Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State softball adds six to 2020 roster
11/14/2018 2:13:00 PM | Softball
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Colorado State softball head coach Jen Fisher announced the addition of six student-athletes to continue their careers at CSU following high school graduation. Maikyla Nelson, Makenna McVay, Julia Cabral, Camryn Collier, Neely Peterson and Danielle Serna will join the Colorado State softball team beginning in 2020.
Maikyla Nelson | Modesto, California | Gregori HS | Pitcher/1B
Will graduate from Gregori HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Allanah Johns, Kassey Sunde and Dia Borden … was named the Modesto Metro Conference MVP in 2017 and 2018, while also earning academic all-league honors … in the classroom, made the Honor Roll all four years of prep … her former high school teammates who are playing DI softball include: Nikki Alexander (Saint Mary's), Madison Marsh (Deleware), Jazmine Temple (Iona), Mehana Johns (Saint Mary's) and Aaliyah Swan (Northridge) … wants to major in health and exercise science … wants to work in physical therapy … favorite athlete is Buster Posey.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I fell in love with the school as soon as I stepped foot on campus. The atmosphere at CSU is so welcoming and they have my major. I love the cold weather too!"
Head Coach Fisher on Maikyla…
"Maikyla Nelson is another stud pitcher, hitter, & defensive player that we were lucky enough to pick up out of Central California. She looks good on the mound, but possibly even better as a power-hitting corner infielder. We love Maikyla's coach-able attitude, but at the same time admire her grit. It is refreshing to find not just one, but two in this class, of the "old-school…Lisa Fernandez" types of pitchers. These young ladies truly have something inside that propels them to enjoy the fight…the bigger the better; and to love all parts of the game: pitching, hitting, & defense. I am so excited that Maikyla honored us with her commitment, because I think fans are going to be so impressed with all her tools. She's a great fit for a program like ours, & we can't wait to coach her!"
Makenna McVay | Loveland, Colorado | Thompson Valley HS | Outfield/Middle Infield
Makenna will join the Rams following her final year of prep after signing a letter of commitment … will graduate from Thompson Valley HS in the spring of 2019 … two-time first team all-conference in 2017 and 2018, as well as named honorable mention in 2016 and 2015, including Rookie of the Year in 2015 … was named all-state honorable mention in both 2017 and 2018 as well as the "Black Bat" offensive MVP both years … in the classroom was is a part of the National Society of High School Scholars as well as the National Honors Society … her sister Kailyn is a member of the Colorado State softball team … plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I choose Colorado State University because it felt like home. The friendly atmosphere everywhere on campus is inviting and welcoming, the students are all very friendly, and it's close to home."
Head Coach Fisher on Makenna…
"Makenna McVay is an exceptional local student-athlete who we have had our eye on for several years now. She loves to compete in everything from softball, to track, & was even a former gymnast. She demonstrates explosive quickness, as well as sustained speed. You will not find a harder working kid than Mak! Her greatest assets will be that speed, as well as sneakily explosive power at the plate. Coupled with the versatility to play middle infield or outfield, Makenna will be a crucial part of the equation for us next year. She is just the type of exceptional student, dedicated hard-worker, & loyal kid that we look for. We can't wait for her to join her big sister, Kailyn, in August!"
Julia Cabral | Garden Grove, Calif. | Pacifica HS | Pitcher
Will graduate from Pacifica HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Mark Campbell and Cheyenne Coyle … was a four-year varsity softball pitcher leading her team to Empire League Champions in 2016 and 2017 … led her team to the CIF DI playoff quarter finals 2016-2018 … was team captain in 2018 … in the classroom she earn the Scholar Athlete Award all four-years … ASB President 2014-15 … plans to study communication … wants to work in criminology … her favorite athlete is Jennie Finch.
Chose Colorado State because…
"I've always wanted to live in a four season area, and I loved the at home feeling the school gave me."
Head Coach Fisher on Julia…
"With senior pitcher, Bridgette Hutton, graduating, we will look for Julia Cabral to come in and contribute right away. She is a powerful pitcher & intense competitor, who attacks the strike zone. Being from Southern California, & playing for highly respected coaches, she has already faced top level hitters on a regular basis. We will look to expound upon this experience & get Julia going right away. Her fun personality & high character make her a great fit for our program, & we are honored that she chose us, when we know she had a lot of options."
Camryn Collier | Waco, Texas | Midway HS | 1B/Outfield
Will graduate from Midway HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Ed Trochim and Jordan Williams … four-time academic all-district honoree … two-time Super Centex Honorable Mention … as a sophomore was named to the second-team all-district and the first team as a junior … earned all-state honorable mention utility player as a junior … two-time team MVP … four-year letterwinner in softball … her former high school teammates who are playing DI softball include: Rhein Trochim (Illinois) and Taylor Ellis (Baylor) … plans to study health and exercise science … favorite athlete is Connor McGregor.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I chose CSU because I felt like it was a really good fit for me. Everything from the town, to the coaches and players, and the beautiful campus. I think it's the perfect home away from home."
