MADISON, Wis. – Head Coach Yvette Healy and the Wisconsin Badger softball team announced the signing of eight new players Wednesday morning. Mattie Beliveau, Hannah Conger, Gabby Fakes, Jordan Felci, Emma King, Kendra Lewis, Jackie Showalter, and Kaylie Whidden have all signed a national letter of intent with the Badgers.
"The class of 2024 is a special group," says Healey.
"We've added speed, power and lots of pitching to the program with this class. This is a hard-working group that loves to compete."
Mattie Beliveau
5-6 | P
Riverside, Cal. | Hillcrest High School
Club Team: I-5 North 18U
Coach Healy on Mattie: "Mattison Beliveau brings a dominant bull dog approach to the mound. Her change up, drop and rise allow her to attack hitters and rack up k's. A right-handed pitcher from California, Mattie has helped lead her high school to a CIF state championship, while earning all-conference and all-state honors on the mound. She comes from a family of coaches, so she's a savvy kid, who understands how to compete. Her mom, Jalé, is one of the top pitching coaches in Southern California, and her dad Matthew is a successful high school soccer coach as well. Mattie has been a star for I-5 Softball Snyder/Fitz, winning tournaments and championships in the circle against the best softball teams in the country."
Why Wisconsin: "I chose UW Madison because it is the opportunity of a lifetime. The atmosphere and environment are incredible, and the softball program is a dream come true."
More About Mattie:
- Intended Major: Journalism
- 3x Scholar Athlete
- 3x 1st Team All-League
- 2x Team MVP
- 2x 1st Team All CIF
- 1st Team All State
- Mother, Jalé, played softball at California State Dominguez Hills (1992-93), as well as Quincy University (1991). Father, Matthew, player soccer at Concordia University (1993-94)
- Played for Team Netherlands during the Colorado Triple Crown International Tournament
Hannah Conger
5-8 | 2B/SS
Gurnee, Ill. | Warren Township High School
Club Team: Wisconsin Lightning
Coach Healy on Hannah: "Hannah Conger is a legacy Badger, following in the footsteps of her dad Chris, who was a UW MBB student athlete. Hannah is an explosive athlete who doesn't get cheated at the plate, taking big hacks, hitting for power and average. Her range at second base and ability to run down flares will make her a fan favorite. Hannah and Jackie have been teammates and leaders on Randy Boydston's Wisconsin Lightning organization."
Why Wisconsin: I have grown up a Badger fan all my life. Staying close to home, attending a school with great academics, having an opportunity to play for amazing coaches, and competing at a high level is a dream come true. I've never been so happy with a decision. The atmosphere and culture of Badger athletics is like no other. Wisconsin feels like home.
More About Hannah:
- Intended Major: Business: Finance, Investment, and Banking
- 3x All-Conference
- 3x All-Area (2x 1st Team)
- All-State 1st Team
- 18u Queen of the Hill Championships Final 4
- 18u IMG Alliance National Qualifier 2nd Place
- 16u PGF Labor Day Showdown 1st Place
- 16u PGF Queen of the Hill Championship 2nd Place
- 16u Stars and Stripes Showcase 1st Place
- 15u PGF Midwest Firecracker Showcase 3rd Place
- 14u PGF Platinum Nationals 3rd Place
- Father, Chris, played basketball at UW-Madison (1992-95). Sister, Hailey, plays softball at Butler University.
Gabby Fakes
5-6 | P
Beaver Dam, Wis. | Beaver Dam High School
Club Team: Beverely Bandits
Coach Healy on Gabby: "Gabby Fakes is a left-handed pitcher and hitter from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Her competitive fire on the mound and at the plate matches perfectly with our Badger softball culture. As a former Badger softball camper and star on Rodger Schliewe's Wisconsin Bandits program, Gabby continues to improve, closing games against the best teams across the country pitching for Bill Conroy's Beverly Bandits team."
Why Wisconsin: I chose Wisconsin because the atmosphere felt like home and I'm proud to represent my home state!
More About Gabby:
- Intended Major: Kinesiology
- 3x 1st Team All-Conference
- All-State Honorable Mention
- 3x 1st Team All-District
- PGF Nationals in Huntington Beach, 2nd place.
- Participated in High School Volleyball
- Member of National Honors Society
- Mother, Jess, played college volleyball and softball. Father, Jake, played college baseball.
Jordan Felci
6-1 | P
Staten Island, NY | Moore Catholic High School
Club Team: Lady Lightning DPS Squad
Coach Healy on Jordan: "Jordan Felci is an up-and-coming talent from Staten Island, New York, winning all-conference and all-state honors on the mound while setting records at Moore Catholic high. As a 6 foot 1, left-handed pitcher, the sky is the limit for Jordan's future. Jordan got chosen to play for John Corn's LLG Lady Lightning program with some of the top players in the country. She has the leadership and competitive drive to become a force in the Big Ten conference. Jordan's old-school worth-ethic, and charisma separates her from pitchers across the country. We're thrilled to welcome her to the Badger softball family."
Why Wisconsin: I chose Wisconsin because I felt that UW would be my new home for the next four years.
More About Jordan:
- 1st Team All-State
- Played basketball in high school, won defensive MVP.
- Father, William, played basketball at College of Staten Island
Emma King
5-6 | OF
League City, Texas | Clear Springs High School
Club Team: Strykers Fastpitch
Coach Healy on Emma: "Emma King is one of the fastest recruits we've ever brought to the Badgers. She can fly in the outfield and on the bases. As a triple threat lefty at the plate, the sky's the limit for her offensively. Emma has been a star for Charlie Esparza's Strykers organization out of Houston, Texas. Emma is a driven, focused student who's sure to maximize her experience at a nationally ranked academic university like Wisconsin.
