ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico softball team and head coach Erica Beach announced the signing of five high school prospects for the 2017-18 season.
High school prospects Sydney Broderick from Arizona, Andrea Howard and Taylor Jones from Albuquerque, and Day’mian Johnson and Alexis Ruel from California have all pledged to join the Lobos as freshmen beinging the 2017-18 season.
Sydney Broderick – C/IF – Mesa, Ariz.
Broderick, commits to UNM from Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, Arizona. She has led her squad to the Final Eight Division 6A State Playoffs the last three seasons. She was a First Team All-conference selection in 2015 and 2016. She also was a First Team All-Division and Second Team All-State selection last season. Broderick is a three time Golden Scholar Award recipient. She plays club softball for the Arizona Firecrackers and the Arizona Hotshots Elite.
“Sydney is a strong hitter who also brings great leadership skills from the catching position,” said Beach. “She has a great work ethic and attitude and I know she will be an incredible positive addition to our program.”
“I am extremely excited and anxious to become a student-athlete at UNM,” said Broderick. “I have dreamed of this moment for a long time and I can’t believe it is finally here. I want to thank Coach Beach for this amazing opportunity to be a part of her program. I am very proud to be a Lobo!”
Andrea Howard – 1B/OF – Albuquerque, N.M.
Howard commits to UNM from La Cueva High School here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She helped lead her team to become the 2016 Metro Champions. She was a 2016 Junior All-American and the 2016 Metro Player of the Year, and was selected as a First Team All-State player. She is a four-time First Team All-District selection. She is also a two-time All-Academic Team selection. She recently received an opportunity to play for the Italian National Softball Team. She played for the Mizuno Storm during this past summer and finished 13th at Nationals.
“Andrea is an amazing lefty hitter who will provide pop to our lineup as well as some versatility in her ability to play both 1st base and outfield,” said Beach. “She has such a positive attitude and I can’t wait to see her wear the Cherry and Silver.”
“I am very excited about signing with UNM because I feel like I am a part of a big, caring family,” said Howard. “I am mostly looking forward to meeting new people who have the same goals and ambitions that I do. Go Lobos!”
Taylor Jones – IF/OF – Albuquerque, N.M.
Jones commits to UNM from La Cueva High School here in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along with her teammate Howard, she helped lead La Cueva to become the 2016 Metro Champions. She plays for the Arizona Mizuno Storm club ball team.
“Taylor is an incredibly versatile player,” Beach said. “She can legitimately play both infield and outfield and we are excited to use her athleticism to boost our line up and defense. She’s a passionate player who I know will help continue to build this program.”
Day’mian Johnson – OF/IF – San Bernardino, Calif.
Johnson commits to UNM from Wilmer Amina Carter High School in California. She has been named to Wilmer Amina Carter’s Honor Roll every semester and has earned 400-plus community service hours in the Teens Make a Difference Organization.
“Day’mian is a powerhouse outfielder who is incredibly powerful,” said Beach. “She is a true competitor and I’m looking forward to seeing her dominate.”
“I am extremely excited to sign and become a Lobo,” said Johnson. “I’ve always wanted to play softball at the next level. I love the sport and all it comes with, including the free education. As soon as I stepped foot on the campus I fell in love. Something was different and I just felt at home. I knew that UNM was where I wanted to spend the next 4 years of my life.”
Alexis Ruel – P – Orange, Calif.
Ruel commits to UNM from Villa Park High School in California. The first team all-conference selection and MVP last year, led her team to a conference championship. In 2014 and 2015, she was named honorable mention. She was Rookie of the Year in 2014 and is a three-time scholar-athlete. She plays summer ball for the Explosion.
“Alexis is an athlete that is going to get it done for us on the mound,” said Beach. “She’s got good pop, good movement, but above all she has the mentality to get it done. She is going to help us in a big way in the circle when she gets to UNM.”
“I am very excited to be an official Lobo,” said Ruel. “I feel honored to be chosen to be a part of this school and the softball program. I can’t wait to take the dirt at UNM and help the team became national champions. I have worked very hard to get to where I am today and will continue to work hard to get to the next level. Go Lobos!!!”