BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Western Washington University Softball team has announced the addition of 11 student-athletes set to join the Vikings this fall, including nine freshman and two transfers.

 

Head Coach Sheryl Gilmore's incoming class of newcomers features student-athletes up-and-down the Pacific Coast and Hawai'i. The nine freshmen players include three pitchers who each bring a different look to the staff, two power-hitting catcher/corners, two fast and athletic middle infielders and two outfielders who can hit for both power and average.

 

The incoming class also includes two strong and experienced transfers, Katie Johnson and Taylor Orgeles, who can contribute to the lineup in their first season in the program.

 

Johnson joins the Vikings after a championship-winning career at the College of San Mateo. During her two seasons with CSM, Johnson helped the program compile an impressive 86-6 record and hit .386 with 20 home runs and 72 RBI.

 

Orgeles joins WWU after a standout 2026 redshirt freshman season at Saint Martin's University where she appeared in 51 games and hit .316 with 49 hits, 15 doubles, six home runs and a team-high 53 RBI. Her 15 doubles ranked third in the GNAC, and she went 6-for-7 in stolen-base attempts. Orgeles was a GNAC Freshman of the Year nominee and was named to the 2026 GNAC Championship All-Tournament Team after hitting multiple home runs against Northwest Nazarene to help Saint Martin's advance to the semifinal round against WWU.

 

"We are excited about this incoming class and what they bring to our program. They are a talented group, but more importantly, they are competitors, great teammates, and people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves," said Gilmore. "We believe this class fits well with who we are and where we are going. We try to recruit players who want to compete, who want to be coached, who want to be great teammates, and who want to win championships, and this group checks all those boxes. Every person brings something different to our roster, and we cannot wait to get them on campus, see them grow, and find out how great Team 35 can become."

 

The Vikings are coming off a 35-22 season in 2026, winning their third consecutive GNAC Tournament to advance to the NCAA Championships West Regional for the third straight season. Over the last three seasons, WWU has combined for a 134-47 overall record (.740) with a pair of trips to the NCAA Division II Softball World Series (2024 & 2025).

 

WWU wraps up its fall schedule in October with road games at Seattle U (Oct. 10), Lower Columbia College (Oct. 17) and the University of Oregon (Oct. 18) and the annual alumni game on October 24 at Viking Field (12 pm). The 2027 season officially opens January 29-31 at the CUI Kickoff Classic in Irvine, California.

 

 

Coney is a right-handed hitting catcher and first basemen from San Jose, CA. She played her prep career at Valley Christian High School and club career with the San Jose Sting. Coney was a WCAL First Team all-league in 2025, a West Coast Preps All-Bay Area First Team in 2025, and a West Coast Preps All-NorCal Third Team. She was a Scholar athlete all four years of her high school career and played for Team Germany in the Triple Crown International Challenge in 2025.

 

Coney on joining the WWU program: 

"I always knew that I wanted to go to school in the Pacific Northwest and WWU just checked all my boxes! From the welcoming community, diversity of classes and majors, to the beautiful town of Bellingham, the first time I visited, I simply fell in love. And when it comes to softball, it's hard to beat WWU. I had an instant connection with Coach Gilmore when we got the chance to meet at a camp in California and the way she spoke about her plans for the program and her love for her players it cemented WWU's spot at the top of my list. I'm most excited to get to know my new teammates and create a positive impact both on and off the field."

 

Coach Gilmore on Coney:

"Char can hit for power to all fields and has a commanding presence behind the plate. Her energy, personality, and sense of humor make her a natural fit for our program. She works hard every time she steps on the field and plays the game with the joy it deserves."

 

Fleming is a right-handed incoming freshman pitcher who played her prep career at North Creek High School in Mill Creek, WA and club career with the Washington Ladyhawks. Fleming had an impressive prep career in the circle at North Creek; she finished high school with school records in strikeouts (735), Wins (56), No Hitters (3), Perfect Games (1) while also hitting 20 home runs and recording 112 RBI. She was also recognized with many awards, Fleming was selected as WIAA First Team All State pitcher in 2026 and 2025, KingCo 4A Pitcher of the Year 2026,  KingCo 4A First Team Pitcher in 2026, 2025 and 2024, a Washington Gatorade Player of the Year candidate.

