Healy announces 2017 signing class
November 09, 2016 | Softball
Coaching staff signs six new Badgers
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin softball head coach Yvette Healy signed a stellar class of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. UW is excited to announce the signing of Wendy Castro Jimenez, Lauren Foster, Haley Hestekin, Taylor Johnson, Reilly Peters and Hunter Raum.
Wendy Castro Jimenez
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Wendy Castro Jimenez will be a powerful left-handed hitter for Wisconsin. In her junior season, she sported a .521 batting average and a .619 on base percentage, which was the highest in DII Section 5. She was also named second-team All-State in DII. Castro Jimenez is a member of the National Honors Society and an Academic Varsity Letter Award winner. She has been a four-year varsity member for Kelly Fowler at Canyon Del Oro High School.
She plays for the highly-touted AZ Impact Gold 18U team for Shannah Biggan and was invited to the 2015 Colorado Jamboree prestigious camp. Additionally, she and her family ran a softball camp in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Healy on Castro Jimenez: Wendy Castro Jimenez is a physical, powerful left-handed hitter and pitcher. She can crush the ball, and pick it at first. She's brilliant academically, selfless, and driven. Wendy will no doubt be successful on the field, in the classroom and in life. We thrilled to recruit yet another elite player from the state of Arizona. Wendy was a standout for Shannah Biggan's Arizona Impact Gold.
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Lauren Foster
Lauren Foster, a shortstop originally from Wausau, will be a force at the plate for the Badgers. A two-time Colorado state champion with Valor Christian High School, Foster was named to the all-state and all-conference first teams, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Foster was named Valor's Defensive Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the Year in 2015, rewriting the program's individual season records with her 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 1.205 slugging percentage, while her 51 RBIs led all players in Colorado. A 2015-16 Esmark Softball All-American and nominee for the 2016 Colorado Softball Gatorade Player of the Year, Foster excels in the classroom as well, serving as a member of the National Honor Society for three years and earning a place on the academic all-state first team in 2015.
With her club squad, Colorado Styxx Gold, Foster made six finals in seven local tournaments this summer, winning five, while placing in the top 10 of three national tournaments.
Healy on Foster: Lauren Foster is one of the savviest, highest softball IQ recruits that we've ever seen. Her knowledge of the game, and ability to win are off the charts. She'll make an immediate impact with her bat and in the infield. For as good of a softball player as Lauren is, she's an even better person. Her family values and commitment to excellence are perfectly in line with our core values. We are so thrilled to bring Lauren and her family back to Wisconsin, as she rewrites the record books for the Badgers.
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Wisconsin has had many great players from Kaukauna come in and drastically enhance the program, and Haley Hestekin will be no different. The 5-7 pitcher was named the North-East Wisconsin Player of the Year, Post-Crescent Player of the Year and is a two-time FVA Player of the Year. A two-time first-team All-State selection, Hestekin has led Kaukauna High School to three conference championships and three regional championships. Additionally, she is a three-time first-team All-District selection, three-time first-team All-Conference selection and two-time preseason Fantastic 15. Hestekin has been honored on three separate occasion as the Post-Cresecent Player of the Week.
Healy on Hestekin: Haley Hestekin is one of the most highly recruited, elite pitchers that we've had the honor of bringing to the Badgers. Haley's passion for the University of Wisconsin, and her pride in pitching for her hometown team will make her every fan in the state of Wisconsin's favorite player to cheer for. We've had a long history of outstanding players from Kaukauna rewriting the record books. We can't wait for Haley to continue that tradition on the mound. After competing for the Beverly Bandits and Birmingham Thunderbolts, Haley will be ready to walk in and pitch against the best competition in the country, as a freshman.
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Taylor Johnson, a 5-7 infielder from Beecher, Illinois, was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year as just a sophomore.
Johnson is a two-time River Valley Conference Player of the Year and a three-time first-team All-State and All-Conference selection. Additionally, the two-time first-team Small Schools All-American was named in the USA Today Preseason Five Names to Know.
In her breakout sophomore season, she batted .624 with 15 home runs, 50 RBI and 58 runs scored this past season, leading the Bobcats (24-7) to the Class 2A sectional semifinals. A first-team All-Area selection as named by the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson worked 24 walks and collected 31 extra-base hits, recording a .706 on-base percentage and a 1.312 slugging percentage. She was also named the Daily Journal Player of the Year.
She excels in the classroom too, sporting a 4.1 GPA and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society.
Johnson played in the 2014 Chicago Sun-Times Bandits vs. High School All Star game. She is also a two-time RVC Player of the Year in basketball.
Healy on Johnson: Taylor Johnson is a competitive, physical hitter and defender. She calls as good of a game as you'll see, behind the plate. She has the ability to hit monstrous home runs, and attack bases with her agility. After competing in Bill Conroy's Beverly Bandits organization, she's prepared herself to hit against the top pitchers in the country.
