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Softball

Norse Softball Adds Six in 2026 Class

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University Norse softball announced the addition of six signees in the 2026 class on Monday, with three from Ohio, two from Kentucky, and one from Illinois. 

"I am thrilled about the addition of these six talented student-athletes to our program," said head coach Morgan Gerak. "They come from wonderful families, bring a strong love for the game, and a relentless work ethic. I am so grateful that they have chosen NKU!"

Shelby James, a pitcher from Louisville, Kentucky, joins the Norse after most recently playing at Ballard High School, where she earned All-District and Regional team honors. James also played for Fusion 16u National Hunt and Fusion 18u Gibson on the club circuit. James has college sports in her blood as well, as two of her cousins and her uncle all played collegiate sports at the Division I level.

Carroll, Ohio native Madelyn Gates has put together quite the career at Bloom-Carroll, including a first-team All-Ohio selection. The Bulldog utility player also earned Central District D3 Player of the Year, is a two-time all-district honoree, and a first-team all-league selection. She's represented both Ohio Stingrays 07 and Ohio Stingrays 08, with the latter being for seven years. 

Outfielder Jayci Barnes, the sister of former NKU pitcher Sydni Barnes, will join NKU in 2026. Barnes, a student at Western Brown High School in Mount Orab, Ohio, has put together a great high school career to date, earning Second Team All-State, First-Team All District, two First Team All-Cincinnati honors, and two First Team All-Conference honors. Barnes also holds the single-season doubles record at Western Brown with 16. Barnes has played for Cincy Doom since 2016.

A Chicago, Illinois native, Samara Agredano is another signee to the 2026 class. Agredano, a shortstop for De La Salle Institute, has earned GCAC White All-Conference honors on two occasions, ICA 3A All-State Third Team honors twice, and Daily Southtown All-Area Second Team and Honorable Mention honors. Agredano has represented the New Lenox Lightning since 2021. 

A pitcher from Wilmington, Ohio, Lauren Diels will join the Norse next fall. A star for Wilmington High School, Diels has earned All-SBAAC First Team honors in all three seasons of high school ball and earned All-District Honorable Mention honors following her sophomore campaign. Entering her senior season in 2026, Diels has already recorded 450 career strikeouts inside the circle and 85 hits at the plate. She's represented both Ohio Outlaws Pope and Ohio Stringrays 07 on the club circuit. Her parents, Tory & Marianne, both played collegiate sports at Ohio Northern University, while her sister played volleyball at Walsh.

Highlands catcher/infielder Payton Brown will also join NKU in 2026, following an impressive high school career with the Bluebirds. Brown has earned NKSCA Division 2 first-team honors, was the MVP of the Cincinnati Reds Futures High School Showcase in 2023, and has started at the varsity level since seventh grade. Brown is the niece of former NKU softball standout Stephanie James.

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Players Mentioned

Sydni Barnes

#6 Sydni Barnes

P
5' 4"
Senior
R/R

Players Mentioned

Sydni Barnes

#6 Sydni Barnes

5' 4"
Senior
R/R
P