 

Fleming on joining the WWU program: 

"I wanted to play softball at a school that is known for having an excellent coaching staff, that can compete at the highest level, and where the team culture is positive and fun. WWU checked all of those boxes for me. I want to join a program with a coaching staff that will make me the best softball player I can be and I believe the Western coaching staff will do so. After spending time with the coaches and players, I felt that this would be an environment where I would thrive. As far as the school, I really like the fact that I could be independent but also feel close to home. My grandparents and other family live in Bellingham, so I've grown up familiar with the area. I'm so excited to start this next chapter and continue to develop as a player. I can't wait to be a Viking."

 

Coach Gilmore on Fleming:

"Reagan is a competitor. She is calm, cool, and collected under pressure, and whether she is in the circle or at the plate, she thrives in the big moments. She and Alanna have played together before and won a lot of games on the same team, so we are really excited to see what that relationship looks like in our starting rotation. Reagan throws hard, changes speeds effectively, and has very deceptive spin. She is also an outstanding teammate, which is just as important to us."

 

Johnson is a right-handed hitting corner infielder transferring from the College of San Mateo a Junior College in California. With the Bulldogs Johnson hit 20 home runs over 2 seasons and tallied 72 RBI. In 2026 she also had an average of .362, an on base percentage of .421, and a .810 slugging percentage. In Johnsons 2 years she played 84 games while San Mateo held an 86-6 total record, winning the 2025 3C2A State Championship and placing 3rd in 2026. She was a 1st team all-conference in 2026, a 2nd team all-conference in 2025, and an academic all-state selection. Johnson played her prep career at Notre Dame High School in Belmont, California, she was a National Honor Society Member, a Billiart Scholar, and won a Presidential Service award. She was also the captain and team MVP of her high school water polo team. Johnson also has a connection to Western; her dad played baseball for the Vikings.

 

Johnson on joining the WWU program: 

"I chose Western because of the feeling I felt when I got there. The school is not only beautiful, but the people were welcoming and kind. The community at the softball field was infectious. Coach Gilmore really made me feel welcome, and the girls look like they are having fun on the field all the time. I think that is what sold it for me, knowing that the girls believe in the program and the coaches."

 

Coach Gilmore on Johnson:

"Katie has played a key role in a championship program, and she understands what it takes to win at a high level. She brings a ton of energy, has power in the box, and is strong defensively. She also has valuable leadership experience and does a great job communicating and leading her defense on the field."

 

Kononen is a right-handed infielder who played her prep career at Sedro-Woolley High School and club career for the Washington Ladyhawks. Kononen was a member of the Sedro-Woolley that were runners up at 3A State in 2026 and 2A State Champs in 2024. She was named NWC Co-Offensive Player of the Year and NWC 1st Team All-Conference. Kononen was also named NWC 1stt Team All-Conference in 2024 and NWC 2ndd Team All-Conference in 2025.

 

Kononen on joining the WWU program: 

"I chose WWU because of the environment and connections I felt from the very beginning. After attending a camp, I left with nothing but amazing feelings about the people and the program. The way Coach Gilmore talks about her players, and the program really stood out to me and made me excited to be a part of it. I wanted to be part of a competitive team that challenges me to grow and become a better player, and I believe Western is the perfect place for that. I am excited to be a Viking!"

 

Coach Gilmore on Kononen:

"Bri is a very athletic infielder who loves to layout for balls, she has a consistent gap-to-gap bat, and she is a great communicator and phenomenal teammate. She runs well and is both smart and very aggressive on the bases, which always adds value to the team. It's clear that she wants to get better every time she steps on the field, and she is all out all the time. We are excited to watch her grow in our program."

 

Matlock is a left-handed outfielder coming to WWU after a prep career at Willapa Valley High School in Menlo, WA and club career for the Washington Ladyhawks. Lauren is the sister of a recent WWU softball alumni and current Graduate assistant Olivia Matlock. Lauren Matlock was a 4-year 1st Team Pacific League selection, the Pacific League MVP in 2026 and the Pacific League Co-MVP in 2025. She also was selected to the Daily Chronicle All- Area Fastpitch Team for all 4 of her high school seasons as well as being selected as WIAA Athlete of the Week every season. Willapa Valley won the Pacific League all four years with Matlock.

 

Matlock on joining the WWU program: 

"I picked WWU softball for college because I really like the coaching staff and the environment. It all looks fun to be a part of. I'm excited to be a member of the team and have new experiences in life."

