The 2018-19 Omaha softball signing class.
Softball Inks 11 Players for 2019 season
Nov 10, 2017 | Softball
OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha softball head coach DJ Sanchez announced the signing of 11 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Thursday. All will join the program for the 2018-19 academic year.
"We are so excited to welcome our 2018 recruiting class to Omaha," said Sanchez. "This is such a talented class that is passionate about the game, and I cannot wait for each of them to be a part of our Maverick Family."
Of the 11 players committed, three players are from Nebraska, two are from Texas, and one each from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The following is an alphabetical listing of the signees.
Sierra Beacom
2B/SS, 5-3, R/R, Hooper, Neb. (Logan View)
Beacom was a four-year letterwinner for coach Dan Mowinkel at Logan View High School where she was a three-time all-conference and all-state selection. In 2017, she batted .464 and had a .959 fielding percentage. As a junior, Beacom set a single-season school record with a .522 batting average. Her .464 career average is also the best in school history.
Beacom played travel ball for Russ Hendrix and the Millard Fury Gold program. Additionally, she is a three-year letterwinner in basketball.
"Sierra is a hard worker and a huge threat offensively," Sanchez said. "She can hit for power, but will also be a consistent presence at the plate. Her ability to play multiple positions will be a huge benefit to the future of this team. Sierra's passion for the game and having the opportunity to play in her home state will show every time she takes the field."
Lexi Burkhardt
P/OF, 5-8, R/R, Gretna, Neb. (Gretna)
Burkhardt was a four-year letterwinner for coach Bill Heard at Gretna High School where she helped the Dragons qualify for four-straight state tournaments and win the 2015 Class B State Title. During her career, Burkhardt was a four-time all-conference and all-state choice and two-time All-Nebraska pick.
During her senior season, Burkhardt hit .402 with seven home runs and 35 RBI. She also put together a 17-6 record in the circle for the Dragons. Burkhardt finished her career with school records in hits (150), RBI (139), wins (70) and strikeouts (334). Following her sophomore season, she was the All-ITG Class B Softball Player of the Year.
Burkhardt played travel ball for coach Clinton Hoelscher and the Nebraska Quakes Prime program.
"Lexi has had a great amount of success at Gretna," Sanchez said. "I am thrilled that she is going to bring her talent to Omaha and represent her home state. Lexi will be so versatile for us and will see time in the circle as well as the outfield. She comes from a program that knows how to win, and I know she is going to bring that competitive attitude and winning mentality with her to Omaha."
Janae Cameron
C/1B, 5-9, R/R, Windsor, Colo. (Windsor)
Cameron was a four-year letter winner for coach Aryn Henneke at Windsor High School where she was a four-time all-conference pick and a two-time all-state selection. In 2017, she hit .462 with a .524 on-base percentage and 25 RBI to earn second-team all-state recognition. As a junior in 2016, Cameron hit .411 with 34 RBI and a .684 slugging percentage to take home honorable mention all-state honors.
Cameron played travel ball for coach Dave King and the Triple Crown Stars.
"Janae is a student of the game and approaches everything with a mature mindset," Sanchez said. "Her exceptional work ethic shows in how she plays the game, and her mature approach makes her an asset behind the plate. Janae is a great ball player and an even better young woman. We are thankful that she is going to be a Maverick."
Alyssa DiFiore
1B/3B, 5-8, R/R, Lovejoy, Texas (Lovejoy)
DiFiore is a three-time letterwinner for coach Jeffery Roberts at Lovejoy High School where she is a three-time all-district selection. During her junior season in 2017, DiFiore was a first team all-district pick and NFCA Third Team All-Area selection. She also picked up TGCA All-State accolades and was selected to play in the 5A/6A All-Star game.
DiFiore played travel ball for coach Kevin Shelton and the Texas Glory 18U Gold.
"Alyssa is going to bring such a tremendous amount of energy to this team," Sanchez said. "She has a great amount of power, and is only going to get better as she continues to grow as a person and a ballplayer. Alyssa is a natural leader, and I know she is going to make an impact immediately here as a Maverick both on and off of the field."
