BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University head softball coach Sheryl Gilmore has announced the addition of four players to the program after signing a National Letter of Intent during the NCAA Early Signing Period.

 

The group of four players, which includes two each from the state of Washington and Hawai'i, are set to arrive on campus in fall of 2021 with a debut season in 2022. The class includes one pitcher, one infielder and a pair of versatile utility players that can play a number of positions.

 

"This class brings a little bit of everything - including power, speed and great athleticism," said Gilmore, who has led the Vikings to 37 wins in her first two seasons leading the program. "We are adding key pieces to an already talented roster and these four young women will make us better both on and off the field. I can't wait to see the legacy this group will leave during their careers here at Western"

 

Here is a look at the first wave of players that will make up the 2021 WWU Softball Recruiting Class:

 

Baker is a right-handed pitcher that hails from Mililani High School on Oahu. During her 2020 summer season with Easton Preps, she went 6-0 with a 2.33 ERA, logging 28 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. She is included on the 2020-21 Diamonds Sports Watch List. Baker also participated in bowling during her prep career. She hails from the same hometown that produced former Viking pitcher and current pitching coach Shearyna Labasan.

 

Gilmore on Baker:

"Joie is a deceptive, strong, athletic pitcher. She spends her summers training in California and has improved year after year showing her tremendous potential. While she has her own unique style, her ball moves similar to pitchers we've had in the past that have had a lot of success here. She likes to joke that PO (pitcher only) really means "primary outfielder" so it's nice to see that her sense of humor will fit right in with this group."

 

Baker on joining the WWU program:

"After learning more about the school I got to see the great qualities Western Washington University has that others did not have. With the friendly atmosphere and numerous possibilities, I knew WWU was the best fit for me." 

 

Barcomb is a utility player out of the tri-cities that has starred for Chiawana High School and the Washington Angels club program. As a sophomore in 2019, Barcomb batted .387 (29-for-75) with 31 runs scored, 2 doubles, 4 triples, one home run and 21 RBI to earn Mid-Columbia Conference honors. She has recorded 19 stolen bases during her 44 game prep career. She helped lead Chiawana to the WIAA 4A State Quarterfinal as a sophomore in 2019. She has played for the Washington Angels club program in West Richland, Washington. In addition to playing basketball and volleyball early in her high school career, Barcomb was a member of the Chiawana Cheer team her junior and senior years and is a member of the national honor society. 

 

Gilmore on Barcomb:

"Lexi is a true triple-threat slapper with speed and savvy on the basepaths. Lexi is also like a swiss army knife on defense. While we recruited her mainly as an outfielder, she can play literally every position on the field. Her versatility will be very valuable for us and we are excited to have another Angels alum on the roster."

 

Barcomb on joining the WWU program:

"When I went to the President's Day Camp I instantly loved the vibe and the culture of the team and coaching staff. I also chose to become a Viking because Western is not too far away from home." 

 

Clark is an infielder out of Richland High School in the Tri-Cities. She was a First Team Mid-Columbia Conference selection as a sophomore in 2019 and a Second Team All-State selection by the Washington State Softball Coaches Association. She was selected as team captain for her junior and senior seasons. During the 2019 season with her club team USA Explosion, Clark batted .423 with 14 home runs and 29 RBI.

 

Gilmore on Clark:

"Taylor absolutely crushes the ball and is a solid corner infielder with a strong and accurate arm. Making the all-state team as a sophomore, she easily gets the attention of opposing teams and we see why… her exit velocity is scary for any defense."

 

Clark on joining the WWU program:

"I chose WWU Softball because it felt like home and it just felt like the perfect fit for me."

 

Pitoy is a versatile player that has experience in the infield, outfield and also at catcher. The product of Roosevelt High School in Honolulu has been a two-time First Team OIA East (Oahu Interscholastic Association) selection, each year earning All-Hawai'i Division I State honors. She comes from an athletic family that includes older sister Kamalei playing collegiate softball at the University of the Pacific and older brother Kainalu playing baseball at Arizona Western College and Southeastern University.

 

Gilmore on Pitoy:

"Kani is incredibly athletic on both sides of the ball. She's an absolute hit machine with a smooth, repeatable swing and a high softball IQ which allows her to hit for both power and average. On defense she can play just about anywhere (INF, C, OF) and do it all at a high level. She has strong fundamental skills and does the little things right. We can't wait to have her in our program."

 

Pitoy on joining the WWU program:

"I chose WWU because there were a lot of career experiences and opportunities for a successful future. Another reason was because the coaches were very supportive and accepting, and it felt like I was already part of the family."

 

The WWU softball program completed the 28^th season in program history, with the Vikings posting a winning record in 17 seasons. WWU won the 1998 NAIA National Championship to record the school's first ever team national title and has made four trips to the NCAA Division II Regional Championships, last in 2017. Over the last six seasons (since 2014), the Vikings are 172-134 and won the 2017 GNAC Tournament to advance to the NCAA II West Regional in Monterey, California. Head coach Sheryl Gilmore completed her second season at the helm of the program in 2020 after leading WWU to 27 wins, tied for the 10^th-most in program history, in her first campaign in 2019.