Softball 11/16/2021 2:33:00 PM

UCO Softball Signs Six

Perennial NCAA Division II softball powerhouse Central Oklahoma made a recruiting haul during the early signing period, with the Bronchos adding six high school standouts to the program.

Set to join UCO in 2022-23 are in-state products Rylee Anglen of Skiatook, Emily Deramus of Edmond North, Rylee Lemos of Oklahoma Union, Shaylin Midgley of Silo and Kinlee Riley of Tuttle along with Shelby Nelson of Corinith, Texas.

"We're excited about this incredible group of student-athletes and look forward to them joining our program," ninth-year head coach Cody White said. "They're all very versatile players who will be able to help us in a number of ways."

Anglen was a two-time District Player of the Year performer at Skiatook who finished her career with a .469 average and 97 stolen bases. The infielder was an All-Region and All-State selection as a senior this fall.

"Rylee proved herself as being one of the best middle infielders around," White said. "She has great hands, brings a lot of speed and is a very smart player who knows how to win."

Deramus earned All-District honors twice at Edmond North before the infielder suffered through an injury-plagued senior season.

"Emily possesses tremendous power at the plate and will impact our team in multiple ways," White said. "She's coming off an injury, but has worked hard to be one of the strongest and most athletic players around.

Lemos enjoyed a sensational career at Oklahoma Union, finishing as a four-time All-District and All-Conference selection. She was District 8 Offensive Player of the Year this fall in addition to garnering All-Region and All-State recognition.

The catcher-outfielder is also a basketball and track standout for the Cougars, having earning All-District honors three times on the court in addition to being a state qualifier on the track.

"We were impressed with how hard Rylee plays," White said. "She has exceptional speed and can hit for power. Rylee is an excellent athlete who can play multiple positions and she will bring great energy to our team."

Midgley also put together a phenomenal career in helping lead Silo to a pair of Class 2A state championships. A four-time All-District pick, she earned All-Region and All-State accolades this fall and is also a basketball standout for the Rebels.

"Shay is a proven winner with a refuse-to-lose mentality," White said. "She's a very smart and consistent hitter with good power. A true utility player who will compete at multiple positions for us."

Riley was one of the stars for Tuttle's powerful Class 4A program and helped guide the Tigers to two state titles. The outfielder received All-Region and All-State recognition this fall.

"Kinlee proved to have a strong work ethic and is one of the most competitive players out there," White said. "She has great gap-to-gap power and a strong arm from the outfield."

Nelson, UCO's lone out-of-state signee, was a three-time All-District performer at Lake Dallas High School in Corinith. The catcher-first baseman was named District Co-Offensive Player of the Year for 2021 after batting .511 with 10 home runs and 26 runs batted in as the team's lead-off hitter.

"Shelby takes control of the game behind the plate and leads the pitching staff," White said. "She hits for both power and average and will bring big-time toughness to the team."

White has led the Bronchos to six national tournament appearances and three Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association titles in his eight years at the helm, having racked up a 301-124 record. UCO went 36-14 in winning the league crown last spring and will again field one of the best teams in Division II in 2022.

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