Lauren Lauvetz
2B/SS, 5-6, R/R, Kansas City, Mo. (Staley)
Lauvetz is a two-time letter winner for coach Casey Martin at Staley High School where she was a two-time all-conference and all-district pick. Lauvetz led the Eagles to a 27-3 record and a third-place finish in the Missouri State Softball Tournament. She was recently named to FloSoftball's list of best 2018 signees.
Lauvetz played travel ball for coach Ryan Taylor and the DeMarini Aces. In 2016, the Aces ranked No. 14 in the FloSoftball Top 50 18U teams and placed fifth in the USA Elite Championships.
"Lauren comes to us from one of the premier organizations in the country, the DeMarini Aces," Sanchez said. "She has stood toe to toe with some of the best competition in the country, and is simply a fierce competitor. Lauren is already a seasoned middle infielder, and I know she is going to make an immediate impact here as a freshman."
Sierra Leonetti
C/3B, 5-7, R/R, Topeka, Kan. (Washburn Rural)
Leonetti is a three-time letter winner for coach Brenda Holaday at Washburn Rural High School where she was a three-time all-city and all-league selection. As a junior in 2017, she led the Junior Blues with a .464 batting average and 25 RBI. During her sophomore campaign, Leonetti was a 6A First Team All-State selection as Washburn Rural placed second in the Kansas state tournament. She hit .463 with 13 doubles and 27 RBI. Leonetti will finish her playing career this spring.
Leonetti played travel ball for coach Kevin Stonestreet and the Wichita Mustangs.
"Sierra is going to have a tremendous impact on our program in the next four years," Sanchez said. "An athletic catcher who is also able to play the infield or outfield, Sierra fits the profile of the kind of student-athlete we look for."
Ryanne Millington
P, 5-6, R/R, Wheatland, Calif. (Rocklin)
Millington lettered last season for coach Jerry Wallace at Rocklin High School. Before transferring, she was a two-time letterwinner at Wheatland High School. During her sophomore campaign at Wheatland, Millington won six games while striking out 94 batters in 77 innings with a 2.73 ERA and earned all-league accolades. She will wrap up her senior season this spring.
Millington played travel ball for coach Bill Ruiz and the Lady Wolfpack Alkire. She threw 10 scoreless innings as the Lady Wolfpack Alkire finished third at the Champions Cup in Irvine, Calif. Millington also helped lead the California Comets to a second place finish at the ASA Western States Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"Ryanne is already a mature pitcher," Sanchez said. "She is going to bring a confidence and calming presence every time she is in the circle. As a senior, Ryanne already has great command of her pitches and truly has a purpose with every pitch she throws. That is so difficult to learn, and Ryanne has it, and she is exactly what this pitching staff needs."
Susan Rice
1B/3B, 5-9, R/R, Roland, Ark. (Mount St. Mary Academy)
Rice is a three-year letter winner for coach Eric Carden at Mount St. Mary Academy where she has been a two-time all-conference choice. During her junior season, Rice hit .400 with a team-best four home runs and 24 RBI. She will play her senior season this spring.
Rice has played travel ball for Kim and Martin Poole and Vision Fastpitch.
"Susan is very well known in her home state of Arkansas and is on pace to leave as one of the best hitters in the state's history," Sanchez said. "With everything she brings on the field and at the plate, I am even more excited about the character and work ethic she is going to bring to the program. Susan loves to play the game and it shows every time she steps on the field."
Tanjala Smith
SS/OF, 5-5, R/R, Killeen, Texas (Killeen)
Smith is a three-time letter winner for coach Randy James at Killeen High School where she is a two-time all-district honoree. Smith hit .600 and stole 59 bases during her junior season and was first team all-district honoree. Smith has stolen more than 130 bases in first three seasons with the Kangaroos and will complete her senior season this spring.
Additionally, Smith has played travel ball for Vision Fastpitch, coached by Kim and Martin Poole.
