DEKALB, Ill. – Ninth-year Northern Illinois University head softball coach Christina Sutcliffe added four players for the 2021-22 NIU softball team with the announcement of her signing class.
 
"This class provides a lot of diversity amongst them," said NIU head coach Christina Sutcliffe. "They add a significant amount of depth defensively, as the four of them will be able to compete for spots at almost every position on the field. Also, getting four players from four different states will provide an atmosphere with a unique perspective that will deepen our culture. We look forward to watching them grow on the field, but more importantly as strong individuals."
 
The class consists of four players from four different states. Avery Carnahan (Johnston, Iowa/Johnston), Devon Beale (Ann Arbor, Mich./Milford), Madison Mathews (Yuma, Ariz./Cibola) and Kacie Quick (Bloomington, Ill./Normal West) have signed letters of intent to continue their education and softball careers at NIU.
 
 
Avery Carnahan (Johnston, Iowa/Johnston) • INF/OF
• Three-year letterwinner on Johnston softball team.
• Played for Iowa Premiere Gold.
• Contributed to a third-place Colorado Sparkler team in 2019.
• Member of third-place World Fastpitch Championship team in 2018.
• Three-year academic letterwinner.
 
Sutcliffe on Carnahan
"Avery has a wealth of knowledge in both the INF and OF. Her game sense is something we look for her to bring to our roster immediately. The Iowa Premier play an extremely competitive schedule all year round. This experience will allow Avery to make the transition into college quickly."
 
Devon Beale (Ann Arbor, Mich./Milford) • OF/2B
• Three-year varsity letterwinner on Milford softball team
• Member of Turnin2 Softball Club where she played outfield
• Competed on the Milford girls track & field team
• Member of the Michigan Racers Track Club
 
Sutcliffe on Beale
"Devon provides speed in the OF and a lefty look at the plate. Her tenacity on the field and ability to track down most balls will provide a presence in outfield. We expect Devon to transition her speed onto the bases as a consistent steal threat. We are excited to further extend our recruiting into Michigan."
 
Madison Mathews (Yuma, Ariz./Cibola) • UTL
• Three-year varsity letterwinner on Cibola softball team.
• Boasts a career .444 batting average, tallying 103 hits in 232 at bats.
• Driven in 79 runs, while scoring 79 runs in three years.
• Two-time all-area and all-conference selection.
• Member of Arizona Athletics and AZ Choppers.
• Multi-sport athlete also plays basketball and volleyball.
• National Honors Society 2018-present.
 
Sutcliffe on Mathews
"Coming from Arizona, Madison has year-round softball competitive experience that will benefit her once on campus. She is a true utility player that has played every position on the field except pitcher. We look forward to the run production and power that Madison is capable of adding to our offensive lineup."
 
Kacie Quick (Bloomington, Ill./Normal West) • 2B/OF
• Two-year letterwinner on Normal West softball team.
• Named a team captain prior to the start of the 2020 season.
• First-team all-IHSA selection in 2018 and second-team honoree in 2019.
• Also participated on the Normal West girl's tennis team.
• Member of the 2019 Big 12 Illinois Conference women's tennis championship team.
• Finished in fourth place at the NFL's national Punt, Pass and Kick national championship.
 
Sutcliffe on Quick
"Kacie is a competitor at heart with a high ceiling. We have watched Kacie grow into the game before our eyes for the last four years. Her love and passion for NIU shines through. Kacie will come already knowing some of our systems and will look to break into the lineup at either 2B or the outfield."
 
-NIU-