Head Coach Fisher on Camryn…
"I don't know if I have seen a kid who enjoys playing the game more that Camryn Collier. Her greatest asset will certainly be the energy & enthusiasm that she plays with. Sometimes you just find that rare kid, who has a way of bringing everyone around her up, & that is Camryn. One of the most versatile athletes I have seen, Camryn is at home at one of the corners or any outfield position, but what we're most excited about is her ability to hit for power. All indications are that Camryn will be that highly coachable & energetic young athlete that shapes the dynamic of the team, & leads in that way all four years. We cannot wait to welcome her to the Ram Softball Family."
Neely Peterson | Tampa, Florida | Cypress Creek HS | Catcher
Will graduate from Cypress Creek Middle HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Mike Peterson, John Nickisher and Wendy Rogers … four-time varsity starter … three-time team captain … two-time FACA first-team all-state and first-team all-academic … named to the second-team all-conference, Miracle Sports and Tampa Bay Times as a sophomore … earned first-team all-conference and with the Tampa Bay Times as a junior … also was second team Miracle Sports and Extra Innings All-American … holds records for home runs and RBI in a season and career at Wesley Chapel HS … holds the career record in HR, RBI and doubles at Cypress Creek HS … as a junior she led the Suncoast Conference in HR with seven, including two grand slams, RBI with 43 and 14 doubles … ranks No. 63 in Extra Innings Softball Extra Elite 100 … undecided on her major … favorite athlete is Andrew Benintendi.
Chose Colorado State because…
"After going on a ski trip to Copper Mountain I fell in love with Colorado and knew I wanted to come to school here. After attending camps at CSU I knew that this is where I wanted to play. The coaches treated me like family and I love the campus and surrounding areas."
Head Coach Fisher on Neely…
Neely (pronounced KNEE-LY, & not to be confused with 'Nelly' Serna) is my first recruit from the state of Florida. Bringing her into the program was a no-brainer. Even as a middle-schooler attending our camps, Neely was so mature, well-spoken, & talented. She swings a tremendous bat & has one of the highest IQ's for the game that I have ever seen. She comes to us from a nationally renowned club team, so she has already called games & caught, for some of the top pitchers in the country, as well as seen a high-level of pitching offensively. With the graduation of both catchers, we are really looking for Neely to come in & handle the catching duties. She will be a huge asset to our program, the university, & the community."
Danielle Serna | Austin, Texas | Stephen F. Austin | Pitcher/1B
Will graduate from Stephen F. Austin in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Kristen Lozano and Marquita Adams … was a first team all-district as a freshman … two-time all-central Texas Player first-team member … was named the district MVP and Player of the Year as a sophomore and district Pitcher of the Year as a junior … led her team to district championships in 2017 and 2018 … two-time team MVP … two-time academic all-district award winner … also played four years of prep basketball earning first-team all-district and academic all-district honors …plans to study human exercise science … wants to be an athletic trainer … favorite athlete is Cody Bellinger.
Chose Colorado State because...
"The first time I played in Colorado was at the Colorado Sparkler and I fell in love with Fort Collins. I returned to Colorado to attend a softball camp at Colorado State and after meeting the coaches, faculty and touring the campus I knew this was the place for me. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly and welcoming."
Head Coach Fisher on Danielle…
"Danielle "Nelly" Serna is a tremendously talented young lady, who really can do it all. We first saw her pitch & loved that part of her game, then realized she could really swing it & play defense. She's a high performing basketball star for her high school, & even used to play short stop until just a couple of years ago. She is a 4+ tool kid, who can pitch lights out, then go to a corner & make plays, as well as swing the bat with a ton of power. We are seeing Nelly as a staple in our line-up offensively, defensively & pitching-wise. Nelly brings a next level intensity, but is also a very poised young woman. One can tell she's going to be a great teammate…a lion on the field, but a friend in the locker room. I'm ecstatic for fans to get to know Nelly!"
Head Coach Fisher on the class…
"I'm very proud of the work of our coaches & support staff have completed in order to secure this 2019 recruiting class. This class promises to be one of the most dynamic, talented, & experienced groups in my time here at Colorado State. These six signees include some very, very versatile & competitive athletes that will most certainly have a huge immediate impact on our program. It's been great seeing them bond already on their visits, & I cannot wait to get them to campus in August 2019, to start working with them."
