SB Signs Four to 2017 Signing Class
11/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
WACO, Texas - The Baylor softball program signed four players to national letters of intent for the 2017 class Wednesday. The Lady Bears signed four Texans, including two local talents, that will begin their careers in the fall of 2016 and take the field in 2017.
"This class is composed of four tremendously talented athletes," said Baylor head coach Glenn Moore. "They come from great environments and have a competitive maturity that will serve them well in getting early playing time."
Maddison Kettler
OF/IF, R/R, West, Texas, West High School, Texas Glory
Maddison Kettler signed with the Lady Bears out of West, Texas and West High School. Kettler is a versatile outfielder/infielder combo star for the nearby Trojans, and she plays her club ball with the Texas Glory club organization.
Kettler brings a decorated high school career, including two-time District MVP recognition, TGCA All-State honors, and a top-100 recruit ranking from FloSoftball.
"Maddison plays with great intensity and enthusiasm," said Moore. "She should see playing time early because of her ability to play the middle or outfield. She has great speed and will make things happen offensively, with the bat and on the bases."
Madi O'Neal
OF, L/R, Huffman, Texas, Hargrave High School, Scrapyard Dogs
Madi O'Neal signed with Baylor out of Huffman, Texas and Hargrave High School. She is an outfielder that played club ball with the Scrapyard Dogs club organization.
O'Neal has helped lead Huffman to three straight district titles and the 2015 state title. Madi brings a high level of experience and success at the high school level, including two-time First Team All-District selections, two-time District Offensive MVP honors, a 2015 First Team All-State selection, and the holds the record for stolen bases in the state tournament.
"Madi is extremely competitive and a spark plug," said Moore. "She plays the game hard and smart. I expect her to challenge for playing time in the outfield, but also to be a valuable asset on the base paths."
Taylor Ellis
SS, R/R, Waco, Texas, Midway High School, Texas Rapid Fire/Texas Glory
Taylor Ellis signed with BU out of Waco, Texas and nearby Midway High School. She is a standout shortstop and has played her club ball with the Texas Rapid Fire and Texas Glory club organizations.
Ellis is a familiar name in Central Texas high school softball, rewarded as a two-time All-State selection, the Super Centex Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, and the Super Centex Player of the Year last season as a junior.
"We've been waiting for this one since the 2010 Little League World Series, when we first saw Taylor play for the Midway Little League World Series team," said Moore. "I knew then she would be a Bear one day. Taylor is simply a great athlete. Expect to see her play up the middle, although she is not limited to that."
Shelby "Goose" McGlaun
RHP/OF, R/R, Humble, Texas, Atascocita High School, Texas Sudden Impact
Shelby "Goose" McGlaun signed with the Lady Bears out of Humble, Texas and Atascocita High School. She is a combo right-handed pitcher and outfielder, playing her club ball with the Texas Sudden Impact club organization.
McGlaun brings a long list of accolades out of the Houston area, including District 13-5A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, two-time District MVP recognition, two-time All-Area and All-Greater Houston nods, two-time TSWA All-State selection, and two-time Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. Shelby has already set single-season school records in on-base percentage and homeruns as a hitter, as well as strikeouts and earned run average as a pitcher.
"Shelby, Goose, has been considered one of the Lone Star State's top prospects for several years," said Moore. "She is a right-handed pitcher, but also a versatile athlete who can hit with great power. She is tremendously competitive and committed to winning. You can expect to see Goose all over the field during her time at Baylor."
A year ago, Baylor signed four players on national signing day that will take the field in the spring. The Bears are coming off a 41-17 season in 2015, qualifying for the program's fifth consecutive NCAA tournament.
"With this class, we have addressed the attrition concerns of our talented senior class, adding quality depth as well," said Moore. "I appreciate the great work done by my staff in solidifying a class that will sustain and even enhance the level of play expected from Baylor Softball team."
2017 Baylor Softball Signing Class
Maddison Kettler
OF/IF, R/R, West, Texas, West High School (Texas Glory)
Madi O'Neal
OF, L/R, Huffman, Texas, Hargrave High School (Scrapyard Dogs)
Taylor Ellis
SS, R/R, Waco, Texas, Midway High School (Texas Rapid Fire/Texas Glory)
Shelby "Goose" McGlaun
RHP/OF, R/R, Humble, Texas, Atascocita High School (Texas Sudden Impact)
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