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A native of Temecula, California, Reilly Peters will be a strong batter for the Badgers.
Peters held a .422 batting average as a sophomore with 38 hits, 31 RBI and 10 stolen bases. She was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year after blasting two home runs and nine triples. She was named to the Southwestern League All-Scholastic team as both a freshman and sophomore. Additionally, in her freshman season she earned the Rookie of the Year award after sporting a .304 batting average. She used 28 hits, 13 RBI and 13 runs to help lead her team to become the 2014 Cougar Classic Champions. Peters earned second-team All-Conference honors as both a freshman and sophomore.
Although she dealt with an injury her junior season that prevented her from competing, she still was able make some big hits off the field. As a junior captain, Peters earned the Scholar Athlete Award for her 4.17 GPA and was honored with the Athletic Character of Honor Award. She has been a member of the honor roll all three years in high school and twice has been on the honor roll with distinction list.
Healy on Peters: Reilly Peters is a Badger through and through. She's been coming to our camps for years. We were thrilled to see her develop into an elite player in the So Cal Athletic's Organization. With her family roots in Wisconsin, she'll be supported by friends and family throughout her career, on campus and in the state.Â
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Another powerhouse from Arizona, Hunter Raum will be an offensive surge for Wisconsin. The 5-3 catcher/second baseman is the total package, garnering MVP, Spirit Award, Golden Glove and several Player of the Game honors.
Raum is also a two-time Archery state champion in Arizona.
During the 2013 TCS Rising Stars Showcase Elite Eight Championship game, softball analyst Thad Anderson praised Raum, "I like Hunter. But I like all of them. I really enjoy watching Hunter play today. I like the way she goes about her business." To which softball legend Michelle Smith responded, "She has a lot of passion."
Healy on Raum: Hunter Raum is a sparkplug offensively. She's a pure left-handed hitter, who can spray the ball, hit gaps, and hit for average. She loves the game, and is passionate about the Badgers. She's one of the most energetic, athletes that we've recruited. Her love for the game of softball, and her selfless approach to the game make her an ideal teammate. Doug Patterson's Arizona Lil'Saints from Arizona have a long legacy of being an outstanding team, due to high-character recruits like Hunter.
Wendy Castro Jimenez
A native of Tucson, Arizona, Wendy Castro Jimenez will be a powerful left-handed hitter for Wisconsin. In her junior season, she sported a .521 batting average and a .619 on base percentage, which was the highest in DII Section 5. She was also named second-team All-State in DII. Castro Jimenez is a member of the National Honors Society and an Academic Varsity Letter Award winner. She has been a four-year varsity member for Kelly Fowler at Canyon Del Oro High School.
She plays for the highly-touted AZ Impact Gold 18U team for Shannah Biggan and was invited to the 2015 Colorado Jamboree prestigious camp. Additionally, she and her family ran a softball camp in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Healy on Castro Jimenez: Wendy Castro Jimenez is a physical, powerful left-handed hitter and pitcher. She can crush the ball, and pick it at first. She's brilliant academically, selfless, and driven. Wendy will no doubt be successful on the field, in the classroom and in life. We thrilled to recruit yet another elite player from the state of Arizona. Wendy was a standout for Shannah Biggan's Arizona Impact Gold.
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WELCOME TO THE #BADGERS!! pic.twitter.com/QAgHbXZsUN
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
Lauren Foster
Lauren Foster, a shortstop originally from Wausau, will be a force at the plate for the Badgers. A two-time Colorado state champion with Valor Christian High School, Foster was named to the all-state and all-conference first teams, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Foster was named Valor's Defensive Player of the Year and Most Outstanding Player of the Year in 2015, rewriting the program's individual season records with her 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 1.205 slugging percentage, while her 51 RBIs led all players in Colorado. A 2015-16 Esmark Softball All-American and nominee for the 2016 Colorado Softball Gatorade Player of the Year, Foster excels in the classroom as well, serving as a member of the National Honor Society for three years and earning a place on the academic all-state first team in 2015.
With her club squad, Colorado Styxx Gold, Foster made six finals in seven local tournaments this summer, winning five, while placing in the top 10 of three national tournaments.
Healy on Foster: Lauren Foster is one of the savviest, highest softball IQ recruits that we've ever seen. Her knowledge of the game, and ability to win are off the charts. She'll make an immediate impact with her bat and in the infield. For as good of a softball player as Lauren is, she's an even better person. Her family values and commitment to excellence are perfectly in line with our core values. We are so thrilled to bring Lauren and her family back to Wisconsin, as she rewrites the record books for the Badgers.