Maikyla Nelson | Modesto, California | Gregori HS | Pitcher/1B
Will graduate from Gregori HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Allanah Johns, Kassey Sunde and Dia Borden … was named the Modesto Metro Conference MVP in 2017 and 2018, while also earning academic all-league honors … in the classroom, made the Honor Roll all four years of prep … her former high school teammates who are playing DI softball include: Nikki Alexander (Saint Mary's), Madison Marsh (Deleware), Jazmine Temple (Iona), Mehana Johns (Saint Mary's) and Aaliyah Swan (Northridge) … wants to major in health and exercise science … wants to work in physical therapy … favorite athlete is Buster Posey.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I fell in love with the school as soon as I stepped foot on campus. The atmosphere at CSU is so welcoming and they have my major. I love the cold weather too!"
Head Coach Fisher on Maikyla…
"Maikyla Nelson is another stud pitcher, hitter, & defensive player that we were lucky enough to pick up out of Central California. She looks good on the mound, but possibly even better as a power-hitting corner infielder. We love Maikyla's coach-able attitude, but at the same time admire her grit. It is refreshing to find not just one, but two in this class, of the "old-school…Lisa Fernandez" types of pitchers. These young ladies truly have something inside that propels them to enjoy the fight…the bigger the better; and to love all parts of the game: pitching, hitting, & defense. I am so excited that Maikyla honored us with her commitment, because I think fans are going to be so impressed with all her tools. She's a great fit for a program like ours, & we can't wait to coach her!"
We have our first signee of our 2020 class! Welcome to #RamCountry, Maikyla Nelson! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/wD3oG8GMh1
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Makenna McVay | Loveland, Colorado | Thompson Valley HS | Outfield/Middle Infield
Makenna will join the Rams following her final year of prep after signing a letter of commitment … will graduate from Thompson Valley HS in the spring of 2019 … two-time first team all-conference in 2017 and 2018, as well as named honorable mention in 2016 and 2015, including Rookie of the Year in 2015 … was named all-state honorable mention in both 2017 and 2018 as well as the "Black Bat" offensive MVP both years … in the classroom was is a part of the National Society of High School Scholars as well as the National Honors Society … her sister Kailyn is a member of the Colorado State softball team … plans to major in biomedical engineering.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I choose Colorado State University because it felt like home. The friendly atmosphere everywhere on campus is inviting and welcoming, the students are all very friendly, and it's close to home."
Head Coach Fisher on Makenna…
"Makenna McVay is an exceptional local student-athlete who we have had our eye on for several years now. She loves to compete in everything from softball, to track, & was even a former gymnast. She demonstrates explosive quickness, as well as sustained speed. You will not find a harder working kid than Mak! Her greatest assets will be that speed, as well as sneakily explosive power at the plate. Coupled with the versatility to play middle infield or outfield, Makenna will be a crucial part of the equation for us next year. She is just the type of exceptional student, dedicated hard-worker, & loyal kid that we look for. We can't wait for her to join her big sister, Kailyn, in August!"
The newest addition to #RamCountry is Makenna McVay! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/pdc8pR8rIP
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Julia Cabral | Garden Grove, Calif. | Pacifica HS | Pitcher
Will graduate from Pacifica HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Mark Campbell and Cheyenne Coyle … was a four-year varsity softball pitcher leading her team to Empire League Champions in 2016 and 2017 … led her team to the CIF DI playoff quarter finals 2016-2018 … was team captain in 2018 … in the classroom she earn the Scholar Athlete Award all four-years … ASB President 2014-15 … plans to study communication … wants to work in criminology … her favorite athlete is Jennie Finch.
Chose Colorado State because…
"I've always wanted to live in a four season area, and I loved the at home feeling the school gave me."
Head Coach Fisher on Julia…
"With senior pitcher, Bridgette Hutton, graduating, we will look for Julia Cabral to come in and contribute right away. She is a powerful pitcher & intense competitor, who attacks the strike zone. Being from Southern California, & playing for highly respected coaches, she has already faced top level hitters on a regular basis. We will look to expound upon this experience & get Julia going right away. Her fun personality & high character make her a great fit for our program, & we are honored that she chose us, when we know she had a lot of options."
Our third signee is in a joining #RamCountry! Welcome Julia Cabral! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/LR0rZxsp7H
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Camryn Collier | Waco, Texas | Midway HS | 1B/Outfield
Will graduate from Midway HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Ed Trochim and Jordan Williams … four-time academic all-district honoree … two-time Super Centex Honorable Mention … as a sophomore was named to the second-team all-district and the first team as a junior … earned all-state honorable mention utility player as a junior … two-time team MVP … four-year letterwinner in softball … her former high school teammates who are playing DI softball include: Rhein Trochim (Illinois) and Taylor Ellis (Baylor) … plans to study health and exercise science … favorite athlete is Connor McGregor.
Chose Colorado State because...
"I chose CSU because I felt like it was a really good fit for me. Everything from the town, to the coaches and players, and the beautiful campus. I think it's the perfect home away from home."