Smith has also lettered three years in track and is a regional qualifier in the high jump.
"Tanjala is one of the best athletes I have seen in a long time," Sanchez said. "She is unbelievably fast and can play nearly every position on the field. Her versatility is going to be such an asset to us, but more importantly, Tanjala is going to bring excitement and a competitive attitude to everything that surrounds our program."
Jamie White
3B, 5-6, R/R, Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw)
White was a four-year letterwinner for coach Lindsey Mudgett at Choctaw High School where she was a four-time all-conference and all-district performer. White hit .387 with 11 doubles and 27 RBI as a senior. She helped lead the Yellowjackets to a 32-9 record and a berth in the 6A Semifinals during her senior campaign. White finished her career with a .348 average with 30 doubles and 93 RBI.
White has played travel ball for Krystel Markwardt and Tulsa Shootout 18 Gold.
"Jamie has been a part of a state championship team in the state of Oklahoma and knows what it takes to win," Sanchez said. "She can play any position on the infield and plays with a grit that is contagious. Jamie loves to compete and is going to be a huge part of the success of this program moving forward."
Courtney Young
OF/3B, 5-4, R/R, Omaha, Neb. (Central)
Young is a four-year letterwinner for coach Ryan Neel at Omaha Central High School where she earned all-state honors as a junior. Young hit .370 with seven doubles, two home runs and 18 RBI during her senior season. In 2016, she batted .360 with six homers and 21 RBI and picked up Honorable Mention All-State accolades.
Young played travel ball for coach TJ Eadus and the Primetime program.
Young additionally is a four-time letterwinner in powerlifting. She won state titles in the 148-pound weight class as a sophomore and junior.
"Courtney brings so much intensity and fire to everything she does," Sanchez said. "She will push everyone around her to be better and will lead every single day by example. Courtney is a tremendous softball player but an even better athlete. I am so excited to see her bring all of that athleticism and passion to our program."
The Mavericks will open the 2018 season at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic in Starkville, Miss. on Friday, Feb. 9.
"We are so excited to welcome our 2018 recruiting class to Omaha," said Sanchez. "This is such a talented class that is passionate about the game, and I cannot wait for each of them to be a part of our Maverick Family."
Of the 11 players committed, three players are from Nebraska, two are from Texas, and one each from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The following is an alphabetical listing of the signees.
Sierra Beacom
2B/SS, 5-3, R/R, Hooper, Neb. (Logan View)
Beacom was a four-year letterwinner for coach Dan Mowinkel at Logan View High School where she was a three-time all-conference and all-state selection. In 2017, she batted .464 and had a .959 fielding percentage. As a junior, Beacom set a single-season school record with a .522 batting average. Her .464 career average is also the best in school history.
Beacom played travel ball for Russ Hendrix and the Millard Fury Gold program. Additionally, she is a three-year letterwinner in basketball.
"Sierra is a hard worker and a huge threat offensively," Sanchez said. "She can hit for power, but will also be a consistent presence at the plate. Her ability to play multiple positions will be a huge benefit to the future of this team. Sierra's passion for the game and having the opportunity to play in her home state will show every time she takes the field."
Lexi Burkhardt
P/OF, 5-8, R/R, Gretna, Neb. (Gretna)
Burkhardt was a four-year letterwinner for coach Bill Heard at Gretna High School where she helped the Dragons qualify for four-straight state tournaments and win the 2015 Class B State Title. During her career, Burkhardt was a four-time all-conference and all-state choice and two-time All-Nebraska pick.
During her senior season, Burkhardt hit .402 with seven home runs and 35 RBI. She also put together a 17-6 record in the circle for the Dragons. Burkhardt finished her career with school records in hits (150), RBI (139), wins (70) and strikeouts (334). Following her sophomore season, she was the All-ITG Class B Softball Player of the Year.
Burkhardt played travel ball for coach Clinton Hoelscher and the Nebraska Quakes Prime program.
