Softball Welcomes Four In Fall Signing Period

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State softball program announced the first four signees of the Jamie Trachsel era on Tuesday. Andrea Gonzalez, Bryn Hanrahan, Taylor Nearad and Julie Lewis are the new Cyclones and will be members of the 2017 class, set to arrive on campus for the 2017-18 season.

Nearad, an outfielder from Kirkwood Community College, comes to Iowa State as one of the most highly-sought after junior college players in the country. The Solon, Iowa native put together a dominant 2016 campaign en route to being named the NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year. As a freshman, she led the nation in four statistical categories: Hits (145), RBIs (129), home runs (30) and runs scored (114). Nearad also placed herself third on the national leaderboard in batting average, hitting at an astounding .602 clip.

"It's with great pride that we welcome Taylor and her family into our Cyclone softball family," Trachsel said. "Taylor has a great understanding for the game and is a complete player capable of being great on both sides of the ball. As impressive as her statistics and talents are, she is equally as impressive as a teammate and leader. We look for Taylor to come in and make an immediate impact in this program."

Upon her signing, Nearad noted that the coaching staff Trachsel has put in place, as well as the elite competition in the Big 12, were selling points in her decision to attend Iowa State.

"I chose Iowa State because I felt comfortable around campus, the coaches and the team," Nearad said. "I also wanted to continue to push myself to a higher level of softball to improve. I'm excited to learn new things to help me improve on my softball skills and make me a better player and person."

Gonzalez, an infielder, comes to Iowa State from Bellflower, California, were she plays for one of the nation's top softball programs at Los Alamitos High School. Gonzalez is a talented infielder, who plays both third base and shortstop for a Los Alamitos squad that finished the 2016 campaign with a 26-3 record and ranked No. 7 in the nation, according to Max Preps.

"Andrea is great person who has worked hard and earned this opportunity," Trachsel said. "She comes with great softball pedigree, having played for high level and knowledgeable high school and travel ball coaches. We are excited about the skill set she brings into our program and we look forward to building on her foundation."

Trachsel's vision for the Iowa State softball was evident as Gonzalez explained her choice to sign with the Cyclones.

"Iowa State offers the tools I need to be a successful adult in the future and beyond my softball career," Gonzalez said. "I want to be a part of building up this program to be its very best with the help of the new coaching staff. Iowa State feels like my home away from home. As our program grows, one major goal would be to make it the Women's College World Series. I'm very excited for the journey and I can't wait to see the good things that come to Iowa State Softball."

Hanrahan, an Iowa City native, currently plays the outfield for Solon High School. As a junior in 2016, Hanrahan had an outstanding prep season, collecting 42 RBIs with a .438 batting average. The speedster also swiped 28 bases on just 32 attempts on the season. Playing for one of the top softball programs in Iowa, Hanrahan has also placed herself as one of the state's best players, earning All-State honors.

"Bryn has an infectious energy and personality," Trachsel said. "She is a multisport athlete who has only begun to scratch the surface of her softball potential. She will get great coaching and training leading up to her days as a Cyclone, and we're looking forward to the strides she will make when she can focus, train, practice and put all of her attention into one sport. Her unselfishness, work ethic, sacrifice and commitment to her passion make her a great fit for our program."

Hanrahan said that the opportunity to play in the Big 12 and be a part of building Iowa State softball under Trachsel's guidance were crucial in her decision to come to Ames from Iowa City.

"I chose Iowa State University because I love the campus, the educational opportunities and coaching staff," Hanrahan said. "I'm excited to play in the Big 12 with, and against, the best players and teams in the country and have the chance to help build Iowa State into a top-25 program."

Julie Lewis comes to Iowa State as a crucial piece of the 2017 class, and the first pitcher to ink with the Cyclones since 2015. Lewis, a powerful right-handed pitcher, comes to ISU from Arroyo Grande, Calif., where she was named First Team All-Conference while leading Arroyo Grande High School to the conference title in 2015. The ace plays her club ball for the So Cal Diamonds.

"Julie is a pitcher balanced with speed and movement, and brings a personality and unselfishness that is unique to her position," Trachsel said. "We look forward to adding her attitude and passion to our pitching staff. Her desire and fearlessness will be instrumental in her success as a collegiate player. The intangibles she brings with her, coupled with her commitment to her training, will be the foundation to her success."

Lewis noted that the potential she sees in the Iowa State program and its coaching staff were what caused her to want to become a Cyclone.

"I chose Iowa state because the coaches and team are amazing, and I want to help make Iowa State a top-25 program," Lewis said. "I am excited to take my pitching and batting to the next level and see how great I can become when working under a phenomenal coaching staff."

Iowa State University Athletics

Softball Welcomes Four In Fall Signing Period

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors