SEATTLE - Seattle U softball has announced the signing of five talented student athletes on Thursday. Sophia Kissling, Avari Morris, Mikee Morris, Karen Spadafora and Berkley Vance will all join the Redhawks as freshman for the 2024 season.
"We are always looking to add speed, power, strong defense and pitching," said Head Coach Geoff Hirai. "This year's class has all of those aspects and more. We are looking forward to seeing them in the black and red next year."
Sophia Kissling is an outfielder from La Habra High School in La Habra, California. A 2022 Freeway League First Team All-League and 2021 Second Team member, Kissling won two league titles in her three years as a varsity starter. Kissling's squad made two appearances in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Playoffs (2021-22).
"Sophia is a triple-threat outfielder," said Hirai. "Her speed and bat awareness will be very impactful for us next season."
The 2022 Nevada softball Gatorade Player of the Year, Avari Morris joins SU from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada. The 2021-22 Nevada Desert Region Pitcher of the Year, Morris was named to the First Team All-Southern Nevada, Desert Region First Team All-League and Nevada All-State Academic Team. The left handed pitcher was a part of the 2022 5A Nevada State Champion.
"Avari's accomplishments in the circle, her work ethic and humbleness will be a great asset to our team," said Hirai.
Mikee Morris also hails from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada, where she has been a three year varsity starter in the infield. A member of the 2022 5A Nevada State Champion team, Morris was named to the 2022 Desert Region First Team All-League, All-Southern Nevada First Team and All-State Academic Team. She was a finalist for Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year.
"Mikee is a slick fielder with great hands and a strong bat," said Hirai. "She is the shortstop for one of the top travel ball teams in all of the nation, we look for her to make an immediate impact."
Karen Spadafora is a catcher from Tigard High School in Tigard, Oregon. A member of Oregon's 2022 6A Champion, Spadafora has twice been named to the First Team All-League and All-State. Spadafora has played travel ball for the Northwest Bullets for the last seven years.
"Karen is a power hitting catcher from one of the top travel teams in all of the Pacific Northwest," said Hirai. "She has a great arm and we look forward to having her in the middle of our lineup."
Berkley Vance is the final new addition, joining Seattle U from Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California. The right handed pitcher is a three year varsity player and competes for the Corona Angels where she has also served as team captain.
"Berkley is a crafty spin and movement pitcher that plays for an elite travel ball team," said Hirai. "She is motivated and hard working, which will help us right away next season."
Stay connected with Seattle U softball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.
"We are always looking to add speed, power, strong defense and pitching," said Head Coach Geoff Hirai. "This year's class has all of those aspects and more. We are looking forward to seeing them in the black and red next year."
Sophia Kissling is an outfielder from La Habra High School in La Habra, California. A 2022 Freeway League First Team All-League and 2021 Second Team member, Kissling won two league titles in her three years as a varsity starter. Kissling's squad made two appearances in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Playoffs (2021-22).
"Sophia is a triple-threat outfielder," said Hirai. "Her speed and bat awareness will be very impactful for us next season."
The 2022 Nevada softball Gatorade Player of the Year, Avari Morris joins SU from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada. The 2021-22 Nevada Desert Region Pitcher of the Year, Morris was named to the First Team All-Southern Nevada, Desert Region First Team All-League and Nevada All-State Academic Team. The left handed pitcher was a part of the 2022 5A Nevada State Champion.
"Avari's accomplishments in the circle, her work ethic and humbleness will be a great asset to our team," said Hirai.
Mikee Morris also hails from Green Valley High School in Henderson, Nevada, where she has been a three year varsity starter in the infield. A member of the 2022 5A Nevada State Champion team, Morris was named to the 2022 Desert Region First Team All-League, All-Southern Nevada First Team and All-State Academic Team. She was a finalist for Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year.
"Mikee is a slick fielder with great hands and a strong bat," said Hirai. "She is the shortstop for one of the top travel ball teams in all of the nation, we look for her to make an immediate impact."
Karen Spadafora is a catcher from Tigard High School in Tigard, Oregon. A member of Oregon's 2022 6A Champion, Spadafora has twice been named to the First Team All-League and All-State. Spadafora has played travel ball for the Northwest Bullets for the last seven years.
"Karen is a power hitting catcher from one of the top travel teams in all of the Pacific Northwest," said Hirai. "She has a great arm and we look forward to having her in the middle of our lineup."
Berkley Vance is the final new addition, joining Seattle U from Los Alamitos High School in Los Alamitos, California. The right handed pitcher is a three year varsity player and competes for the Corona Angels where she has also served as team captain.
"Berkley is a crafty spin and movement pitcher that plays for an elite travel ball team," said Hirai. "She is motivated and hard working, which will help us right away next season."
Stay connected with Seattle U softball and get all the latest team updates by downloading the GoSeattleU mobile app available now for free in the App Store or Google Play.