"Lexi has had a great amount of success at Gretna," Sanchez said. "I am thrilled that she is going to bring her talent to Omaha and represent her home state. Lexi will be so versatile for us and will see time in the circle as well as the outfield. She comes from a program that knows how to win, and I know she is going to bring that competitive attitude and winning mentality with her to Omaha."
Janae Cameron
C/1B, 5-9, R/R, Windsor, Colo. (Windsor)
Cameron was a four-year letter winner for coach Aryn Henneke at Windsor High School where she was a four-time all-conference pick and a two-time all-state selection. In 2017, she hit .462 with a .524 on-base percentage and 25 RBI to earn second-team all-state recognition. As a junior in 2016, Cameron hit .411 with 34 RBI and a .684 slugging percentage to take home honorable mention all-state honors.
Cameron played travel ball for coach Dave King and the Triple Crown Stars.
"Janae is a student of the game and approaches everything with a mature mindset," Sanchez said. "Her exceptional work ethic shows in how she plays the game, and her mature approach makes her an asset behind the plate. Janae is a great ball player and an even better young woman. We are thankful that she is going to be a Maverick."
Alyssa DiFiore
1B/3B, 5-8, R/R, Lovejoy, Texas (Lovejoy)
DiFiore is a three-time letterwinner for coach Jeffery Roberts at Lovejoy High School where she is a three-time all-district selection. During her junior season in 2017, DiFiore was a first team all-district pick and NFCA Third Team All-Area selection. She also picked up TGCA All-State accolades and was selected to play in the 5A/6A All-Star game.
DiFiore played travel ball for coach Kevin Shelton and the Texas Glory 18U Gold.
"Alyssa is going to bring such a tremendous amount of energy to this team," Sanchez said. "She has a great amount of power, and is only going to get better as she continues to grow as a person and a ballplayer. Alyssa is a natural leader, and I know she is going to make an impact immediately here as a Maverick both on and off of the field."
Lauren Lauvetz
2B/SS, 5-6, R/R, Kansas City, Mo. (Staley)
Lauvetz is a two-time letter winner for coach Casey Martin at Staley High School where she was a two-time all-conference and all-district pick. Lauvetz led the Eagles to a 27-3 record and a third-place finish in the Missouri State Softball Tournament. She was recently named to FloSoftball's list of best 2018 signees.
Lauvetz played travel ball for coach Ryan Taylor and the DeMarini Aces. In 2016, the Aces ranked No. 14 in the FloSoftball Top 50 18U teams and placed fifth in the USA Elite Championships.
"Lauren comes to us from one of the premier organizations in the country, the DeMarini Aces," Sanchez said. "She has stood toe to toe with some of the best competition in the country, and is simply a fierce competitor. Lauren is already a seasoned middle infielder, and I know she is going to make an immediate impact here as a freshman."
Sierra Leonetti
C/3B, 5-7, R/R, Topeka, Kan. (Washburn Rural)
Leonetti is a three-time letter winner for coach Brenda Holaday at Washburn Rural High School where she was a three-time all-city and all-league selection. As a junior in 2017, she led the Junior Blues with a .464 batting average and 25 RBI. During her sophomore campaign, Leonetti was a 6A First Team All-State selection as Washburn Rural placed second in the Kansas state tournament. She hit .463 with 13 doubles and 27 RBI. Leonetti will finish her playing career this spring.
Leonetti played travel ball for coach Kevin Stonestreet and the Wichita Mustangs.
"Sierra is going to have a tremendous impact on our program in the next four years," Sanchez said. "An athletic catcher who is also able to play the infield or outfield, Sierra fits the profile of the kind of student-athlete we look for."
Ryanne Millington
P, 5-6, R/R, Wheatland, Calif. (Rocklin)
Millington lettered last season for coach Jerry Wallace at Rocklin High School. Before transferring, she was a two-time letterwinner at Wheatland High School. During her sophomore campaign at Wheatland, Millington won six games while striking out 94 batters in 77 innings with a 2.73 ERA and earned all-league accolades. She will wrap up her senior season this spring.
