ISU Softball Adds Two to Signing Class

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa State softball program and head coach Jamie Pinkerton announced the addition of two softball players who have signed their letters of intent to attend Iowa State. Paige Nakashima and Sophie Maras are set to arrive on campus and join the Cyclones for the 2022-23 season.

"We are really excited to add Paige and Sophie to our team," said Pinkerton. "I think the mix of power and versatility that they bring allows us to be more creative when filling out a lineup."
Here's a look at Iowa State softball's new additions, including thoughts from Pinkerton on each signee:

Paige Nakashima
Hometown: Mililani, Hawaii
High School: James Campbell High School
Club Program: Athletics Mercado
Position: 1B/3B

As a senior, Nakashima hit .441, tallied 13 runs and collected 33 RBIs. She was later named to the First Team All-State squad and was also a 2022 All-OIA Softball Western Division selection. As a junior, she hit .517, scored eight runs and drove in 15 runs.

Coach Pinkerton on Paige Nakashima: "We are really excited about Paige. She has family from Iowa and she continues our Hawaii pipeline. She plays for one of the premier high school programs in Hawaii along with one of the top summer programs in Athletics Mercado. We foresee her being a middle of the lineup hitter who can play the corners and possibly some other positions."

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣..

Welcome to the squad, @PaigeNakashima

🌪🥎🌪 pic.twitter.com/qsv2RnJaiV
— Iowa State Softball (@CycloneSB) July 18, 2022

Sophie Maras
Hometown: Johnston, Iowa
High School: Johnston High School
Former Programs: Des Moines Area Community College / Iowa
Position: Infield/Utility

Maras played at the Iowa last season. Sophie finished the year with a .300 batting average for the Hawkeyes along with a .408 on-base percentage. Prior to her time in Iowa City, Maras spent two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College. With the Bears, Maras recorded a .490 batting average, 125 hits, 29 home runs, 19 doubles and a slugging percentage of .961.

Coach Pinkerton on Sophie Maras: "Sophie has Cyclone blood in her, as her mom and dad are Iowa State alums. Sophie played at one of the top high school programs in the state of Iowa at Johnston High School. She played on a World Series team at Des Moines Area Community College and was a starter at Iowa. I see her being a true utility player here, she gives us the ability to use her in a lot of different ways.