TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Arizona State softball squad signed five student-athletes to national letters of intent, announced by second year head coach, Trisha Ford, Monday afternoon. The 2017 signing class, the second to sign at ASU under Ford, is ranked as the No. 23 Signing Class in the nation by FloSoftball, and includes Yannira Acuña, Abby Andersen, Makenna Harper, Terra McGowan and Mikayla Santa Cruz.
"This class brings some more local talent along with some out of state talent to our program," said Ford. "Both Terra and Makenna come from high caliber travel ball programs and know what it means to compete everyday. Mik, Yannira and Abby are all local players that have grown up wanting to be Sun Devil's and will continue the tradition of great Arizona players staying home and playing in front of their families and fans. We are excited to see this class come in and make their mark on the program."
Yannira Acuña, OF, Salpointe Catholic
Acuña, a versatile outfielder from Tucson, Ariz., signed with ASU following a productive three seasons with Salpointe Catholic high school and the Arizona Thundercats. In just her first year of high school softball, Acuña earned Freshman of the Year recognition. She is also a three-time All-Section First Team selection. She has twice been named her team's Offensive MVP, an honor voted on by her teammates. Last season, she was named the 2017 Player of the Year.
Yannira was drawn to ASU by the coaching staff, as well as being able to play close to home.
Acuña, the daughter of Maria Pesqueira has two sisters, Yannixa and Yahaira. Upon enrolling at ASU, she plans to explore the vast options ASU has to offer before deciding on a major area of study. When she is not playing softball, Yannira enjoys cooking and spending time with her sisters. Acuña chose ASU over offers from Grand Canyon and New Mexico State.
Fans, help us welcome the newest Sun Devil, @yanniraacuna to the family! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/922sWgfB51
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) November 13, 2017
Abby Andersen, RHP/OF, Hamilton High School
Andersen, a dual threat pitcher and outfielder from Hamilton High School in Chandler, Ariz., will bring her talents to Tempe in the 2018 season. Andersen has been four-year varsity letterwinner, and a key part of the Huskies back-to-back DI State Champion Teams in both the 2016 and '17 season. Through her first three years of play for the Huskies, Andersen has batted an impressive .500, while also carding an incredible 2.32 ERA. Abby has also earned First Team All-Pitcher Honors in back-to-back seasons.
"ASU is my home school," Andersen said. "I love the feel of being on campus and close to home. I always have wanted to play for a competitive Pac-12 school and ASU will provide me with a great education!"
Abby, the daughter of Richard and Jennifer Andersen has an older brother, Mason, who is a member of the Arizona State Men's Golf team. Upon enrolling at ASU, Andersen plans to pursue a degree in Criminology, Forensic Science or Business. Abby chose ASU over offers from Cal and Missouri.
Fans help us welcome our newest Sun Devil, @abbyyy54! pic.twitter.com/LZGAENld0R
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) November 8, 2017
Makenna Harper, OF, West Ranch High School
Harper, a dominate outfielder from Stevenson Ranch, Calif., will join ASU following her final year in the high school ranks. A two-time All-Second Team selection has maintained an impressive .400 batting average through her high school playing days. She has also twice been named to the Flo Sports top-100 in both her freshman and sophomore years, and likely would earned the honor had her junior season not been cut short due to injury.
Harper was in search of continuing her softball career at a Pac-12 school and says she was drawn to ASU because of the beautiful campus and storied softball program.
Makenna, the daughter of Jim and Danielle Harper has one sister, Jessica. When she arrives on campus, Harper will look to pursue a major that will lead her into a career in pharmaceutical sales. Makenna chose Arizona State over offers from Arizona and Washington.
It's official! Fans, help us welcome @makennaharp to the Sun Devil Family! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/wYeQmvg3V4
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) November 9, 2017
Terra McGowan, C/OF, Mission Viejo High School
McGowan, a dual position athlete out of Mission Viejo Calif., and Mission Viejo High School will join the Sun Devils in 2018. McGowan is a three-time First Team All-League honoree, as well as a 2016 All-Orange County player. In both 2015 and 2016, McGowan was tabbed as a Michelle Carew classic All Tournament Team member, a feat she accomplished while also earning a CIF Championship in the 2016 season.
As great as Terra has been on the field, she has been equally as successful off, evident by her earning Scholar Athlete recognition following the 2017 season, coupled with a Varsity Offensive Player of the Year honor in the same season.
Terra, the daughter of Jay and Jayne McGowan, has one older brother, Chaz. When she is not playing softball, Terra enjoys reading and walking her dog.
We are happy to announce the newest member of the Sun Devil family, @terramcgowan11! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/A2TIZCcm8P
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) November 9, 2017
Mikayla Santa Cruz, Right-Hand Pitcher, Canyon Del Oro High School
Mikayla, a right-hand pitcher from Tucson, Ariz., and Canyon Del Oro High School, signed with ASU prior to her final year of high school softball. In 2016, Santa Cruz helped lead her club team, the Arizona Suncats, to a first place finish at the Triple Crown Sports Firework Colorado Tournament. She was also tabbed that season to the Flo Sports On Deck West Coast Elite Camp Top Performer.
Mikayla said she was drawn to ASU because of the family atmosphere as well as the prestigious Kinesiology and Journalism and Mass Communications programs.
Mikayla, the daughter of Alfredo and Nicole Santa Cruz, has two siblings, Alessandra and Arissa. Upon enrolling at Arizona State, she plans to purse a degree that will help her become either a team doctor or a sports broadcaster. When she is not playing softball, Mikayla enjoys watching movies and hanging out with family and friends.
Fans, please help us welcome @mikaylasc_ to the Sun Devil family! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/rPYoyxXiUF
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) November 8, 2017