With six seniors graduating in 2014, UIS softball aimed to restock their roster by signing four new players. Three of these players come from high school teams and one from a local junior college. Each player, though, will bring varying strengths and abilities to the 2015 UIS softball team.

Brittany Miller, Tess Hupe, Jordyn Larsen and Rachel Goff all signed national letters of intent for UIS in December of 2013.

Coach Mat Mundell said he is excited to add the four to next year’s roster. Mundell’s decision to recruit these players was influenced by each of their individual backgrounds. He explained that they “all come from a championship pedigree.”

He added that collectively, the women are winners, and that their success will help them play competitively and “fill some needs” on the team next season.

Brittany Miller

Miller is a transfer student from an Illinois junior college, hailing from Washington, Ill. Mundell stated that Miller’s experience as a catcher and designated player will bring leadership to the team.

Miller played for Washington Community High School prior to playing for Illinois Central College (ICC). During her time with the team, she was selected to the 2012 All-Conference First Team and set the record for the most home runs by a player since four years prior.

Miller stated that she feels she can contribute to the team by being “as versatile as possible” because of her “experience in multiple positions, such as catching, 1st base, and as a designated player.” She chose UIS because of the coaching reputation, the proximity to her hometown, and because UIS offers Criminal Justice as a major.

While playing for ICC Miller was named a NFCA 2012-13 All-America Scholar-Athlete and was a part of the 2013 All-Regions Tournament team. Mundell added that ICC is “one of the best junior colleges in the country” for softball and Miller’s experience with them gives her the ability to play competitively.

Tess Hupe

Hupe is currently a high school senior from St. Charles East High School. She plays outfield and center field. One of the attributes that Mundell thinks makes her a good asset to UIS is her speed. Mundell explained that she is “super fast in the outfield and a lefty slapper which is something we don’t have.”

During her junior year at St. Charles East, Hupe was named to the Upstate 8 All-Conference team and All-Academic team. Hupe helped her team finish the season in second place in the 2013 IHSA 4A state tournament.

Hupe also feels that she brings a great amount of speed to the team. She said,“I frequently steal bases and I also can use my speed as an advantage in the outfield.” And added that she “competed at a high level” and is “excited to continue playing competitive softball in college.”

“I am always trying to improve my skills to be the best player I can be,” Hupe said. She and the other three players all have experience from top travel teams according to Mundell.

Jordyn Larsen

Larsen hails Minooka Community High School and is in her fourth season there this year. One of the abilities that Larsen will bring to UIS is her power and speed according to Mundell. Mundell stated that she is “small in stature but big in power.”

As an outfielder, Larsen earned all-conference and all-state honors during her sophomore and junior years. She batted .385 and had five homeruns, 11 doubles, five triples, and 13 stolen bases during her junior season. In addition to this, she helped her team to win the 2013 IHSA 4A state tournament, winning against Hupe’s team.

Rachel Goff

Goff comes from Metro-East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville. Goff pitches for her high school team as well as plays infield for her travel team. Goff’s “versatility is something we’re excited about,” according to Mundell.

As a junior Goff batted .481 for Metro-East. She also achieved three home runs and struck out 134 batters.

Goff, Hupe, Larsen, and Miller will play for UIS in 2015 filling some of the gaps left by the seniors. However, players on this season’s roster will also help.

Mundell is excited for these players on and off the field. He explained that the players “have had success in the classroom as well.”

Hupe stated that she “felt very welcomed by the team and Coach Mundell.” She added, “I agree with [Mundell’s] coaching philosophy and look forward to being a part of the softball program.”

Miller feels similarly stating, “I was impressed with the coaching style and the team’s good vibes.”