IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa softball team announced the addition of eight signees for its 2019-20 team, Iowa head coach Renee Gillispie announced Wednesday.
Avery Guy
Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Shortstop
Avery Guy joins the Hawkeyes after two years at Des Moines Area Community College, where she batted .362 with 47 RBIs and 18 stolen bases. In high school at Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Guy was named MVC Player of the Year, first-team All-State, and first-team All-Conference after batting .514 overall along with eight home runs and 37 RBIs.
“Avery Guy is a DMACC graduate utility player, whose experience at the junior college national level will provide Iowa with more options for a strong season.” – Coach Gillispie
Erin Carter
Fenton, Michigan | Infield
Erin Carter comes to Iowa from Michigan, where she was a multi-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and softball at Fenton High School. During her junior season, Carter batted .625 and was named a unanimous first-team all-district and all-region honoree as a team captain.
“Erin Carter is an impact player and will be a great addition to the middle infield. Offensively, she will give strength to our lineup.” – Coach Gillispie
Kalena Burns
Corona, California | 1B
Kalena Burns is a four-year letterwinner and softball team captain at Corona Centennial High School. Burns was named All-CIF Southern Section Team, most valuable player, and was a 2018 Big 8 All-League honoree her junior season while earning her third consecutive scholar athlete award. As a junior, Burns batted .467 with a .680 slugging percentage with 34 RBIs.
“Kalena is a power first baseman who swings a big bat. We are looking forward to watching her hit a lot of home runs at Pearl Field.” – Coach Gillispie
Nia Carter
Pasadena, California | Outfield
Nia Carter is a speedster from St. Paul High School. Carter is a three-time first-team All-League honoree, three-time first team All-Area honoree, and a three-time Offensive MVP with her senior year on the horizon. Carter has stolen 46 bases in her career, including a career-high 19 during her junior season.
“Nia will terrorize the base paths and bring havoc to the defense.” – Coach Gillispie
Taylor Ryan
Solon, Iowa | Outfield
Taylor Ryan is a homegrown Hawkeye from Solon High School. Ryan is a two-time all-state honoree and two-time first-team all-conference honoree. Ryan won back-to-back conference championships in 2015 and 2016 along with an Iowa state title in 2015 and a third-place finish at state in 2016. Since her freshman year, Ryan holds a .506 batting average with 97 stolen bases.
“Taylor Ryan will put pressure on the defense with her speed. Taylor will give the fans something to watch. We are excited to have her in the black and gold and keep our local talent at home.” – Coach Gillispie
Mia Ruther
Burlington, Iowa | Middle Infield
Mia Ruther joins the Hawkeyes after playing two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College as the team’s starting second baseman. Ruther was named an NJCAA first-team All-American and helped the Bears to a third place finish at the NJCAA World Series in 2018, hitting .518 with 31 RBIs and 69 runs.
“We are excited to bring an experienced Southeastern Iowan and a high level middle infielder from DMACC to Iowa. Mia will bring depth and speed to compete in the Big Ten.” – Coach Gillsipe
Allie Timmons
Davenport, Iowa | Pitcher
Allie Timmons is a pitcher from Davenport Assumption, where she was a two-time 3A state champion in 2017 and 2018 as well as a first-team All-Conference honoree. During her junior season, Timmons guided Davenport Assumption to a 39-3 record. Timmons recorded a 17-2 record in the circle with a 2.0 ERA and 154 strikeouts.
“Allie is another great Iowa pitcher who we are excited to wear the black and gold. Allie brings versatility to the team, and we look forward to seeing her dominate the circle.” – Coach Gillsipie
Nicole Yoder
Buffalo, Iowa | Utility
Nicole Yoder is Iowa’s second signee from Davenport Assumption. Yoder garnered All-MAC and QC all-metro honors each of the past four seasons. Yoder helped Assumption to state titles in 2017 and 2018 and has 91 career RBIs with 47 stolen bases.
“Nicole will bring a lot of versatility to our defense and offense. She will also bring more speed to our base paths.” – Coach Gillsipie