BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ––––– Indiana Softball head coach Shonda Stanton announced the program’s newest signing class on Friday afternoon. The team will add seven players as part of its 2024 signing class.
“Our 2024 class represents the result of my staff’s hard work and dedication in assembling a well-rounded group of student-athletes, each bringing a unique skill set,” Stanton says. “From power and athleticism at the plate to crafty pitchers, gritty catchers, a speedy outfielder, and reliable, solid infielders, it’s a testament to the collective effort to create a team that can excel in all facets of the game. We can’t wait to see the impact they will have on Indiana Softball.”
Jenae Berry, Josie Bird, Sydni Burko, Peyton Drummond, Alli Gavin, Jasmine Reyes, and Madalyn Strader will arrive in Bloomington in the fall of 2024.
Jenae Berry
RHP | Queen Creek, Ariz. | Queen Creek High School
More on Berry…
- High school coach is Ann Peirson.
- 1.02 ERA, 2nd best in 6A
- Plays travel ball for OC Batbusters (Stith). 2023 Alliance National Champions.
- Three-year Varsity Letterwinner.
- Varsity Letterwinner in golf.
- 4x Academic Honor Roll.
- Intended major: Occupational Therapy.
Parents are Perry and Lana … has two brothers and a sister: Jacob, Jade, and Jet.
Perry played baseball for the University of Louisiana Lafayette and the Houston Astros organization … Lana played basketball at Colorado Mesa University … Jacob played baseball at LSU and is in the Miami Marlins organization … Jade plays softball for Stanford.
Why she picked IU…
JB: “I chose IU because this school allows me to grow in my faith while competing at a high level on the field.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “We are excited to see Jenae command the game and provide a steady presence in the circle. Her dedication, work ethic, and ability to get swings and misses are winning ingredients. With Jenae we are not merely gaining a talented athlete, we are gaining a leader whose character will serve as the bedrock for continued success in our program.”
Josie Bird
C/3B | R/R | Hamlin, W. Va. | Lincoln County High School
More on Bird…
- High school coach is Tommy Barrett.
- Plays travel ball for Team NC (Huss).
- First Team All-State (2021-2023) … First Team All-Tournament (2021-2022) … West Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year (2021-2022) … Johnny Bench Award (2021-22) … All-American (2022-2023).
- Holds the current school record for career home runs with 39.
- Dean’s List and Student Council Vice President in the 2022-23 school year.
- A three-year National Honor Society member
- Intended major: Business.
Parents are John and Jennifer … has one brother, Dakota.
Why she picked IU…
JB: “I chose IU because I like the family atmosphere. As soon as I walked through the doors at IU, the team and coaching staff made me feel so welcomed.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Josie is as strong as they come. She has big-time power to plate runs and an elite arm to equalize the run game. From a wide-eyed young fan to a spirited competitor, Josie’s journey is a testament to the power of pride and determination. Every swing, every play, Josie carries the dreams of a young fan who once imagined this moment.”
Sydni Burko
3B | R/R | Ona, W.Va. | Cabell Midland High School
More on Burko…
- Plays travel ball for TN Mojo (Abernathy)
- 2023 travel season – .554 (BA), .575 (OBP), 56 (Hits), 14 (HR), 43 (RBI).
- Ranked in the Top 20 by Extra Innings Softball for the class of 2024 … top-ten corner infielder by Extra Innings … 2023 Fastpitch Network ranking at No. 15.
- 3x Academic Honor Roll.
- Three-year varsity letter winner.
- 4.0 student throughout her high school career.
- Intended major is Health Sciences.
Parents are Dan and Jennifer. Has three brothers, Daniel, Dallas, and Dylan. Dallas played basketball at Mid-America Christian University.
Why she picked IU…
SB: “I chose IU because of the family atmosphere, supportive staff, and the opportunity to not only grow as an athlete but as a young woman.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Sydni is a lockdown defender and as a clutch hitter has the power potential to be a game changer; when pressure is at its peak, she can be trusted. True champions are not defined by skill alone, they are known by their character, and Syd embodies both. Her faith and consistent drive will not only power our team’s performance but will inspire a culture of excellence and leadership.”
Peyton Drummond
OF | L/R | Floyds Knobs, Ind. | Floyd Central High School
More on Drummond…
- High school coach is Sean Payne.
- Floyd Central’s single-season stolen base record holder and career stolen base leader at FCHS … led the state of Indiana in stolen bases in the 2022 season.
- Golden Spikes Award winner (2021-2023) and offensive player of the year (2022, 2023) … NFCA All-Region Team (2023) … two-time All-Conference and All-State honoree (2022, 2023) … Heisman High School Award winner.
- Plays travel ball for the Beverly Bandits. The team finished 29-6 in the 2023 summer and 40-11 in the 2022 fall season.
