SEATTLE (Nov. 15) - Seattle University softball has announced its incoming class for the 2018 season. Coach Geoff Hirai has signed six newcomers to join the Redhawk program.
Ally Choate, Tayler Dawes, Alyssia Duarte, Natalie Montgomery, Shianne Smith, and Bailey Thompson will make up SU’s class of freshmen for the 2017-18 school year.
“In every recruiting class you want to bring in power, speed and great pitching,” said Hirai. “We have done that with this class. In signing this class, Seattle University softball took a huge step in the right direction to our goals of winning championships.”
Choate, a Yelm, Washington, native, has been named First Team 4A Narrows All-League three times in her high school career. She earned 2016 Olympia All-Area Player of the Year honors.
“Ally has elite speed and will be a triple threat offensively for us next year,” said Hirai. “She is versatile in that she can play infield and outfield. We look for her to make a huge impact on this program.”
A Puyallup, Washington, product, Dawes was a First Team SPSL 4A selection. She was also team captain at Rogers High.
“Tayler has one-of-a-kind work ethic and has the attitude that this team needs,” said Hirai. “Her solid defense and bat will help her compete for a starting spot in the infield.”
Duarte is from Upland, California. She was chosen 2016 Baseline District Second Team All-League. Duarte was also her Upland High’s Offensive Player of the Year.
“Alyssia has played at the highest level and faced top notch pitching,” said Hirai. “She will use that to help her push herself to be an impact player next year.”
Montgomery is a product of Hamilton High in Chandler, Arizona. She was a Second Team All-Arizona selection in 2015, throwing four no-hitters and a perfect game. Montgomery also helped Hamilton win the 2016 Division I state title.
“Natalie is a bulldog in the circle,” said Hirai. “Her drive and competitiveness will help her succeed here at Seattle University.”
Smith, a Gresham, Oregon, native, was an All-Mount Hood 6A All-League choice in each of the last three years. She was an honorable mention 6A all-state pitcher as well.
“Shianne is a 5’10” power pitcher that has a huge upside,” said Hirai. “We are excited to see her develop here and be a key contributor for this program.”
Thompson, a native of Tucson, Arizona, played at Canyon Del Oro High. She was an All-Southern Second Team pick in 2016, while also garnering her school's defensive player of the year award.
“Bailey has a cannon for an arm and can hit a ball a long ways,” said Hirai. “She will push to be a starter behind the plate and her bat will always give her a shot to be in the lineup somewhere.”