Head Coach Fisher on Camryn…
"I don't know if I have seen a kid who enjoys playing the game more that Camryn Collier. Her greatest asset will certainly be the energy & enthusiasm that she plays with. Sometimes you just find that rare kid, who has a way of bringing everyone around her up, & that is Camryn. One of the most versatile athletes I have seen, Camryn is at home at one of the corners or any outfield position, but what we're most excited about is her ability to hit for power. All indications are that Camryn will be that highly coachable & energetic young athlete that shapes the dynamic of the team, & leads in that way all four years. We cannot wait to welcome her to the Ram Softball Family."
Welcome to #RamCountry, Camryn Collier! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/z2324dvU7n
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Neely Peterson | Tampa, Florida | Cypress Creek HS | Catcher
Will graduate from Cypress Creek Middle HS in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Mike Peterson, John Nickisher and Wendy Rogers … four-time varsity starter … three-time team captain … two-time FACA first-team all-state and first-team all-academic … named to the second-team all-conference, Miracle Sports and Tampa Bay Times as a sophomore … earned first-team all-conference and with the Tampa Bay Times as a junior … also was second team Miracle Sports and Extra Innings All-American … holds records for home runs and RBI in a season and career at Wesley Chapel HS … holds the career record in HR, RBI and doubles at Cypress Creek HS … as a junior she led the Suncoast Conference in HR with seven, including two grand slams, RBI with 43 and 14 doubles … ranks No. 63 in Extra Innings Softball Extra Elite 100 … undecided on her major … favorite athlete is Andrew Benintendi.
Chose Colorado State because…
"After going on a ski trip to Copper Mountain I fell in love with Colorado and knew I wanted to come to school here. After attending camps at CSU I knew that this is where I wanted to play. The coaches treated me like family and I love the campus and surrounding areas."
Head Coach Fisher on Neely…
Neely (pronounced KNEE-LY, & not to be confused with 'Nelly' Serna) is my first recruit from the state of Florida. Bringing her into the program was a no-brainer. Even as a middle-schooler attending our camps, Neely was so mature, well-spoken, & talented. She swings a tremendous bat & has one of the highest IQ's for the game that I have ever seen. She comes to us from a nationally renowned club team, so she has already called games & caught, for some of the top pitchers in the country, as well as seen a high-level of pitching offensively. With the graduation of both catchers, we are really looking for Neely to come in & handle the catching duties. She will be a huge asset to our program, the university, & the community."
Welcome Neely Peterson from Florida to #RamCountry! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/59sgj26BqZ
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Danielle Serna | Austin, Texas | Stephen F. Austin | Pitcher/1B
Will graduate from Stephen F. Austin in the spring of 2019 and join CSU after graduation … coached by Kristen Lozano and Marquita Adams … was a first team all-district as a freshman … two-time all-central Texas Player first-team member … was named the district MVP and Player of the Year as a sophomore and district Pitcher of the Year as a junior … led her team to district championships in 2017 and 2018 … two-time team MVP … two-time academic all-district award winner … also played four years of prep basketball earning first-team all-district and academic all-district honors …plans to study human exercise science … wants to be an athletic trainer … favorite athlete is Cody Bellinger.
Chose Colorado State because...
"The first time I played in Colorado was at the Colorado Sparkler and I fell in love with Fort Collins. I returned to Colorado to attend a softball camp at Colorado State and after meeting the coaches, faculty and touring the campus I knew this was the place for me. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly and welcoming."
Head Coach Fisher on Danielle…
"Danielle "Nelly" Serna is a tremendously talented young lady, who really can do it all. We first saw her pitch & loved that part of her game, then realized she could really swing it & play defense. She's a high performing basketball star for her high school, & even used to play short stop until just a couple of years ago. She is a 4+ tool kid, who can pitch lights out, then go to a corner & make plays, as well as swing the bat with a ton of power. We are seeing Nelly as a staple in our line-up offensively, defensively & pitching-wise. Nelly brings a next level intensity, but is also a very poised young woman. One can tell she's going to be a great teammate…a lion on the field, but a friend in the locker room. I'm ecstatic for fans to get to know Nelly!"
Last but not least! Welcome to #RamCountry, Danielle Serna! #CSURams pic.twitter.com/TSwmBk11DE
— Colorado State Softball (@CSUSoftball) November 14, 2018
Head Coach Fisher on the class…
"I'm very proud of the work of our coaches & support staff have completed in order to secure this 2019 recruiting class. This class promises to be one of the most dynamic, talented, & experienced groups in my time here at Colorado State. These six signees include some very, very versatile & competitive athletes that will most certainly have a huge immediate impact on our program. It's been great seeing them bond already on their visits, & I cannot wait to get them to campus in August 2019, to start working with them."
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