SEATTLE – Seattle University softball has announced the addition of four freshmen for its Class of 2019. Coach Geoff Hirai has signed Taylor DeDen, Emma Froemke, Lily Garcia, and Stefanie Madrigal will join the Redhawks for the 2019-20 school year.
"In every recruiting class, we strive to get pitching, defense, power, and speed,” said Coach Geoff Hirai, who enters his fourth season at SU in 2019. “This class has great pitching, defense, and power. We are looking forward in seeing these four young athletes in the red and black next year.”
DeDen is a senior at Mission Viejo High in California. The righthander has played both third and first base. She plays for USA Athletics Gold on the club circuit, serving as a team captain. She was Mission Viejo’s 2018 Defensive Player of the Year, helping her team to the CIF playoffs.
“Taylor has huge power and rocket of an arm,” said Hirai. “She is one those players that you face that you know she can go deep on you at any time. We look for her to impact us right away.”
Froemke is a Round Rock, Texas resident. The shortstop will start all four years at Round Rock High. She has played for Impact Gold at the club level. As a women’s baseball player, Froemke is a member of the Team USA Development program.
“Emma is slick-fielding shortstop that played baseball most of her life,” said Hirai. “She will hit for power for us next year. She brings a lot of confidence and swag that any coach is looking for. We are glad she switched over to softball and she’ll do great things here at Seattle U.”
Garcia is a Sylmar, Calif., product. She’s been a four-year starter at San Fernando High, playing middle infield. Garcia has been an all-city choice for the last two seasons and first team all-league for the last three years. She has also been a member of the highly-regarded Corona Angels for the last three years.
“Lily is another slick-fielding middle infielder that can pick it with the best of them,” said Hirai. “Do not let her stature fool you because she has some pop in her bat. Lily plays for one of the best travel ball teams in the nation and we look for her to bring that competitive attitude to this program.”
Madrigal is a senior at Oak Grove High. The native of San Jose has been a four-year varsity starter, earning first team all-league recognition as a junior. She has pitched for CA Suncats for the last two years.
“Stefanie is a tall, athletic pitcher that will also produce some power with her bat,” said Hirai. “We love her spin and even-keel personality in the circle. She will be a two-way player for us and we look forward to seeing her in a Redhawk jersey.”