DENVER, Colo. – Daven Bond, head softball coach, announced the signing of eight new Rangers for the 2018 class.
 
"We couldn't be more excited for the incoming 2018 class," said Bond. "This is a talented group of young ladies that have shown great competitiveness, outstanding softball skills, high academic goals, and more importantly, they are amazing people.  They represent Colorado, California, Arizona, Texas, Washington and Nebraska and come from some outstanding competitive programs.  This group of players are well coached and come in with an intense desire to win championships.  We are so blessed to have the opportunity to see them grow as players and successful young ladies during their time at Regis.  It goes without saying, but we expect great things from this class and can't wait to get them on campus.  They are a perfect fit for our returning players and will add some of the missing pieces."
 
The first is a catcher and utility player in Carly Beard. Beard reigns from Chadsworth, Calif. Beard played for her high school, Sierra Canyon, and for the Firecrackers travel team. She plans to pursue a degree in education and business. In high school, Beard was an editor for her school newspaper. Her high school coach, Regina Jorgenson, had this to say about Beard, "A natural born leader on and off the field, she always goes beyond your expectations and is always willing to go the extra mile in everything she does." Beard said she was drawn to Regis because "it is the only school where I instantly felt I belonged."
 
The next Ranger to join the team is Carly Gray from Tucson, Ariz. Gray played for Demanni Athletics AZ travel team and her high school, Sabino High School. Gray is an outfielder, specifically centerfield. "I am most excited about creating a new softball family and creating lifelong friends. I also am ecstatic for the amazing coaching staff and facilities," said Gray. She plans to study pre-physical therapy or pre-pharmacy. Shannon Biggan, Gray's travel coach said, "Carly Gray is the player every coach wants, great softball IQ, amazing academics, and one of the most mature young ladies I have ever had the pleasure to coach!"
 
Jessi Case, a shortstop and Colorado native from Loveland chose Regis for a list of reasons. "I chose to play at the beautiful school of Regis University because of the amazing schooling, the location, the coaches and softball program, and the environment," said Case. She is undecided in a major but is thinking nursing or something in the medical field. Case attended Loveland High School and played for the Triple Crown Stars 18 Gold travel team. Her high school coach, Mike Felton, said, "Jessi Case was our team captain at Loveland High School. As our shortstop and leadoff hitter, Jessi was the team leader on the field with most hits, most runs scored, and most stolen bases." 
 
Hailing from Queen Creek, Ariz., Liberty Justus is an outfielder. Justus played high school ball at Perry High School and for the travel team, 18U Bombers Gold. She plans to study nursing and is very excited for what Regis has in store for her. "I chose to play softball at Regis University because I believe it is a fantastic school that will help me succeed in what I want to do. I love the atmosphere on the field as well as the amazing coaches," said Justus. John Roberts, her high school coach, said, "Liberty is a leader, a true team player and most of all, a great teammate. She makes every player feel welcome and is always doing everything she can to help make them  better."
 
Madison Flores is next in the list of Regis softball signees. Flores has played almost every infield position and is from Trophy Club, Texas. Flores played at Byron Nelson High School and for the Texas Glory Adkins Gold travel team. She plans to study pre-medicine. Flores said her decision to attend Regis was an easy one, "As soon as I stepped on campus I fell in love with the positive atmosphere of the school. I love everything about the high academic, competitive softball team, and beautiful location that Regis has to offer." Her high school coach, Kathy Schoettle, said, "She is an exceptional teammate who has an opportunity to step into a leadership role as soon as she steps foot on campus. Maddie has always worked hard in the classroom as well as on the field; this hard work is going to              pay off for her this season as well as in her collegiate career."
 
A shortstop in Morgan Stradley joins the Rangers from Battle Ground State, Wash. Stradley is most excited for the success she hopes to find at Regis. She said, "I chose to play softball at Regis University because of the possibility of great success over the next few years, and furthering my education. With the right group of girls teamed up together, we could take this program far and that is what excites me most." She plans to pursue a degree in business. In high school, she played for Battle Ground High School and Washington Illusion travel team. Jonathan Paul, Washington Illusion coach, said "Morgan is a very serious and determined player that is bound to succeed due to hard work, perseverance, and a no-excuses attitude. She is a player who could play just about every                      position based on her athletic skills."
 
Shelby Shepherd, reigning from Colorado Springs, Colo., provides another pitcher to the Ranger lineup. She has also played second base, short stop and outfield. Shepherd played for Rampart High School and Aftershock Elite travel team. Her high school coach, Ryan Sheets said, "Having coached Shelby for four years, it's been a pleasure to see her mature as both a player and a person. She is an outstanding hitter with good power and a great arm defensively. Shelby has a great feel for the game and is the ultimate competitor." Shepherd intends to study physical therapy. She was focused on the environment and atmosphere at Regis when making her decision. "I chose to play at Regis University because of the environment within the team and the coaches. The interactions among the coaching staff and with the players has always been a positive and constructive atmosphere with the ability of supporting one another as individuals."
 
Joining the Rangers from Omaha, Neb., Maggie Washer is an outfielder and middle infielder. Washer claims Regis feels like home stating, "I decided to play softball at Regis because it felt like home. Everyone was so welcoming when I visited. I'm excited to meet everyone and start playing." Washer plans to study either elementary education or occupational therapy. She played at Skutt Catholic High School and also for NE Quakes Prime 18U. Keith Engelkamp, Washer's high school coach, said, "She is as hardworking in the classroom as on the field. She was a team leader that was a role model for our younger student-athletes. Her versatility to play several positions was really what our team needed to succeed this year."