Softball 12/7/2022 10:28:00 AM

Bronchos Make Recruiting Haul

EDMOND (Dec. 7) – Perennial national softball power Central Oklahoma made a splash during the early signing period, with the Bronchos adding five high school standouts and a junior college transfer to the program.

Set to join UCO in 2023-24 are in-state products Shelby Beard of Dickson, Landry Garza of Mustang, Kaylee Linsenmeyer of Stillwater, Brooklyn Ryan of Latta, Kya Watson of Tuttle and Kaylee Bradley of Yukon and Western Oklahoma State College. The Bronchos will also gain a mid-year transfer in Karson Jennings, a Purcell product who spent last season at Texas Tech.

"This is an amazing group of players and we're excited about having them come to UCO," 10th-year head coach Cody White said. "They all had tremendous success, both in high school and on the club level. We look forward to having them on campus and in a Broncho uniform."

Beard enjoyed a stellar career at Dickson High School, capped by her selection to the Middle West All-State team this fall. Expected to be a pitcher/utility player for the Bronchos, Beard batted .540 with 10 home runs and 43 runs batted in as a senior while finishing with an 0.58 earned run average in also earning District 4A-3 Player of the Year honors.

"Shelby has a strong work ethic with an elite mentality," White said. "She's a great competitor who thrives in big situations and fits into our culture well."

Garza is another pitcher/utility addition for the Bronchos and is coming off a superb career at Mustang High School. She was named District Pitcher of the Year while also earning All-Conference, All-Region and All-State honors as a senior after hitting .441 with a 2.16 ERA.

"Landry will be a great addition to our pitching staff," White said. "She's a hard worker who has bought into our program and we're excited to continue to see her game grow."

Linsenmeyer led Stillwater High School to a pair of state tournament appearances during her four-year starting career. The outfielder was an All-District, All-Conference, All-Region and All-State selection as a senior for the Pioneers this fall.

"Kaylee is a determined and hard-working athlete that knows how to win," White said. "She understands the game well and will bring that knowledge along with great dedication to our program."

Ryan was a four-time All-District pick and two-time All-Region selection at Latta High School. The middle infielder helped lead the Panthers to one state championship and two state semifinal appearances while also playing on a pair of state tournament basketball teams.

"Brooklyn is a versatile, well-rounded athlete with great speed," White said. "She's a gritty, passionate athlete who will bring excitement to our program."

Watson was a four-year starter at Tuttle High School, leading the Tigers to one state title. The hard-hitting catcher was a three-time All-District performer, earning Player of the Year honors once, and finished her career with 36 homers and 178 RBIs.

"Kya is a confident player that brings a big bat," White said. "She has a strong presence and is a proven winner with experience in big games.

Bradley was an All-Central Oklahoma Athletic Conference pick as a senior at Yukon High School and is currently a sophomore at WOSC in Altus. She hit .309 with five homers and 27 RBIs as a freshman for the Pioneers while also going 13-7 with a 2.91 ERA in the circle and is coming to UCO as a pitcher.

"Kaylee has deep roots at UCO and we're excited to see her carry on the legacy," said White of Bradley, whose mother (April) was an All-American third baseman for the Bronchos in 1993. "She will bring college experience to the circle and gives our staff a unique look."

While those six players won't be on campus until next fall, Jennings is set to arrive in January and is capable of having an immediate impact during the 2023 season.

She was a two-time District Catcher of the Year at Purcell High School, earning All-State acclaim as a senior after batting .466. Jennings saw limited action at Texas Tech as a true freshman last year and will have three years eligibility remaining with the Bronchos.

"Karson is a power hitter eager to make an impact this spring," White said. "She's a talented transfer that should strengthen our team and we're looking forward to having her join the program."

UCO went 48-13 last season, making it to the NCAA Division II Central Super Regional finals.

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