- Extra Innings Softball Top 100 recruit … Legacy and Legends 4-star prospect … Softball America Top 10 Slapper.
- National Honors Society member
- Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.
- Earned varsity letter for indoor track.
- Intended major is Sports Marketing & Management.
Parents are J.R. and Kristin. Has two sisters, Riley and Dru. J.R. played football at IU from 1997-2001 … her grandfather ran track at IU in 1973.
Why she picked IU…
PD: “IU has always been a part of my life and I take so much pride in having the opportunity to wear the cream and crimson. I never want to take anything for granted repping this jersey and making a positive impact on and off the field.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Peyton brings a level of agility and athleticism on both sides of the game. Her energy, speed, and skill on the base paths fit our system well and her precision offensively will make her a reliable table setter. For Peyton, the journey began as a fervent fan, dreaming of repping the Indiana script. Now that dream is a reality and her passion for the game and love for the Hoosiers shines bright.”
Alli Gavin
C/UT | R/R |Trafalgar, Ind. | Indian Creek High School
More on Gavin…
- High school coach is Gary Mitchell.
- Three-time honoree, Western Indiana Conference team … two-time all-county distinction … two-time IHSAA All-U.S. Central Indiana honorable mention.
- 2023 season stats: .429 (BA), .515 (OBP), 6 (HR), 1.000 (Fielding)
- Plays travel ball for the Beverly Bandits. The team posted a 29-6 record in the 2023 summer and 40-11 in the 2022 fall season.
- 2022 Top 25 Scenic City Champs … 2022 Fall PGF Shootout Champions … 2021 No. 4 ESI team ranking.
- Academic Honor Roll throughout the high school career.
- Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.
- Varsity Letters in Volleyball (2) and Unified Flag Football (1).
- Intended Major: Exercise Science.
Parents are Bob and Tracey … has two brothers, Landon and Gavin.
Why she picked IU…
AG: “I chose IU to study at one of the best schools in the country, to be close to home, and to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of Indiana’s Softball program.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Alli is an athletic, mobile catcher who works hard for her pitchers. She is gritty and scrappy behind the plate. Her addition not only strengthens our depth but solidifies the pivotal role at the catcher position. Wearing the cream and crimson is not just about the uniform, it is a symbol of dreams come true and this realization is an opportunity that Alli seized. Her ambition and persistence created the path to IU.”
Jasmine Reyes
RHP | Oxnard, Calif. | Rio Mesa High School
More on Reyes…
- Two-time All-Ventura County Team (2022, 2023) … three-time pitcher of the year honoree (2021, 2022, 2023)
- 2023 season: 12-0 in the circle with seven shutouts and a 0.65 ERA.
- Career stats: 0.87 (ERA), 30-4 record, 300 strikeouts, .335 (BA).
- Plays travel ball for I-5 Softball 18U Snyder.
- Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.
- Ranked in the Top 100 of Extra Innings Softball’s Class of 2024 rankings, ranked #27 in the west region for the class of 2024
- Intended Major: Psychology.
Parents are Richard and Darlene … has two sisters Destiny and Mariah.
Why she picked IU…
JR: “I chose IU because as soon as I talked to the amazing coaching staff, they were super welcoming, and as soon as I stepped on campus, I felt like I was at home. They have a family atmosphere, and I felt a part of the school from day one.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Jasmine spins the ball with finesse and seamlessly mixes speeds which will help her disrupt opposing hitters’ timing. Jasmine is resilient and has a strong belief and conviction that where she wants to be is exactly where she will go. She will infuse our team with a light-hearted spirit and infectious smile that will add a dose of joy and positivity.”
Madalyn Strader
2B/SS | L/R | Cedar Park, Texas | Leander High School
More on Strader…
- High school coach is Kendall Driver.
- 2020-21season, posted 37-3 record as District Champs and Regional Finalists.
- Three-year starter at shortstop… coming off a junior season with the following stats: 5.85 (BA), 1.482 (OPS), .624 (OBP) … won District Offensive Player of the Year in 2021-22.
- Plays travel ball for Texas Blaze United.
- Academic All-District honoree, 2021-2023.
- Four-year Varsity Letterwinner.
- Earned a varsity letter in basketball (2022).
- Intended major: Kinesiology.
Parents are Sara and Jason. Has one sister, Scotland.
Why she picked IU…
MS: “I like the coaches and the campus. It feels like home.”
From Coach Stanton…
SS: “Strader is a consistent and reliable defender and gap-to-gap offensive threat. She is a steady presence up the middle and her competitive edge provides an offensive spark. In terms of achievement, Strader models the art of going about her business with relentless dedication. Quietly determined, she is a reflection of the transformative power of a strong work ethic and her actions are a direct result of the process she follows.”