Oregon softball signed seven players to its 2024 recruiting class, including three of the top 20 players in the class, in a group that ranks in the top 20 nationally.
Infielders Laylynn Jones, Rylee McCoy and Stefini Ma’ake, outfielders Elyse Kresho, pitcher Rowan Thompson and catchers Emma Cox and Presley Lawton signed National Letters of Intent with the Ducks on Wednesday in a class ranked No. 16 by Extra Inning Softball. It’s the second year in a row Oregon signed a top 20 class; UO’s 2023 class was ranked No. 13.
“I like the versatility in this class,” Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi said in a statement. “We have speed, power, strength and athleticism. It’s a very well-rounded class and I think our fans are really going to like the competitiveness of these incoming freshmen. This class has won at the highest levels in club ball and will have the ability to come in and contribute right away.”
Ranked No. 6 nationally by Extra Inning Softball, Jones was named the 2023 Texas state player of the year by the Dallas Morning News after hitting .540 with 49 RBIs, 65 runs and 24 stolen bases as a junior at Denton Guyer High School.
“Kaylynn is a gritty, fearless competitor,” Lombardi said. “She knows how to handle pressure and perform in the biggest moments. Her softball IQ is off the charts. She has the ability to hit the ball for power and drive in runs. With her speed, she has the ability to turn singles into doubles. Her athleticism gives her the ability to play up the middle and in the outfield and she will be a fan favorite at The Jane.”
McCoy is ranked No. 2 nationally among first basemen and No. 15 overall. She hit .514 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI as a junior for Oaks Christian School (California) in 2023.
“Rylee is already playing at a high level that will allow her adapt quickly to the college game,” Lombardi said. “She has a big, power bat and I’m impressed with her ability to play the corners. Her mother played college softball at Fresno State and Rylee grew up around the game. You can see that in her high softball IQ. She has won back-to-back Alliance national championships and she understands how to compete and win at the highest level.”
A two-time Georgia first team all-state honoree, Kresho is ranked No. 16 nationally. She set Cherokee High School’s career records for hits (162), home runs (24), walks (67), slugging percentage (.798) and on-base percentage (.565).
“Elyse is a winner with a lot of really good tools,” Lombardi said. “She puts the team first before herself and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Her athleticism is really impressive and she has tremendous range in the outfield. Elyse has excellent plate discipline and hits for a high average. She is a real threat on the bases with her speed. She is another player with a really high ceiling.”
Cox is a three-sport star at Flatirons Academy in Colorado, competing in volleyball and basketball as well as softball. She plays club softball for the Corona Angels, which produced current Ducks Paige Sinicki, Ayanna Shaw and Taylour Spencer, as well as Ma’ake.
“Emma grew up around the game of softball with both parents playing and coaching,” Lombardi said. “She has a great rapport with pitchers and is strong on defense. She’s outstanding behind the plate and can change the momentum of an inning with her ability to throw out runners. Emma also has a very high ceiling as a hitter with the potential to hit for both power and average.”
Ma’ake, who has been ranked as high as No. 12 nationally by Extra Inning Softball, was an all-state selection at Academy of Our Lady Peace in San Diego.
“Stefini can change a game with one swing of the bat and she lives for those moments,” Lombardi said. “She’s a terrific athlete and a fearless competitor. She will hit for power but also for average and brings the element of speed to her game as well. Stefini is also a great leader on and off the field and connects with everybody. Our fans are going to love how much joy she has for playing the game.”
Lawton and Thompson are in-state signees in this year’s class.
A two-time all-conference selection at North Medford High School, Lawton is ranked No. 3 overall in the state of Oregon by Softball Northwest.
“We are thrilled to be able to keep Presley home playing in front of our great fans at The Jane,” Lombardi said. “She has impressed me with her versatility and her leadership behind the plate. She’s also another player who brings in a ton of experience playing at a high club level.”
Thompson is ranked No. 6 in the state of Oregon by Softball Northwest. An all-state pitcher for South Salem High School in 2023, Thompson had 236 strikeouts over 123.2 innings with a 1.19 ERA as a junior.
“Rowan is a competitor on the mound,” Lombardi said. “I love her composure. She doesn’t get rattled in stressful situations. She’s a strikeout pitcher who rises to the occasion when she’s in a jam and the defense will love playing behind her. With her vertical separation, she matches up well with hitters from both sides of the plate. Rowan is another Oregonian who is a Duck through and through and I’m really excited to see her representing the state of Oregon and competing at The Jane.”