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Why Wisconsin: I chose Wisconsin because it has everything I wanted out of a university. Wisconsin has some of the best academics, athletics, coaches, and the city of Madison has the most welcoming feeling. It felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus, and I can't wait to be a part of the badger family.
More About Emma:
- Intended Major: Kinesiology
- High school stolen base career leader (66)
- 1st team All-District (2021-2023)
- 1st team All-County (2022-2023)
- 1st team All-State (2023)
- 2nd Team All-Region (2023)
- 2x District Champions (2021-2022)
- Regional Finalist (2021)
- All District Academic (2021-2023)
- Ranked #29 by Extra Innings in 2024 class Extra Elite 100
- Finished 2nd in the Colorado Sparkler 18u Power Pool (summer 2023)
- Co-Champions in the Junior Olympic Cup (summer 2023)
- Finished 2nd place in the Top Club Nationals OKC (summer 2023)
- NFA National Champions (summer 2022)
- Finalist for PGF All-American Game Team Member (2023)
- USA Softball High Performance Program National Selection Event (December 2023)
- Sister, Grace, plays volleyball at UTSA.
Kendra Lewis
5-5 | P/INF
Milan, Ill. | Rockridge High School
Club Team: Heartland Havoc
Coach Healy on Kendra: "Kendra Lewis is one of the most decorated and successful high school pitchers and hitters in the state of Illinois. Going 25-0 on the mound and hitting 14 home runs in 2023. After leading her high school to state titles her first three seasons, Kendra and Rockridge have an opportunity to be the first team in IHSA history to win four consecutive state championships."
Why Wisconsin: I grew up in a small town in Illinois and knew that the University of Wisconsin was where I wanted to be after my first visit to campus. It is close to home but has a big city energy with small town pride. I really enjoyed spending time with the Badger softball team and coaches and experiencing the team atmosphere. I am very excited to spend the next four years where female athletes are supported and promoted.
More About Kendra:
- Intended Major: Education
- 3x 2A Illinois State Champion pitcher
- Rockridge High School single season batting average record (.612)
- Team record for Illinois winning streak of 73 games in a row.
- 2022 Max Preps Illinois Softball Player of the Year
- 2022 Max Preps 2nd team All American
- 2x QC Times/Dispatch Western Illinois Player of the Year
- Rockridge High School Most wins as a pitcher in a season
- 3x The Illinois Coaches Association 1st Team All-State
- 3x 1st team All-Conference
- 3x Rockridge High School Outstanding Player of the Year
- 3x All Conference Academic Team
- Finalist for 2023 Quad City Times Female Athlete of the Year
- 2020 14u World Fastpitch Champion with Iowa Premier
- 2021 14u Top Gun Finalist/2nd Place with Beverly Bandits
- 2023 16u 3rd Place IDT Colorado with Colorado Illinois Chill
- 2020 14u Extra Innings All Summer Team
- 2020 Extra Innings #83 player for 2024
Jackie Showalter
5-10 | 1B/UT
Hartland, Wis. | Arrowhead High School
Club Team: Wisconsin Lightning 18U
Coach Healy on Jackie: "Jackie Showalter is a big Wisconsin hitter with big raw power. She can launch jaw dropping home runs and can pick balls out to the dirt at first. She's a big physical kid with the ability to keep getting stronger in our system. We're thrilled to keep adding the top local talent to our roster, giving Wisconsin kids the chance to chase their dreams and compete on a national stage while representing the Badger state."
Why Wisconsin: From the moment I stepped on campus for my first softball camp when I was 11, I knew I wanted to be a Badger. Madison has everything I was looking for in a school, from great coaches to on-campus resources for student athletes and amazing facilities, it was truly a no-brainer!
More About Jackie:
- Intended Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences/Food Sciences
- 3x First Team All-Conference
- 3x All District
- 2x Classic 8 Conference Player of the Year
- 2x First Team All-State
- 2x Team MVP
- 2x State Home Run Leader 2022 (18) and 2023 (16)
- Led State in RBI 2023 (61)
- 3x Team Conference Champions
- All-time leader in school history (HR's, RBI's, Slugging Pct, Avg, 2Bs, Runs, Hits)
- 2x Finalist for Southeast Wisconsin Softball Player of the Year
- 2019 USA All-American (12U)
- 2018 USA All-American (11U)
Kaylie Whidden
5-8 | 2B/SS
Monument, Col. | Valor Christian High School
Club Team: Nebraska Gold 18U
Coach Healy on Kaylie: "Kaylie Whidden is a power hitting middle infielder from Valor High school in Colorado. She helped lead her team downstate this year, earning first team all-state honors. Kayleigh knows how to win, competing for the PGF champion Nebraska Gold."
Why Wisconsin: I chose UW Madison because of the welcoming, family atmosphere that I felt the minute that I stepped on campus. I felt not only supported by the coaches and faculty athletically, but also in my pursuit to earn an engineering degree. UW gives me the opportunity to not only excel on the field, but in the classroom as well.
More About Kaylie:
- Intended Major: Engineering
- 4x 5A All Jeffco Conference 1st Team
- 2023 5A Jeffco Conference Player of the Year
- 3x 5A All State Honorable Mention
- 1x 5A 1st Team All State
- Single Season Homerun record holder at Valor
- Career Homerun record holder at Valor
- Single Season Slugging % Holder at Valor
- Single Season doubles record at Valor
- 2x 5A All-Academic 1st Team
- 2021 5A Girls Basketball State Champion
- Triple Crown Future All American ESPN Game
