in 32 RBI and scoring 26 runs with the help of 13 doubles and nine home runs. In addition to her high school career, Huber plays for the Indiana Magic Gold 18U team.
“I am excited to suit up and represent the Cardinals, which allows me to continue to play the game I love,” Huber said. “I want to thank my parents and coaches for helping me get here. I cannot wait to make Ball State my home.”
Robinson enters her senior season at Clinton-Massie High School in Clarkesville, Ohio, as a two-time first team all-conference selection. As a junior, she led the Falcons to a sectional championship by producing a team-leading .484 batting average with 46 hits, 38 RBI, 36 runs scored and nine home runs. When she starts her collegiate career at Ball State, Robinson will become the first student-athlete in school history to play Division I softball. In addition to her high school career, Robinson helped her Beverly Bandits 18U Travel Team capture the 2015 ASU/USA National Championship.
“After visiting Ball State for my first time, I knew instantly this is where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life both on the field and in the classroom,” Robinson said. “The campus and new softball complex are amazing, and I felt right at home. The coaching staff, as well as everything else, is top notch. I am truly honored to be a part of this successful program.”
Rothwell enters her senior season at Teays Valley High School in Ashville, Ohio, as a second team all-state honoree after earning a 17-7 record, a 1.804 ERA and 189 strikeouts in the circle as a junior. Her biggest accomplishment of the season, however, may have come at the plate when she led off the bottom of the eighth inning of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division I State Championship Game with a walk-off home run to help the 21st-seeded Vikings do the improbable and win the state title. In the circle at the championship game, Rothwell shutdown a previously undefeated Lebanon High School team, allowing just one hit while striking out seven batters over eight innings of work. In addition to her high school career, Rothwell helped her Beverly Bandits 18U Travel Team capture the 2015 ASU/USA National Championship.
“After my first visit to Ball State University, I knew it was where I wanted to go,” Rothwell said. “The campus makes me feel at home and it was exactly what I was looking for. I am so honored to have an opportunity to play softball for such an amazing program. I cannot wait to see what I can do for the team.”
Wynn enters her senior season at New Albany High School after earning first team all-state accolades as a junior. A First Team All-Hoosier Hill Conference selection as both a sophomore and junior, Wynn was named team captain for both her junior and senior campaigns. In addition to being a standout in softball, Wynn has earned a pair of letters in soccer for New Albany. She was a second team all-state and first team all-conference selection for the soccer team this past season. In addition to her high school career, Wynn plays for the Louisville Lady Sluggers – Dobina 18U team.
“I am looking forward to competing at a higher level at Ball State and becoming an integral component of the Cardinals,” Wynn said.
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB & @BallStateSports / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSoftball.
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