“This class has all the elements of being an elite recruiting class – speed, power, and pitching,” says Hirai. “Cherise, Jessica, and Carley will fit well with the culture we are setting here in the Seattle U softball program. They all work hard, compete, and most of all will have a “Go for It” mentality. We want to congratulate and welcome all three student-athletes to the SU family.”
Cherise Silvan – OF, 2B
Hometown: Folsom, Calif.
High School: Vista del Lago High School
Travel Ball Team: Nor Cal Firecrackers-Silvan
Accomplishments: Silvan is a three-time First Team All-League selection (2013, 2014, 2015), also named MVP Offensive Player (2015) and MVP Defensive Player (2014). The four-year varsity starter was named Folsom Telegraph Athlete of the Week (2015). In 2012-13 she had the third highest batting average in the Sierra Valley Conference, in 2013-14 she ranked ninth in stolen bases, and in 2014-15 she led the Capital Athletic League in stolen bases.
Hirai on Silvan: “Cherise is a triple-threat ball player that brings speed and athleticism to our program. As a coach’s daughter, she will bring a lot of savvy and knowledge of the game. We are looking forward to and are excited to see what she can do here at Seattle University.”
Jessica Flanagan – IF, C
Hometown: Woodland, Wash.
High School: Woodland High School
Travel Ball Team: Oregon Blaze-Bowman
Accomplishments: The two-time Woodland High School Female Athlete of the Year (2014, 2015) is also a three-time Columbian Newspaper Top 10 Female Athlete in the Area (2013, 2014, 2015). The three-sport athlete (basketball, soccer, softball) has served as a two-time captain for softball and three-time captain for basketball. Flanagan was also the 2015 WHS Homecoming Princess and is a three-time Sportsmanship Award winner at the state softball tournament.
Hirai on Flanagan: “Jessica is very athletic and can play multiple positions. Her versatility and bat will allow her to make a huge impact for us immediately. We are excited to keep an elite athlete from the Northwest here at Seattle University.”
Carley Nance – P, 1B
Hometown: Maple Valley, Wash.
High School: Tahoma High School
Travel Ball Team: Acers-Anderton Gold
Accomplishments: Nance is a four-time softball letterwinner and was recently named team MVP, First Team South Puget Sound League North, and to the Seattle Times Star Times All-Area Team. In 2015, she led her team to a first place finish in the 4A State Championship as well as a third place finish in 2013 and a top 10 finish in 2014. Nance was also named South Puget Sound League North MVP Pitcher in 2013.
Hirai on Nance: “Carley would make any collegiate team in the nation better and we are fortunate to keep her here in the Northwest at Seattle University. Her presence and command in the circle will help compliment the pitchers we have here now and will help take us to the next level.”