TEMPE – Head Coach Megan Bartlett announced her first signing class for Arizona State Softball on Friday afternoon. The trio of Sun Devils features Libby Walsh, Meika Lauppe and Jada Lewis who are all expected to join the team in the 2024 season.
The signing class features a shortstop, right-handed pitcher and an outfielder who will all look to make an immediate impact upon their arrival in Tempe.
The coaching staff went on the prowl for future Sun Devils and identified the best athletes to be future Sun Devils for the program.
Libby Walsh: Plainville, Mass./King Philip Regional High School
The East-coast infielder Libby Walsh will make the cross country trip to the desert to join Sun Devil Softball. Walsh can play multiple positions and says she was drawn to ASU thanks to its amazing softball program. She is currently ranked 22nd on the 2023 Extra Elite rankings by Extra Inning Softball. For multiple years, Walsh has played with the Rhode Island Thunder Travel team since she was a freshman in high school and realized she could take the step to the next level after participating in multiple camps hosted by the Thunder travel team. The infielder suffered a torn ACL and Meniscus her sophomore year of high school but persevered and came back to play at an elite level.
"We are so happy that Libby chose to become a Sun Devil," head coach Megan Bartlett. "She's a natural fit for the program. She'll grow into a solid leader in the clubhouse and commands the infield like a general. Libby is just fun to watch play! She is an excellent defender with pop in her bat who also makes the players around her better."
Jada Lewis: Chino Hills, Calf./Centennial High School
Out of California, Jada Lewis implies a "No fly zone" when playing in the outfield and is making the short trip to Tempe to join Sun Devil Softball, she is currently ranked at No. 81 on the 2023 Extra Elite 100 list by Extra Inning Softball. The speedy 5-5 senior was drawn to ASU thanks to its beautiful area, diversity, academic support and the endless career possibilities the university offers. Lewis used to play on the 14U team which won a PGF national title and recently joined an 18U lady Duke's organization which is located in New Jersey. Lewis did competitive gymnastics for five years and started a business at the age of 13.
"We are thrilled that Jada found her home with us in Tempe! She is an exceptional athlete. Jada has A grade speed, is a crafty baserunner, has great range in the outfield and great touch at the plate," said coach Bartlett. "She is also one of the most determined and positive young women I've come across in a long time. Her mentality will absolutely make this ball club better."
Meika Lauppe: Pleasant Grove, Calf./East Nicolaus High School
Right-handed pitcher Meika Lauppe will make the short trek to Tempe to join Sun Devil Softball after graduating high school. The California native blossomed into a superstar in her sophomore year of high school, posting a 0.56 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 87 innings. The next season as a Junior she would elevate her game to the next level by posting a 20-1 record that featured seven no-hitters and three perfect games, ending her season with a 0.81 ERA in 112.2 innings with 229 strikeouts. With Leauppe's numbers, she has been named to a number of accolades such as all-metro first team, CAL Hi Sports Underclassman first-team, softball's defensive player of the year, first team SBLive All-Northern Section and named Softball Section Champions. Lauppe is a member of the All-American Sports Academy where she plays club softball.
"We're so pleased to welcome Meika to the Sun Devil Softball family! She is exceptionally driven, has a strong work ethic and is extremely talented- a true power pitcher," said coach Bartlett. "Meika's intelligence, positive attitude and tenacity will be an asset to our pitching staff. Her values are a perfect fit for our program's culture."
Fans can keep up with the latest news and all the action of Sun Devil Softball by following @ASUSoftball on Twitter and Facebook and SunDevilSB on Instagram.
The signing class features a shortstop, right-handed pitcher and an outfielder who will all look to make an immediate impact upon their arrival in Tempe.
The coaching staff went on the prowl for future Sun Devils and identified the best athletes to be future Sun Devils for the program.
Libby Walsh: Plainville, Mass./King Philip Regional High School
The East-coast infielder Libby Walsh will make the cross country trip to the desert to join Sun Devil Softball. Walsh can play multiple positions and says she was drawn to ASU thanks to its amazing softball program. She is currently ranked 22nd on the 2023 Extra Elite rankings by Extra Inning Softball. For multiple years, Walsh has played with the Rhode Island Thunder Travel team since she was a freshman in high school and realized she could take the step to the next level after participating in multiple camps hosted by the Thunder travel team. The infielder suffered a torn ACL and Meniscus her sophomore year of high school but persevered and came back to play at an elite level.
"We are so happy that Libby chose to become a Sun Devil," head coach Megan Bartlett. "She's a natural fit for the program. She'll grow into a solid leader in the clubhouse and commands the infield like a general. Libby is just fun to watch play! She is an excellent defender with pop in her bat who also makes the players around her better."
Jada Lewis: Chino Hills, Calf./Centennial High School
Out of California, Jada Lewis implies a "No fly zone" when playing in the outfield and is making the short trip to Tempe to join Sun Devil Softball, she is currently ranked at No. 81 on the 2023 Extra Elite 100 list by Extra Inning Softball. The speedy 5-5 senior was drawn to ASU thanks to its beautiful area, diversity, academic support and the endless career possibilities the university offers. Lewis used to play on the 14U team which won a PGF national title and recently joined an 18U lady Duke's organization which is located in New Jersey. Lewis did competitive gymnastics for five years and started a business at the age of 13.
"We are thrilled that Jada found her home with us in Tempe! She is an exceptional athlete. Jada has A grade speed, is a crafty baserunner, has great range in the outfield and great touch at the plate," said coach Bartlett. "She is also one of the most determined and positive young women I've come across in a long time. Her mentality will absolutely make this ball club better."
Meika Lauppe: Pleasant Grove, Calf./East Nicolaus High School
Right-handed pitcher Meika Lauppe will make the short trek to Tempe to join Sun Devil Softball after graduating high school. The California native blossomed into a superstar in her sophomore year of high school, posting a 0.56 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 87 innings. The next season as a Junior she would elevate her game to the next level by posting a 20-1 record that featured seven no-hitters and three perfect games, ending her season with a 0.81 ERA in 112.2 innings with 229 strikeouts. With Leauppe's numbers, she has been named to a number of accolades such as all-metro first team, CAL Hi Sports Underclassman first-team, softball's defensive player of the year, first team SBLive All-Northern Section and named Softball Section Champions. Lauppe is a member of the All-American Sports Academy where she plays club softball.
"We're so pleased to welcome Meika to the Sun Devil Softball family! She is exceptionally driven, has a strong work ethic and is extremely talented- a true power pitcher," said coach Bartlett. "Meika's intelligence, positive attitude and tenacity will be an asset to our pitching staff. Her values are a perfect fit for our program's culture."
Fans can keep up with the latest news and all the action of Sun Devil Softball by following @ASUSoftball on Twitter and Facebook and SunDevilSB on Instagram.