Rams Announce Eight Additions to 2024 Signing Class

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – The Colorado State softball team and Head Coach Jen Fisher announced Monday the addition of eight new Rams joining the program in 2024. Autumn Rutherford, Kyra Smith, Mac Ferguson, Madilyn Eslinger, Rylee Gonzo, Jac Smith, Clarissa Castillo and Karlie Cooledge form the Rams 2024 signing class.

"I'm very proud of the work of our coaches and support staff have completed to secure this 2024 recruiting class," Fisher said. "This class promises to be one of the most dynamic, talented and experienced groups in my time here at Colorado State. These eight signees include some very versatile and competitive athletes that will most certainly have a huge immediate impact on our program."

Autumn Rutherford:
Outfield/Utility | Longmont, Colorado | Niwot High School

"Autumn Rutherford is an exceptional local student-athlete who we have had our eye on for several years now," Fisher said. "She loves to compete and has demonstrated explosive quickness, as well as sustained speed. You will not find a harder working kid than Autumn! 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, Autumn will be a crucial part of the equation for us next year. She is just the type of exceptional student, dedicated hard worker and loyal kid that we look for. We can't wait for her to join in August!"

"I've been dreaming of playing softball for CSU since I was in seventh grade," Rutherford said. "After attending various softball camps and getting to know the coaching staff and team, I fell in love with how connected and supportive everyone was, and it felt like a second family. I also love the campus and the community at CSU in general. My dad and stepdad both work for CSU and I love that I will still be close to my family."

Kyra Smith:
Infield | Puyallup, Washington | Puyallup High School

"Fans are really going to want to come out and get to know our northwest blue-chipper, Kyra Smith! We were lucky enough to have ID'd her at a camp and she was immediately impressive," Fisher said. "She brings a certain energy and excitement to her play and has four-plus tools. I think she will make an immediate impact for the Rams on offense and defense. Kyra played for a really talented Washington club team with a host of big-time recruits. We feel very fortunate that Kyra chose our Ram family, and she will fit right in!"

"I chose Colorado State because it is everything I have been looking for in a college. It was love at first sight. The gorgeous campus and location, the friendliness of Fort Collins, and the amazing softball coaches," Smith said.

Mac Ferguson:
Pitcher/First Base | Arvada, Colorado | Arvada West High School

"Mac has been an early commit since the beginning and is the type of leader and electric personality that attracted many other in-state kids to play for their home state," Fisher said. "She is an outstanding hitter and I think fans should look for her to emulate Nelly Serna in many ways: as a two-way player, hard-nosed/tough pitcher, and defensive gem. We feel very fortunate to have landed such a quality person and family to our Ram program."

"I chose Colorado State because it feels like the perfect home for me. Fort Collins is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community. I was immediately drawn to the genuine softball culture, the knowledge and care of the coaches and players, the competitive atmosphere, and the Ramily way," Ferguson said.

Madi Eslinger:
Catcher/Infield | Fort Collins, Colorado | Loveland High School

"At home behind the plate or in the infield, is a dynamic local player in Madi Eslinger, but it's her bat that we expect to do the most talking. This is a young lady who loves the game and has been coming to CSU camps for years. It has been so fun to watch her come into her own and she is yet another familiar face who has been teammates at one point or another with most of our signees. She brings a wonderful enthusiasm for team sports and is just the type of academic student that we look for as well. We are excited to keep her home and look forward to her family being the most enthusiastic Ram fans!"

"I chose Colorado State because of the beautiful campus, and the team culture. I always noticed how close the team was when I came to camps and that is when I knew I wanted to be a part of the team. Also, family is very important to me, and I didn't want to have to live far from them, and Colorado State is very close to home so I am so excited to be able to attend CSU," Eslinger said.

Rylee Gonzalez:
Third Base | Huntington Beach, California | Marina High School

"Rylee Gonzales is one of several recruits we have signed over the years from the highly touted Brashear Firecrackers program. Bringing her into the program was a no-brainer because when Rylee came to camp, she was mature, well-spoken, and talented. She swings a tremendous bat and has one of the highest IQ's for the game that I have ever seen. With the graduation of some big bats, we are really looking for Rylee to come in and fill a middle-of-the order type of hitting role. She will be a huge asset to our program, the university and the community and we look forward to weaving her into the Fort Collins community."

"Colorado State has a beautiful softball program with amazing coaches who not only care about the outcome and production of their athletes but their players personal lives as well. Colorado has all four seasons, which I have never had a chance to experience growing up right by the beach. It is a beautiful state and a whole new journey I am thrilled to begin," Gonzalez said.

Jac Smith:
Infield | Centennial, Colorado | Eaglecrest High School

"I don't know if I have seen a young person who enjoys playing the game more than Jac. Her greatest asset will certainly be the energy and enthusiasm that she plays with. Sometimes you just find that rare kid, who has a way of bringing everyone around her up, and that is Jac. As a former teammate of current Ram Kaylynn English, look for these two to be a dynamic duo up the middle. One of the best gloves I have ever seen, fans should not expect to see a clean uniform on Jac! We can't wait to welcome Jac to campus!"

"I chose CSU because of the environment, the campus is beautiful, it has everything I could ask for when it comes to the education,
athletics, and the people I would be surrounded by," Smith said.

Clarissa Castillo:
Outfield | Rialto, California | Wilmer Amina Carter High School

"Clarissa Castillo is a teammate of current Ram, Jailey Wilson and played for the highly competitive Corona Angels Howard organization. She is a naturally gifted outfielder who adds a big left-handed bat for us. Clarissa brings a Southern Cal flair and grittiness that fans will really enjoy. She is another player with an intense worker mentality, who fits right into our plan, and we look forward to being her home away from home for the next four years."

"I chose Colorado State because it has the most beautiful campus. I also felt so at home meeting the CSU team and coaching staff. I also am so happy that I will be able to play against schools that are close to home. Go Rams," Castillo said.

Karlie Cooledge:
Pitcher | Littleton, Colorado | Chatfield Senior High School

"Karlie is quite similar to Mac Ferguson in that she is a two-way player. This is tough to do, but we watched Karlie do this with ease, for her Colorado state championship Chatfield High School team. We love Karlie's intensity for all aspects of the game, and she is an excellent fit in every way. We are excited to keep her at home. She will make a mark for this great university, and we welcome her and her family."

"Colorado State felt like home. During my visit I was welcomed with open arms and really enjoyed my time there. The coaches and players were amazing, and I just knew it was a great fit. It is a great school academically that has my intended majors of occupational therapy and statistics. I will be getting a great education as well as being a part of a great softball program close to home," Cooledge said.

The 2023-24 Rams will be back in action this spring, starting their 2024 season in February.

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