Millington played travel ball for coach Bill Ruiz and the Lady Wolfpack Alkire. She threw 10 scoreless innings as the Lady Wolfpack Alkire finished third at the Champions Cup in Irvine, Calif. Millington also helped lead the California Comets to a second place finish at the ASA Western States Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah.
"Ryanne is already a mature pitcher," Sanchez said. "She is going to bring a confidence and calming presence every time she is in the circle. As a senior, Ryanne already has great command of her pitches and truly has a purpose with every pitch she throws. That is so difficult to learn, and Ryanne has it, and she is exactly what this pitching staff needs."
Susan Rice
1B/3B, 5-9, R/R, Roland, Ark. (Mount St. Mary Academy)
Rice is a three-year letter winner for coach Eric Carden at Mount St. Mary Academy where she has been a two-time all-conference choice. During her junior season, Rice hit .400 with a team-best four home runs and 24 RBI. She will play her senior season this spring.
Rice has played travel ball for Kim and Martin Poole and Vision Fastpitch.
"Susan is very well known in her home state of Arkansas and is on pace to leave as one of the best hitters in the state's history," Sanchez said. "With everything she brings on the field and at the plate, I am even more excited about the character and work ethic she is going to bring to the program. Susan loves to play the game and it shows every time she steps on the field."
Tanjala Smith
SS/OF, 5-5, R/R, Killeen, Texas (Killeen)
Smith is a three-time letter winner for coach Randy James at Killeen High School where she is a two-time all-district honoree. Smith hit .600 and stole 59 bases during her junior season and was first team all-district honoree. Smith has stolen more than 130 bases in first three seasons with the Kangaroos and will complete her senior season this spring.
Additionally, Smith has played travel ball for Vision Fastpitch, coached by Kim and Martin Poole.
Smith has also lettered three years in track and is a regional qualifier in the high jump.
"Tanjala is one of the best athletes I have seen in a long time," Sanchez said. "She is unbelievably fast and can play nearly every position on the field. Her versatility is going to be such an asset to us, but more importantly, Tanjala is going to bring excitement and a competitive attitude to everything that surrounds our program."
Jamie White
3B, 5-6, R/R, Choctaw, Okla. (Choctaw)
White was a four-year letterwinner for coach Lindsey Mudgett at Choctaw High School where she was a four-time all-conference and all-district performer. White hit .387 with 11 doubles and 27 RBI as a senior. She helped lead the Yellowjackets to a 32-9 record and a berth in the 6A Semifinals during her senior campaign. White finished her career with a .348 average with 30 doubles and 93 RBI.
White has played travel ball for Krystel Markwardt and Tulsa Shootout 18 Gold.
"Jamie has been a part of a state championship team in the state of Oklahoma and knows what it takes to win," Sanchez said. "She can play any position on the infield and plays with a grit that is contagious. Jamie loves to compete and is going to be a huge part of the success of this program moving forward."
Courtney Young
OF/3B, 5-4, R/R, Omaha, Neb. (Central)
Young is a four-year letterwinner for coach Ryan Neel at Omaha Central High School where she earned all-state honors as a junior. Young hit .370 with seven doubles, two home runs and 18 RBI during her senior season. In 2016, she batted .360 with six homers and 21 RBI and picked up Honorable Mention All-State accolades.
Young played travel ball for coach TJ Eadus and the Primetime program.
Young additionally is a four-time letterwinner in powerlifting. She won state titles in the 148-pound weight class as a sophomore and junior.
"Courtney brings so much intensity and fire to everything she does," Sanchez said. "She will push everyone around her to be better and will lead every single day by example. Courtney is a tremendous softball player but an even better athlete. I am so excited to see her bring all of that athleticism and passion to our program."
The Mavericks will open the 2018 season at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic in Starkville, Miss. on Friday, Feb. 9.
Tuesday, September 01
Wednesday, August 26
Friday, August 21
Tuesday, April 21
