INDIANA, Pa. – IUP head softball coach
Shawna Bellaud announced the addition of seven future Crimson Hawks who make up the program's recruiting class of 2021.
The group includes softball standouts from Pennsylvania and Ohio and includes three infielders, three utility players, and an outfielder.
"I am very excited to introduce this group as we welcome them into the IUP softball family," said Bellaud. "As a staff we look forward to these student-athletes joining the program and can't wait to watch them grow here at IUP."
The class is made up of six freshmen and one transfer and are scheduled to join the Crimson Hawks this fall. Scroll below for bios and information.
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MADELINE MILLER
Utility | 5-4 | Toledo, Ohio | Notre Dame Academy
>> Honorable mention Northwest District
>> First team All-TRAC
>> Hit .419 with .511 on-base percentage and .913 fielding percentage
Why IUP?: "I choose IUP because I saw a potential for me to grow as an athlete and as a person there. The academics had what I wanted to focus on and the softball program was helping and determined to be amazing. This all came together to be the atmosphere I wanted to be in."
ALLYSSA SCHMIDT
Utility | 5-3 | West Mifflin, Pa. | West Mifflin Area HS
>> Second team WPIAL all-section
>> Cover 3 Athletics Player to Watch
>> HIt .487 with an .810 slugging percentage
Why IUP?: "I chose IUP because the first time I saw campus I absolutely loved it. The coaching staff was what I was looking for; supportive of my major and putting academics first. IUP felt like home!"
JOELLE SNYDER
Utility | 5-5 | Dornsife, Pa. | Lion Mountain Senior HS | Mansfield University
>> Three-time All-PSAC selection (2018-19, 21) at Mansfield, Team MVP in 2021
>> hit .360 with eight doubles, four triples, two homers and 19 RBI in 32 games as a senior
>> Hit .385 (126-327) with .618 slugging percentage and 74 RBI in 100 career games - all starts
>> Had 47 career extra-base hits: 26 doubles, 13 triples, eight home runs
>> Hit .435 with .739 slugging percentage (10 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR) and 32 RBI as a sophomore in 2019
Why IUP?: "I chose IUP because of the vast amount of opportunities. From my freshmen year of college and then fast forwarding four years later, I saw the end of my career and I knew reality would creep in. IUP made me feel that this the place to start the next chapter of my life, where I am able to continue both my academic and athletic career. I am extremely thankful for all the guidance and support thus far, especially because I can continue what I am passionate about. A special thank you to Coach B and
Renee Wall! Without you both, I would not have been blessed with such a wonderful new family and home!"
JORDAN SYLVIA
Infield | 5-9 | Pottstown, Pa. | Owen J. Roberts HS
>> Second team all-conference at third base in 2019
>> Second team all-conference at shortstop in 2018
>> School top-10 in RBIs in a season
>> Led team with .468 batting average, Carpenter Cup Select Player
>> Two-time team captain
Why IUP?: "The main reason I chose IUP was because it was the campus where I felt most at home. Many people from my hometown will be attending IUP, which eases the nerves a little bit. Another reason why I chose IUP is because the whole softball program was so welcoming when I came on my visit!"
SARA TAILFORD
Infield | 5-3 | Pickerington, Ohio | Pickerington Central HS
>> 2021 OCC Player of the Year and fiirst team All-OCC selection
>> Helped Pickerington to district title and regional runner-up finish
>> Hit .489 with a .536 on-base percentage
Why IUP?: "I chose IUP because every time I stepped on campus it felt like home. The environment is amazing with a beautiful campus and everyone I have met is super nice. IUP has also given me the opportunity to play softball at the next level. I cannot wait to be part of this program!"
PAIGE TRUAX
Outfielder | 5-4 | Jefferson Hills, Pa. | Thomas Jefferson HS
>> Second team Big 56 all-section
>> Led or tied for team-lead in runs scored, doubles, homers and stolen bases
>> Fielding percentage of 1.000
Why IUP?: "All it took was one camp and I immediately fell in love with the school, coaches, and the way the softball team was run!"
SARA ZIMMERMAN
Infield | 5-9 | Indiana, Pa | Indiana Area HS
>> 2018 – Rookie of the Year
>> Indiana All-Gazette Team selection in 2018, 2019, and 2021
>> Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Softball Player to Watch Section 4A
>> Defensive Player of the Year and Eagle Eye award (most walks) in 2021
>> Indiana HS career triples leader with 11
>> Tied school records for runs in a game (4), HRs in a game (2), RBIs in a game (7)
>> Hit .431 with 26 runs scored, five home runs, 18 RBI, an .879 slugging percentage and .536 on-base percentage
Why IUP?: "I chose IUP because I am from the community and wanted to play with my sister, Haleigh again."
