Colorado State University Athletics
CSU Softball announces freshmen additions for 2018
12/13/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The Colorado State Rams softball team and head coach Jen Fisher have released their incoming freshman class for the 2018 season.
The group of five will look to bring a variety of skills to help bolster the Rams' lineup.
"After this year, we are losing some speed and skill from players like Haley Hutton and Taryn Arcarese," Fisher stated. "We will replace some of that speed with this class. Sometimes speed can come in and help you right away, whereas the skill positions sometimes need a year. They are great kids and they all seem to get along pretty well. They seem comfortable. I think they are going to come in and help us right away."
Four of the five players are from Colorado, providing the team with a local boost.
"We want to be a destination for Colorado players," Fisher said about their recruiting efforts in the state. "It is really important for us to get those top-level athletes that are also great students. It can be difficult, because there are a lot of quality kids who do not fit our position cycle. There are kids who get away from us just because we may have someone at their position who is a sophomore and is locked in at that spot.
"Our campus has grown tremendously, and we have the academic services, the hydration station, the training center, and the sports performance center. It is just incredible, and they are all excited about all that we have to offer."
Jordan Acosta | Outfield | Castle Rock, Colo. | Douglas County HS
Acosta played for Douglas County High School and the Colorado Stars club team… She earned first team all-league honors three times during her four varsity seasons… She was also a First Team All-State honoree as named by CHSAA, the Denver Post, CHSCA and CCGS… Acosta led the Huskies to a league title last season… She holds her school record for career runs scored and also was a member of the top 4x100 meter relay squad on the track team… She earned Huskie of the Year honors, and was a four-time scholar athlete… Also lettered three years in basketball and once in track.
Fisher on Acosta: "Jordan (Acosta) was kind of a late find. She had an injury last summer and did not get to play, but I watched her play during the all-state game, and she got on base every time. She is lefty, has a lot of tools, and is just a triple threat. She is an 'Energizer bunny' type. Someone who could spark things at the top of the lineup. She is also a great student."
Kailyn McVay | Pitcher | Loveland, Colo. | Thompson Valley HS
McVay is a four-year letterwinner from Thompson Valley High School, and also played for the Pro Swing club team, coached by former CSU softball player Julia Kloppe… She earned all-conference honors as a senior and twice earned honorable mention… McVay was also First Team Academic All-State and is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars… Served as team captain her senior year… Also lettered twice in golf… Both parents are CSU graduates.
Fisher on McVay: "(McVay) has been coming to our camps since I've been here. Her dad played baseball here at Colorado State. Her mom went here as well. So she has just been wearing green and gold before she could walk. It is really neat to find people that have that family connection to the university. She is a crafty pitcher who is very tough to square up. She has worked really hard and matured a great deal this past year and I'm excited to have the opportunity to coach such a committed student-athlete."
Ashley Michelena | Utility | Gilbert, Ariz. | Mesquite HS
Michelena played for Mesquite High School and the Arizona Hotshots club program… Earned all-district honors in 2015 and Honorable Mention All-AIA Division II recognition… Earned "Best Defensive Player" honors at her high school… Member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
Fisher on Michelena: "Ashley (Michelena) is a speedster that we were really happy to get. She plays for the Arizona Hotshots, which is a really good program with a great coach who has been around for a long time. She played shortstop a lot in high school, but we are looking at her more as an outfielder. She is very versatile, has a strong arm, and another left-handed bat."
Audrey Pickett | Pitcher | Aurora, Colo. | Cherokee Trail HS
Pickett played at Cherokee Trail High School and for the Colorado Next Level club team… Pickett helped lead her team to a 5A state title in 2016 and was named first team all-conference her last three years… Attended Grandview High School as a freshman… Was selected to participate in the Colorado Coaches of Girls' Sports Senior All-Star Game.
Fisher on Pickett: "We expect her (Pickett) to come in and eat up some innings in the circle. She goes to a really good pitching coach that used to be my assistant when I worked at Metro State. I think she is going to take off when she gets to college."
Tara Shadowen | Outfield | Loveland, Colo. | Mountain View HS
Shadowen played for Mountain View High School and the Triple Crown Stars club squad… Four-time all-league and all-city recipient… Earned all-state honors in 2015 and 2016… Helped lead the Mountain Lions to three conference titles (2013, 2015 and 2016)… Also received academic all-state acknowledgment in 2015.
Fisher on Shadowen: "She (Shadowen) has a left-handed swing that we have liked from the time she was a seventh grader. She is a solid player and great athlete. She is a Division I player that is a little bit under the radar. She has a really nice swing and hits for power."
