Seven Newcomers to Join UU Softball in 2018-19

URBANA, Ohio – Kira Zeiter announced recently the addition of seven newcomers set to join Urbana softball for the 2018-19 academic season.

"I'm excited about this group joining our UU softball family," Zeiter said. "This is a talented bunch, and they will fit right in by adding to the positive atmosphere that we focus on with our softball program. Not only that, but they will fill needed positions due to our graduating seniors. Welcome to Urbana University Softball to our seven commits!"

OF Ashley Halcomb (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Ashley will be a great player to add versatility to the team; she can play outfield and catch. She is athletic, works hard, and is a solid addition to our roster next year."

Halcomb, a 5-foot-2 outfielder, will be a four-year letterwinner at Hamilton High School and plays under head coach Steve Heckman. Halcomb had a stellar junior campaign last spring, hitting .386 at the plate with three home runs. She earned First Team All-Greater Miami Conference honors while being tabbed an all-state mention for her play on the field. Ashley is the daughter of John and Debbie Halcomb, and has two sisters. She plans to study nursing while attending Urbana University.

1B Mia Smallwood (Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Mia is a powerful hitter, and I see tons of potential for her to step into the MEC conference to add that spark to the lineup. She is a hard worker, and her positive attitude shines through."

Smallwood, a 5-foot-11 first baseman, is a product of Pickerington North High School where she plays for head coach Sarah Looker. Heading to her senior season, Smallwood has earned three varsity letters and plays travel ball for the Miami Valley Xpress posting a career batting average of .667 and over 80 combined home runs. Mia is the daughter of Jeryl and Kristy Smallwood. She plans to study exercise science while attending Urbana University.

P Cassidy King (Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Cassidy has a positive attitude, and the work ethic to be successful at our level. She is a talented pitcher who works hard, and a pitcher who can pitch for many innings at a time due to her consistency."

King, a 5-foot-7 right-handed pitcher, enters her senior season at Wayne High School under head coach Joe Viers and plays travel ball with Outcast Teal. King's cumulative pitching totals include three no-hitters, 10 one-hitters, and 2.11 ERA in 477.2 innings of work. Cassidy is the daughter of Cohen, who bowled at Wright State University, and Janet King. She plans to pursue a degree studying criminal justice and psychology at Urbana University.

3B Erin Gardner (Brookville, Ohio/Brookville HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Erin has been on our radar for a while now, and I was able to watch her play quite a bit over the last year. She has a nice swing, and a solid glove, and a wonderful personality to match!"

Gardner, a 5-foot-6 third baseman, will be a four-year letterwinner at Brookville High School where she plays for head coach Doug Orange. A three-time all-conference performer, scholar-athlete award winner, and National Honors Society member, Gardner has led her squad in batting average in all three seasons while totaling a combined 31 stolen bases, 53 RBI, and 85 runs scored. Erin is the daughter of Mike and Jenny Gardner, and has two sisters. She plans to study mathematics upon enrolling at Urbana University.
3B/OF Mackenzie Frantz (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Kenzie is an athletic player who is versatile. She can play both infield/outfield, and that shows her athleticism. UU was a great fit for her!"

Frantz, a 5-foot-3 infielder/outfielder, plays under head coach Dan Kepple at Miamisburg High School where she will earn a third varsity letter this season. Frantz earned all-conference recognition as a junior last spring after leading her squad in hits. She was also named a scholar-athlete award winner and boasts a grade-point average above 4.0. Mackenzie is the daughter of Devin and Angela Frantz. She plans to study exercise science at Urbana University.

OF Mikayla Kesel (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Darby HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Mikayla always bring a smile to everyone's faces, and brightens your day. She will add to our outfielders for the fall, and speed at the plate. It was a good fit from the start!"

Kesel, 5-foot-8 outfielder, preps for her final season at Hilliard Darby High School where she plays for head coach Shawn Papp. A two-time letterwinner, Kesel is coming off an outstanding junior year where she was named a first-team all-conference performer, all-district honorable mention, and scholar athlete. She finished the spring as Hilliard Darby's most improved player by hitting .429 with 17 RBI and 15 runs scored. Mikayla is the daughter of John and Valarie Kesel, and has one brother. She is pursuing a degree in middle childhood education upon arrival to Urbana University.

P/OF Madison Bryant (Saint Paris, Ohio/Graham HS)
Coach Zeiter: "Madison is a talented pitcher, and hitter that can contribute both at the plate and on the mound. We were pleased to keep her close to home for college, and she has a fantastic personality to add to her high skill level."

Bryant, a 5-foot-5 outfielder and pitcher, enters her senior campaign at Graham High School and plays for head coach Ralph Foster. As a junior, she was named first-team all-state after leading the Central Buckeye Conference in strikeouts (206). She finished with 14 wins in the circle with seven shutouts and 2.14 ERA. Also a threat at the plate, Bryant finished second in the conference in batting average (.600), home runs (10), doubles (12), and RBI (44).

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