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Utah Tech University Athletics

2018-19 SB Signing Class Story
Keric Seegmiller - DSU Media Relations

Softball By DSU Athletics Media Relations

Softball signs seven for 2019-20 season

Dixie State softball head coach Randy Simkins has announced the signing of seven players, who will join the Trailblazers for the 2019-20 season.

The signees include Brianna Castellon (Pitcher; Fullerton, Calif/Troy HS), Shea Clements (Catcher/Outfield; Las Vegas, Nev./Shadow Ridge HS), Hannah Hughbanks (Outfield/First Base; Chino Hills, Calif./Ayala HS), Laura Lockard (Second Base/Shortstop; Boise, Idaho/Bishop Kelly HS),  Maile Maletta (Shortstop/Second Base; Norco, Calif./Norco HS), Brylee Rudd (Catcher/Shortstop; Spanish Fork, Utah/Spanish Fork HS), and Kaylan Walker (Shortstop/Outfield; Meridian, Idaho/Rocky Mountain HS).

"I'm extremely excited about this recruiting class," Simkins said. "They replace a very good senior class, one that has been very good for us for four years. I expect this class to continue to try to raise the level of our program every year they are here."


Dixie State Fall 2018 Signees
Name Pos. Hometown (High School)
Brianna Castellon P Fullerton, Calif. (Troy HS)
Shea Clements C/OF Las Vegas, Nev. (Shadow Ridge HS)
Hannah Hughbanks OF/1B Chino Hills, Calif. (Ayala HS)
Laura Lockard 2B/SS Boise, Idaho (Bishop Kelly HS)
Maile Maletta SS/2B Norco, Calif. (Norco HS)
Brylee Rudd C/SS Spanish Fork, Utah (Spanish Fork HS)
Kaylan Walker SS/OF Meridian, Idaho (Rocky Mountain HS)



16408Castellon is a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton, California, where she is a four-year varsity player and team captain. Castellon pitched in every game of her junior season and tossed two no-hitters in 160 innings pitched. She finished the year ranked in the top-three of the Freeway League in ERA, strikeouts, and wins. Additionally, Castellon earned Scholar Athlete honors and was named 2018 team MVP.

"Brianna is a very good pitcher who has been successful against some of the best high school and travel ball teams around," Simkins said. "Time and time again I've watched her get really good hitters out. Her excellent mechanics allow her to throw the ball with such an easy motion. She spins it really well and will continue to get better each year she is here. We're excited to see what she can do in the circle for us."


Clements is a senior at Shadow Ridge High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she has competed at the varsity level since her freshman year in 2016. Clements is a two-16409time first team All-State and All-Region honoree, leading the Mustangs to region titles in 2016 and 2018 with state playoff appearances in both seasons. Additionally, Clements is a four-time Academic Athlete and was named to the Nevada All-State Academic Team as a junior in 2018.

"Shea is a talented young lady who brings a tremendous energy to the field each and every day," Simkins said. "She is a very good catcher who could also see time in the outfield if she's not catching. Because of her speed, base running ability, and ability to hit for a high average, she could be a top-of-the-lineup type hitter for us. She is a very respectful young lady who is fun to watch play this game."



16410Hughbanks is a senior at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, California, where she has been a team captain since her sophomore year in 2017. Hughbanks is a three-time first team All-Palomares League honoree, and earned first team All-CIF honors in 2017 and first team All-Area honors in 2018. Additionally, Hughbanks earned Palomares League first team All-Academic honors in 2018.

"Hannah is a very talented left-handed hitter who can hit top-level pitching," Simkins said. "She hits the ball to all fields and can hit for power. She will challenge for at-bats right away and it will be fun to see how she hits it at the collegiate level. Hannah is one of the best defensive first basemen in this recruiting class and her arm strength allows her to be a very good outfielder as well."


Lockard is a senior at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho, where she has been in integral part of the softball program since her freshman season. Lockard earned NFCA 16411High School West Region second team honors as a junior in 2018, and is a two-time first team 4A All-Southern Idaho Conference honoree. Additionally, Lockard earned the 2017 IHSAA Outstanding Individual Scholastic award.
 
"Laura is a very strong and powerful middle infielder who will be fun to watch develop as a player during her time at Dixie State," Simkins said. "She also has the potential to be a very powerful hitter for us. She is an excellent student that will carry on the tradition of excellent student-athletes on our team."



16412Maletta is a senior at Norco High School in Norco, California, where she has played nearly every defensive position and helped the Cougars into the postseason in each of her three years at the varsity level. After a quarterfinal finish in 2016, and a runner-up finish in 2017, Maletta helped the Cougars to the CIF Southern Section Championship as a junior in 2018.

"Maile is a very gifted athlete who can play just about anywhere," Simkins said. "She will primarily see time as a middle infielder,  but has done a great job at third base and in the outfield. This versatility should give her opportunities to play right away next year. She is an excellent base runner who has proven she can succeed against top-level competition both with her high school and travel ball teams. We're excited to see what she can do in a Trailblazer uniform."



16413Rudd is a senior at Spanish Fork High School in Spanish Fork, Utah, where she has competed at the varsity level since her freshman season. Rudd helped the Dons to back-to-back state championships as a freshman and sophomore, and a state runner-up finish as a junior in 2018. She is two-time first team All-State and a three-time first team All-Region honoree. Additionally, Rudd finished the 2018 season as the Utah High School home run leader and was named Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year.

"Brylee has a really high skill level in two critical positions, catcher and shortstop," Simkins said. "She will compete for time at both of these positions right away next year. She is a gifted three-sport athlete who is a powerful hitter that we believe can hit for power at this level. Brylee is also another great student in this recruiting class who should see collegiate academic awards as well."



16415Walker is a senior at Rocky Mountain High School in Meridian, Idaho, where she has been a team leader since her freshman season in 2016. Walker has finished each season as the team leader in home runs, and wrapped up the 2018 season as the Idaho High School leader in home runs. Additionally, Walker helped the Grizzlies to a state runner-up finish in 2016 and their first district championship in 2018.

"Kaylan is a very powerful athlete who gets better each time I watch her play," Simkins said. "She primarily plays shortstop, but is also a very good outfielder. Her combination of power at the plate and speed on defense will be a tremendous addition to our team. It will also allow her to hit almost anywhere in our lineup and be successful."
 
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