 

Coach Gilmore on Matlock:

"Lauren understands what our program is about because she has watched her sister, Liv, experience it firsthand. Lauren plays with a ton of joy, celebrates her teammates, and brings the kind of energy that makes a team special. She also hits for both power and average from the left side and tracks everything down in the outfield. We are excited to officially welcome another Matlock to the WWU Softball family."

 

Miller is a right-handed middle infielder who played her prep career at Black Hills High School in Tumwater, WA and club career for the Ai Bandits. Miller did not play in 2026 due to injury but was an All-League 1st Team selection in her 3 other seasons and was selected to the All-Area team in 2025. She was a Team Captain for all 4 years of high school and was Team MVP in 2025.

 

Miller on joining the WWU program: 

"I chose WWU softball because the environment, both coaching and players, was phenomenal at every camp and game I went to. From the moment I stepped on campus, I could feel the positive energy and strong sense of community within the program. The coaching staff has proved to truly value their players as people first and athletes second, which made me feel welcome and supported right away. While watching games, I was drawn to the team's work ethic and the way they push each other to be their best. The program's competitive spirit aligns perfectly with my own goals as a player. I'm excited to grow as an athlete, continue challenging myself at a higher level, and contribute to a team that feels like a family. I can't wait to wear the WWU uniform and be part of something special!"

 

Coach Gilmore on Miller:

"Kailey is super smooth and athletic and has great feel for the game. She is working hard to get back from injury which has given her the opportunity to see the game a little differently and increase her softball IQ. Kailey has an incredible work ethic, and we are excited to help her get back to 100%."

 

Mohr is a right-handed pitcher and first baseman who played her prep career at Richland High School and club career for the Washington Angels Premier 18U Benson. Mohr had an award-laden prep career being selected to MCC All-Conference First Team three times, in 2023 and 2026 as a first basemen and in 2025 as a pitcher. She was also selected to the MCC All-Conference Second Team twice, in 2024 as a pitcher and in 2025 as a first baseman. On top of her All-Conference selections, she was MCC Pitcher of Year in 2025, NECA IBEW Player of the Year in 2024 and was selected as the No. 27 pitcher in the 2026 class by Extra Inning Softball.

 

Mohr on joining the WWU program: 

"The summer before my junior year I attended the WWU softball camp and fell in love with Western. The coaches are amazing, and all of the players just brought the vibe that I am all about! I am so excited to go to school in Bellingham, I cannot wait to get on the field and do my best to help the team in any way I can!"

 

Coach Gilmore on Mohr:

"Emmalee is a strong, physical player who brings power to both sides of the ball and loves to win. She plays with an edge and brings her teammates with her on the field. Between her strength, work ethic, competitiveness, and leadership, I can't wait to see what she will accomplish in this program."

 

Orgeles is a right-handed hitting utility player transferring from GNAC school Saint Martin's University. In her redshirt freshman season in 2026 for the Saints, Orgeles played 51 games with a .316 batting average, .374 on base percentage and a .542 slugging percentage. She was third in the GNAC in both RBI (53) and doubles (15). Orgeles was selected to the GNAC Softball Championships All-Tournament Team as an outfielder. She played her prep career at Emerald Ridge High School in Puyallup and club career with the Washington Acers Gold. In her senior season Emerald Ridge won the 4A State championship, Orgeles was the team's Offensive MVP, selected to the All-Area News Tribune Second Team, and selected to the SPSL Second Team as an infielder. She was prep teammates with sophomore pitcher Alanna Wirtala.

 

Orgeles on joining the WWU program: 

"I chose Western because I wanted to be part of a competitive softball program with a positive and supportive team culture. I felt a strong connection with Coach Sheryl Gilmore and knew instantly she was someone who would challenge me, believe in me, and help me grow both as a player and as a person. Having the opportunity to play alongside my best friend, Alanna who I've played with in little league, club, and high school also made Western feel even more special. I love Bellingham and everything the surrounding area has to offer, especially the mountains, water, and welcoming community. Western truly felt like the perfect place for me to continue my academic and athletic career, and I cannot wait to begin this next chapter as a Viking."

 

Coach Gilmore on Orgeles:

"Taylor is one of those players who simply outworks everyone. She plays with a ton of passion, she competes until the last pitch, and she is always willing to do whatever it takes for the team to be successful. One word that I think of when I think of Taylor is clutch – doing what you normally do when it matters most. Thinking back through her freshman year, she was always coming through for her team when the game was on the line. She had an outstanding season at Saint Martin's, and we saw firsthand what she can do in the GNAC. We are really excited to have her on our side."

