The Valpo softball program and head coach Meaggan Pettipiece announced today that nine players have signed to join the program as freshmen for the 2024-25 school year.

“We are extremely excited to welcome this new class of versatile athletes to elevate our program to the next level,” Pettipiece and assistant coach Laney Jones said. “The amount of competitiveness, knowledge and skill this class brings is going to start a new legacy for Valpo Softball!”

Mia Carroll-Greeves – 5’6” – P – Lakewood, Ohio – Lakewood H.S. – Team Ohio White

Carroll-Greeves has been named Cuyahoga County Pitcher of the Year and Great Lakes Conference Pitcher of the Year. A two-time Cuyahoga County All-Star and a Second Team All-District selection, Carroll-Greeves holds single-season school records for shutouts, ERA, strikeouts and no-hitters.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of its welcoming atmosphere, student-faculty ratio and beautiful campus. I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete on the softball field as a Beacon!”

Brooklynn Couch – 5’7” – MIF – Lawrenceburg, Ind. – Lawrenceburg H.S. – Ohio Hawks National

Couch is a two-time All-Conference and two-time All-County honoree for the Tigers. She is an active member of Lawrenceburg’s National Honors Society.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it felt like the perfect fit for my athletics and my academics.”

Marissa Jackson – 5’5” – OF – Willis, Mich. – Huron H.S. – Finesse Fastpitch

Jackson was an Honorable Mention All-State selection last year for the Chiefs. A three-time All-League and All-District honoree, Jackson has twice been named her team’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Why she chose Valpo: “From the moment I set foot on campus, I knew that this was the one — being able to become a nurse while fulfilling my dream of playing college softball!”

Kierra Joseph – 5’6” – C/1B – Zanesville, Ohio – Zanesville H.S. – Ohio Outlaws

Joseph is a two-time First Team All-District and two-time First Team All-Conference selection. She is ranked #39 among catchers in her class nationally by Extra Innings.

Why she chose Valpo: “The second I stepped on campus, it felt like home and I felt like I belonged there. I feel welcomed there and I cannot wait to spend the next few years as a Beacon!”

Erin Metz – 5’7” – P – Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton North H.S. – Wasco Diamonds

Metz earned Second Team All-State accolades last season as a junior for Wheaton North H.S. A three-time All-Conference honoree, Metz was named team MVP last year as she set the program single-season record for strikeouts and matched its single-season wins record. She enters her senior season already owning the program’s career strikeouts record.

Why she chose Valpo: “The reason I chose Valpo was not only because of what I am majoring in, but the way it felt like home the moment I met the coaches and players.”

Kayla Purdy – 5’10” – P – Matthews, N.C. – Porter Ridge H.S. – Lady Dukes

Purdy has earned All-Conference honors in the circle for the Pirates. Also an accomplished high jumper, she holds Porter Ridge’s school record indoors in the event and has earned All-Conference and All-County recognition there as well.

Why she chose Valpo: “When picking a school where I could continue to grow as an athlete and an individual, Valpo checked all the boxes of my dream school. I feel every aspect of my life will improve by being surrounded by coaches who prioritize the human part of an athlete and being in an environment where professors want to see you thrive.”

Caitlyn Quickle – 5’6” – UT/P – Leesburg, Ohio – Fairfield Local H.S. – Ohio Lasers

Quickle was an Honorable Mention All-State selection last season. She has earned All-Southeast District honors each of the last two years and is a two-time All-Conference honoree as well.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the small, hometown atmosphere and the energetic passion of the coaching staff.”

Kyndal Shively – 5’2” – OF/2B – Bloomington, Ill. – University H.S. – Heartland Havoc

Shively was a Third Team All-State honoree last season at University H.S. She also picked up First Team All-Conference honors as she led the conference in stolen bases while hitting .411 at the plate.

Why she chose Valpo: “As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that Valpo was going to be my future home. Not only do they offer great academics, but the care and determination to grow the softball organization made my decision to come here easy.”

Madison Vrastil – 5’8” – C/UT – Oak Forest, Ill. – Andrew H.S. – Chicago Wildcats

Vrastil has picked up Class 4A All-State honors each of the last three years. She is also a three-time All-Area and All-Conference recipient.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of the family-like aspect the coaches and the players showed to me on my visit. They made me feel at home at Valpo.”