The Valpo softball program announced today that nine players have signed to join the program as freshmen for the 2023-24 school year.

Anna Wilming – P/IF – Columbus, Ohio – Olentangy Orange H.S. – Ohio Lady Lasers

Wilming was a First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-District selection last season for the Pioneers and received Honorable Mention All-Metro accolades as well. A two-year team captain, Wilming is a member of National Honor Society and was named Academic All-Ohio.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valparaiso because of the high academic standards and the genuine determination I saw from the coaching staff to build the program and care for their players.”

Morgan Hicks – IF/OF – Noblesville, Ind. – Hamilton Southeastern H.S. – Indiana Gators

Hicks has hit .339 with nine home runs, 43 RBIs and a .415 on-base percentage over the 2021 and 2022 seasons playing for Hamilton Southeastern. Over the past three years playing travel for Indiana Gators and Indiana Magic Gold, she has combined to hit .424 with 14 home runs, 97 RBIs and a .495 OBP.

Why she chose Valpo: “From the moment I attended my first camp and visited campus, Valparaiso felt like home and where I could grow academically while playing the game I love.”

Madison Stamper – C/IF – Matthews, N.C. – Porter Ridge H.S. – Carolina Legacy

Stamper hit .317 as a junior for the Pirates last season and slugged at a .500 clip, ranking among the leaders among Southern Carolina 4A players in slugging percentage. She plays her travel ball for Carolina Legacy.

Why she chose Valpo: “Playing softball in college was always my dream, but my future career and academics were the goal. Valpo offers both. I fell in love with the college, the town and the overall culture of the student body. It felt like home. I'm excited to get started on the field and in working towards my future in engineering!”

Cici Wilson – IF/OF – St. Charles, Ill. – Saint Charles East H.S. – Wasco Diamonds

Wilson was a 4A Third Team All-State selection for the Saints last season. She also earned Kane County All-Area and Daily Herald Fox River All-Area accolades, as well as picking up All-Conference accoldes.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valparaiso because I loved the softball program and the size of the campus.”

Lana Tellez – C/OF – Chino Hills, Calif. – Chino Hills H.S. – California Cruisers

Tellez has played competitive travel ball for the California Cruisers organization for the last five years.

Why she chose Valpo: “I selected Valpo for the small-town feel and the opportunity to continue playing softball while obtaining an education from one of the best-rated colleges for computer science! I am excited to be part of the Valpo family and play Division I softball!”

Sydney McDermott – P – Stout, Ohio – Portsmouth West H.S. – Ohio Hawks

McDermott is a two-time First Team All-State selection and was named conference Pitcher of the Year both years as well. She has broken the Lady Senators’ strikeout record in back-to-back seasons, striking out 354 batters last spring as a junior, and helped lead Portsmouth West to a district title and regional runner-up finish in 2022.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because it is a great school in both academics and athletics! As soon as I stepped on campus, I fell in love and knew I wanted to be here! Go Beacons!”

Natalie Bush – UT – Hudsonville, Mich. – Unity Christian H.S. – Finesse Fastpitch

Bush earned Honorable Mention All-State accolades last year for the Crusaders, as well as All-Region, All-District and All-Conference recognition. She helped lead Unity Christian to district and regional championships and a berth in the state quarterfinals in 2022.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because of how friendly the coaches and players were, and I am really excited about their criminology program.”

Carson Kuhlmann – IF/C – Grand Blanc, Mich. – Grand Blanc H.S. – Turnin2

Kuhlmann was an All-District and All-Region selection at catcher in 2022 and earned Honorable Mention All-State recognition. Playing for Turnin2 on the travel circuit, she helped her squad to a runner-up finish at the 2022 USA Oklahoma City JO Cup and a spot in the quarterfinals at the 2022 Colorado Sparkler. A member of National Honor Society, Kuhlmann has received Academic All-State honors as well.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valparaiso because I believed it would give me the opportunities to be successful not only throughout my softball career, but for the rest of my life as well.”

Kayden Krug – IF – Milford, Ohio – Mount Notre Dame H.S. – Miami Valley Express

Krug has earned First Team All-Conference accolades playing for the Cougars in 2021 and 2022. Last summer, playing travel with the Ohio Hawks, she was part of a squad which earned runner-up honors at the PGF National Championship.

Why she chose Valpo: “I chose Valpo because I wanted to be a part of building a great program with some awesome coaches.”