SEATTLE - Seattle University softball has announced the signing of two Washington native transfers who were recent conference champions as a part of its Class of 2023. Taylor Fitch and Nicola Simpson will join the Redhawks in the fall ahead of the upcoming season in the spring of 2024.
"It's a great day to be able to announce the return of two phenomenal players to the Seattle area," said Head Coach Geoff Hirai.
Fitch returns to the Pacific Northwest after spending one season at LMU, winning the 2023 West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship. The graduate of Woodinville High School and native of Woodinville, Wash., started in 32 contests with 35 overall appearances, hitting .289 with 28 hits, five doubles, three home runs and 17 RBIs. The infielder had one of her best games at the plate against top-25 ranked Oregon last season, going three-for-three with one double, one RBI and one run scored. Fitch will have three years of eligibility remaining.
"Taylor brings regional experience and versatility to our infield," said Hirai. "She does a great job of hitting for power and will provide a big boost to the middle of our lineup."
A member of Tennessee's 2023 Women's College World Series squad, Simpson made 25 appearances with three starts over two seasons. The graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle comes home after being a part of Tennessee's 2023 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Regular Season and Tournament title team. She features national team experience for Canada, pitching at the 2022 Celebration Tour, Canada Cup and World Games.
Simpson was named Washington's 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year after performing spectacularly in the circle and at the plate, throwing five no-hitters with an ERA of 0.44 and 135 strikeouts over 47.2 innings pitched as well as hitting for an average of .788. Simpson's high school career was highlighted by a 2019 Class 3A state title as well as being named an All-American by the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF). The 5-8, pitcher will have two years of eligibility after graduating with her bachelor's degree in psychology this past spring.
"Nicola is an elite pitcher that brings experience performing at the highest level from the SEC, College World Series, and International experience for Canada," said Hirai. "She also possesses a strong bat that will be in the middle of our lineup."
The Redhawks enjoyed another successful season under Hirai in 2023, winning 30 or more games for the fifth straight year and making an appearance in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament Title game.
The two transfers join incoming freshman Sophia Kissling, Avari Morris, Mikee Morris, Karen Spadafora and Berkley Vance as new additions to the Seattle U roster.
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.
"It's a great day to be able to announce the return of two phenomenal players to the Seattle area," said Head Coach Geoff Hirai.
Fitch returns to the Pacific Northwest after spending one season at LMU, winning the 2023 West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship. The graduate of Woodinville High School and native of Woodinville, Wash., started in 32 contests with 35 overall appearances, hitting .289 with 28 hits, five doubles, three home runs and 17 RBIs. The infielder had one of her best games at the plate against top-25 ranked Oregon last season, going three-for-three with one double, one RBI and one run scored. Fitch will have three years of eligibility remaining.
"Taylor brings regional experience and versatility to our infield," said Hirai. "She does a great job of hitting for power and will provide a big boost to the middle of our lineup."
A member of Tennessee's 2023 Women's College World Series squad, Simpson made 25 appearances with three starts over two seasons. The graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle comes home after being a part of Tennessee's 2023 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Regular Season and Tournament title team. She features national team experience for Canada, pitching at the 2022 Celebration Tour, Canada Cup and World Games.
Simpson was named Washington's 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year after performing spectacularly in the circle and at the plate, throwing five no-hitters with an ERA of 0.44 and 135 strikeouts over 47.2 innings pitched as well as hitting for an average of .788. Simpson's high school career was highlighted by a 2019 Class 3A state title as well as being named an All-American by the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF). The 5-8, pitcher will have two years of eligibility after graduating with her bachelor's degree in psychology this past spring.
"Nicola is an elite pitcher that brings experience performing at the highest level from the SEC, College World Series, and International experience for Canada," said Hirai. "She also possesses a strong bat that will be in the middle of our lineup."
The Redhawks enjoyed another successful season under Hirai in 2023, winning 30 or more games for the fifth straight year and making an appearance in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament Title game.
The two transfers join incoming freshman Sophia Kissling, Avari Morris, Mikee Morris, Karen Spadafora and Berkley Vance as new additions to the Seattle U roster.
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.