 

Rhodes is both a right-handed pitcher and middle infielder coming to WWU having played her prep career at Jesuit High School in Tigard, Oregon and club career with the Oregon Thunder Gold. Rhodes was a Second Team All-League infielder three times in 2024-2026. She also earned an All-League Honorable mention at Pitcher in 2025 and 2023, an All-State Honorable Mention Infielder in 2026, and was selected to the Oregon State All-Star team in 2026. Rhodes was also a four-year All-State Academic Award winner, was voted Most inspirational on her team in 2023, and voted Best Defensive Player in 2023 and 2025.

 

Rhodes on joining the WWU program: 

"I picked WWU Softball because the environment immediately felt like home as soon as I stepped foot onto campus. The team welcomed me with warm arms and strong encouragement throughout every camp I attended and continued to talk to me as a friend outside of softball. I was very drawn to the program because of the amount of hard, but fun work that the team puts in, and the genuine enjoyment on every single player's face during games and practices. I am so excited to join this environment and to grow into a stronger softball player that I know WWU will transform me into. I also can't wait to join the amazing group of fun, and exciting players, as I know these girls will once again welcome me to the WWU softball family."

 

Coach Gilmore on Rhodes:

"Aubrey commands her pitches and spins the ball well, making her very efficient in the circle. Her background as a shortstop also makes her a great defensive pitcher. Most importantly, she is a selfless teammate willing to do whatever the team needs to win, and that is a quality we value tremendously. We can't wait to see her lead both on and off the field."

 

Schmer is a left-handed hitting catcher coming to WWU after a standout prep career at Bothell High School and club career with the Washington Ladyhawks and NW Bullets. She was selected All KingCo each of her four years at Bothell HS as an honorable mention selection in 2023, First Team Designated Player in 2024, Second Team Utility Player in 2025, and a Second Team Catcher in 2026. She was also voted the team MVP in 2025 and 2026.

 

Schmer on joining the WWU program: 

"I absolutely love the energy and atmosphere of the softball program, and Bellingham is such a beautiful city. I have known that I have wanted to go to school at WWU since I was a freshman in high school, when I would go to camps with the softball team and I instantly connected with the girls, and the coaches were amazing. It was such a fun place to be and I'm super excited to experience college while being surrounded by this team!"

 

Coach Gilmore on Schmer:

"Kolbi brings a powerful left-handed bat to the team and more importantly, she plays the game with a lot of energy and joy. She is great at building relationships with her teammates and is a natural leader who has the toughness to handle adversity with poise both on and off the field."

 

Stremick is a left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder and utility player from Honolulu, Hawai'i. She played her prep career at Kalani High School and club career for the AZ Bombers Gold Williams. Stremick was selected to the Hawai'i D1 All-State team every year of her prep career with two years being a first-team selection and two years on the second team. She was also selected to the D1 O'ahu Interscholastic Association East First Team four times throughout her high school career. As a senior in 2026 she was also a Top 8 Finalist for Position Player of the Year while hitting .632 with a .724 on base percentage and a 1.210 slugging percentage. Stremick served as team captain in 2025 and 2026, won Team MVP in 2026, and was Kalani's Valedictorian. Stremick also comes from a family familiar with playing sports in Washington; her parents played softball and baseball at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma.

 

Stremick on joining the WWU program: 

"I chose WWU because of the welcoming atmosphere from the coaches and players. From my first conversation with Coach Sheryl to my official visit with the team, I knew I was going to be taken care of for the next four years. I always wanted to go away for college, so I'm very excited to be near my mainland family and sister in Washington. Bellingham is a such a beautiful city with so many activities that I'm looking forward to doing this year!"

 

Coach Gilmore on Stremick:

"Naomi is someone who really embodies our program's values. She plays the game with a lot of passion and brings energy, grit, competitiveness, and a willingness to fight for every opportunity. Baseball and softball run deep in her family, and she is a great student of the game. While we originally recruited her to play outfield, she can also play first and pitch. Her defensive versatility will be extremely valuable for us to keep her bat in the lineup. Everyone I've ever met that knows Naomi speaks so highly of her character and who she is both on and off the field."