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Haley HestekinBeyond excited that Lauren is one of the #Badgers! pic.twitter.com/eThjdtWQ7Q
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
Wisconsin has had many great players from Kaukauna come in and drastically enhance the program, and Haley Hestekin will be no different. The 5-7 pitcher was named the North-East Wisconsin Player of the Year, Post-Crescent Player of the Year and is a two-time FVA Player of the Year. A two-time first-team All-State selection, Hestekin has led Kaukauna High School to three conference championships and three regional championships. Additionally, she is a three-time first-team All-District selection, three-time first-team All-Conference selection and two-time preseason Fantastic 15. Hestekin has been honored on three separate occasion as the Post-Cresecent Player of the Week.
Healy on Hestekin: Haley Hestekin is one of the most highly recruited, elite pitchers that we've had the honor of bringing to the Badgers. Haley's passion for the University of Wisconsin, and her pride in pitching for her hometown team will make her every fan in the state of Wisconsin's favorite player to cheer for. We've had a long history of outstanding players from Kaukauna rewriting the record books. We can't wait for Haley to continue that tradition on the mound. After competing for the Beverly Bandits and Birmingham Thunderbolts, Haley will be ready to walk in and pitch against the best competition in the country, as a freshman.
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Taylor JohnsonCan't wait to see you in a #Badgers uniform Haley! pic.twitter.com/GQodloDjI0
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
Taylor Johnson, a 5-7 infielder from Beecher, Illinois, was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year as just a sophomore.
Johnson is a two-time River Valley Conference Player of the Year and a three-time first-team All-State and All-Conference selection. Additionally, the two-time first-team Small Schools All-American was named in the USA Today Preseason Five Names to Know.
In her breakout sophomore season, she batted .624 with 15 home runs, 50 RBI and 58 runs scored this past season, leading the Bobcats (24-7) to the Class 2A sectional semifinals. A first-team All-Area selection as named by the Chicago Sun-Times, Johnson worked 24 walks and collected 31 extra-base hits, recording a .706 on-base percentage and a 1.312 slugging percentage. She was also named the Daily Journal Player of the Year.
She excels in the classroom too, sporting a 4.1 GPA and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society.
Johnson played in the 2014 Chicago Sun-Times Bandits vs. High School All Star game. She is also a two-time RVC Player of the Year in basketball.
Healy on Johnson: Taylor Johnson is a competitive, physical hitter and defender. She calls as good of a game as you'll see, behind the plate. She has the ability to hit monstrous home runs, and attack bases with her agility. After competing in Bill Conroy's Beverly Bandits organization, she's prepared herself to hit against the top pitchers in the country.
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Reilly PetersCan't wait to have you in Madison, Taylor! #Badgers ???? pic.twitter.com/TYu2BlQavP
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
A native of Temecula, California, Reilly Peters will be a strong batter for the Badgers.
Peters held a .422 batting average as a sophomore with 38 hits, 31 RBI and 10 stolen bases. She was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year after blasting two home runs and nine triples. She was named to the Southwestern League All-Scholastic team as both a freshman and sophomore. Additionally, in her freshman season she earned the Rookie of the Year award after sporting a .304 batting average. She used 28 hits, 13 RBI and 13 runs to help lead her team to become the 2014 Cougar Classic Champions. Peters earned second-team All-Conference honors as both a freshman and sophomore.
Although she dealt with an injury her junior season that prevented her from competing, she still was able make some big hits off the field. As a junior captain, Peters earned the Scholar Athlete Award for her 4.17 GPA and was honored with the Athletic Character of Honor Award. She has been a member of the honor roll all three years in high school and twice has been on the honor roll with distinction list.
Healy on Peters: Reilly Peters is a Badger through and through. She's been coming to our camps for years. We were thrilled to see her develop into an elite player in the So Cal Athletic's Organization. With her family roots in Wisconsin, she'll be supported by friends and family throughout her career, on campus and in the state.Â
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Hunter RaumHonored to have Reilly with the #Badgers! ?? pic.twitter.com/2RI1XC1mrL
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
Another powerhouse from Arizona, Hunter Raum will be an offensive surge for Wisconsin. The 5-3 catcher/second baseman is the total package, garnering MVP, Spirit Award, Golden Glove and several Player of the Game honors.
Raum is also a two-time Archery state champion in Arizona.
During the 2013 TCS Rising Stars Showcase Elite Eight Championship game, softball analyst Thad Anderson praised Raum, "I like Hunter. But I like all of them. I really enjoy watching Hunter play today. I like the way she goes about her business." To which softball legend Michelle Smith responded, "She has a lot of passion."
Healy on Raum: Hunter Raum is a sparkplug offensively. She's a pure left-handed hitter, who can spray the ball, hit gaps, and hit for average. She loves the game, and is passionate about the Badgers. She's one of the most energetic, athletes that we've recruited. Her love for the game of softball, and her selfless approach to the game make her an ideal teammate. Doug Patterson's Arizona Lil'Saints from Arizona have a long legacy of being an outstanding team, due to high-character recruits like Hunter.
Excited to announce Hunter will be joining the #Badgers! pic.twitter.com/q82wRJ2Plz
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 9, 2016
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