'25SoftballClass

Softball

Softball Signs Five in 2025 Class

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - It's a new era for the Northern Kentucky Norse Softball program. First-year Head Coach Morgan Gerak, the youngest head coach in program history, signed five players in the class of 2025 on Wednesday, helping lead her program into the future. 

"I am thrilled about the addition of these five student-athletes to our program," said Gerak. "They exemplify our core values and will bring not only a desire to learn and compete but also the grit and determination that makes our team special. I am delighted to work towards another Horizon League Championship with these five very talented young women."

A left-handed pitcher from Bowling Green, Ky., Abigail Byrd is the first addition to the Norse class of 2025. Byrd attends Greenwood High School, and plays travel ball with Louisville Sluggers-Wathen. Byrd picked up some big awards with her travel team, including Alliance Nationals MVP and Triple Crown Sports Pitcher of the Tournament. When asked about her decision to join the Norse, Byrd stated, "I chose NKU because of the amazing team chemistry and could see myself fitting in. I also really loved the campus. It is so beautiful!" Byrd stated that her travel ball coaches Kim Borders and Shannon Wathen have made a major impact on her softball career, saying "they have been with me since I started my softball journey…They've helped me fall more in love with the game of softball." Byrd said she is excited to grow at NKU, saying, "I want to keep growing my softball knowledge, so I am able to be smarter on the field while also growing new friendships with my new teammates."

Also a left-handed pitcher, Mackaree Chapman will join the Norse in 2025. Chapman, a native of Lexington, Ohio, attends Lexington High School while playing travel ball with the Ohio Lasers. The 2024 North Central Ohio Pitcher of the Year, Chapman also plays the field as a utility player when not pitching. "I chose NKU because I loved the coaches, girls, and the campus…Everything felt like I was right where I am suppose to be." Chapman's family has made a big impact on her life and softball career, as she stated, "I wouldn't be where I am today without their countless hours and support." Chapman expressed her readiness to get to work at NKU, saying, "I am mostly excited to work with NKU's coaching staff, especially Coach Gerak on improving my pitching. I love how she was a left -anded pitcher herself, so I can't wait to learn from her. Also, I am excited to meet my teammates and play at the next level.

Kenzie Gulley, an outfielder from Mason County, Ky., is the first of a trio of hitters in the class. Gulley attends Mason County High School in Maysville, where she was named First Team All-State by the KSCA in 2024. Last season, Gulley hit .571 with 17 doubles, 13 triples, 35 RBI, and went 37-38 on stolen base attempts. Her speed on the bases has also bode well for her on the track, as Gulley competes in sprints and jumps at Mason County High. Gulley also plays travel ball with Louisville Sluggers-Wathen, the same as Byrd. Gulley stated that her education is a big factor in her decision to sign with the Norse, saying "I chose NKU because I could major in nursing while playing softball at the same time, I loved the campus, coaches, and how welcoming everyone was." Gulley is excited to get to campus, stating, "I am excited to grow new friendships while also growing as a player."

Another outfielder, Addie McBrayer will join the Norse Softball program in 2025. A native of Mason, Ohio, McBrayer attends Mason High School while playing travel ball with Finesse Hoverman. Across her high school career with Mason, McBrayer has put up great numbers, hitting .498 with a .594 on-base percentage. She has stolen 72 bases in just 82 games, and has scored 110 games as a Comet. When asked about her decision to sign with the Norse, McBrayer said, "I chose NKU because it immediately felt like home when I stepped on campus and it gives me the opportunity to be a part of an amazing program that feels like a family." McBrayer credits her parents as having the biggest impact on her life, saying "All the sacrifices they've made to help me reach my goals and make my dream of playing college softball a reality." She is excited to grow in many ways at Northern Kentucky, saying "I am most excited to grow in my softball skills and into becoming a well-rounded person. I am excited for NKU to help me grow in many different aspects of life. I plan to learn many new skills, lessons, and habits through my college career that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

An infielder from Brookfield, Ill., Ellie Megall rounds out the 2025 class for Norse Softball. Megall attends Riverside-Brookfield and plays travel ball with Sparks Premier-Tholl/Harvey. Despite being from the Chicago suburbs, Megall said that Highland Heights felt like home. "I chose NKU because even though I only spent a short time there it immediately felt like home. The school, coaches, and girls were so welcoming and kind. I can't wait to be a Norse," said Megall. She also noted her importance of growth, saying "I am most excited to grow as a person at NKU by becoming more independent while being away from home. All the amazing resources at NKU will make it a lot easier." Megall stated that her mother has been her biggest influence, saying "My mom has made the biggest impact on my life as she has always been my biggest supporter. Since I was little there was never a time she wasn't at any of my events whether it was softball, school, etc."

FOLLOW NKU NORSE SOFTBALL
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