Softball | November 14

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University softball head coach Christina Sutcliffe has announced the signing of six student-athletes to the Huskie Softball program for the 2025 season.
 
"With the signing of this class, we continue to build upon our solid foundation," said Sutcliffe. "We are excited to bring these 6 into our culture and watch them grow and develop on and off the field. We expect them to elevate our program immediately by filling in the holes that will be left from the graduation of our current talented senior class. This class is a testament to dedication, passion, and undeniable talent."
 
 
Jaylyn Brister will join the Huskies after she concludes her senior season with the Columbia High School Eagles in Columbia, Ill. Brister helped lead the Eagles to a regional championship in 2023. In her junior season, Brister earned All-State Second Team honors after receiving All-State Third Team honors her sophomore season. Brister is a two-time All-Conference and All-Area honoree. In her sophomore and junior seasons, Brister had 174 plate appearances, 56 runs, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs, and a combined batting average of .466.  
 
Sutcliffe on Brister: "Jaylyn has played at a high level for both the STL Chaos and Select Fastpitch over the past several years. She understands what it takes to compete and will provide depth at first and in the outfield. Jaylyn is an offensive threat that will help us score runs quickly."
 
 
Emma Krueger will join the Huskies after competing for Bay Port High School in Suamico, Wis. and beginning her career at Rock Valley College.  Krueger helped the Bay Port Pirates to a 20-6 overall record in 2022, where she made 74 plate appearances with a batting average of .378. Krueger earned All-Conference, All-Area, and was a three-year letter winner at Bay Port. At Rock Valley, Krueger had a batting average of .550 with 22 hits and 13 doubles.
 
Sutcliffe on Krueger: "Emma's commitment to excellence shines through in her play and is the cornerstone for her success. She works hard and leads others through her passion and relentless attitude that sets her apart. Coming from Rock Valley we know she will bring a championship mindset that will continue to push our program forward."
 
 
Natalie Miller comes to the Huskies from Ozaukee High School in Fredonia, Wis. In her three seasons with the Warriors, Miller helped to compile a 30-18 record before her junior season was cut short. Miller made 81 plate appearances for the Warriors baseball program in two seasons and had a combined 18 hits, 43 putouts, and a batting average of .222. Miller has competed for BATS Fastpitch (Summer 2022) and Velocity (Fall 2022), seeing action in 67 games, 44 RBIs, 107 putouts, and 11 double-plays.
 
Sutcliffe on Miller: "Being surrounded by baseball or softball her entire life, Natalie brings a wealth of softball IQ to our program. Her intentional work ethic is unmatched. Honing in on her skills with the WI Velocity, she'll look to break into the infield at third or second."
 
 
Mia Morera is set to join the Huskies from Westlake High School in Simi Valley, Calif. Morera has been named to the 2024 PGF Futures Watchlist, a national travel softball association. Morera is a three-year All-League Academic honoree and a two-time Second Team All-League honoree. Morera competed for the So Cal Ashley Choppers 18u and was a member of the 2023 Colorado Sparkler Supplemental Power Pool runner-up.
 
Sutcliffe on Morera: "Mia's passion for the game shows in her play. Coming from the SoCal Choppers she brings a championship mindset and will be an incredible asset with her versatility as a utility infielder. I'm excited to watch her push her current boundaries and excel on both sides of the game."
 
 
Lia Nance joins the Huskies from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, Calif. Nance is a three-year member of the Warriors softball team, seeing actions in 38 games. Nance had a batting average of .438 in her junior season, while earning First Team All-Conference honors that season. Nance earned Second-Team All-Conference honors during her sophomore campaign as Nance is a multi-sport varsity athlete in softball, golf, and water polo for the Warriors.  
 
Sutcliffe on Nance: "Lia will be coming to NIU after competing nationally for the Breakers Labs organization. She embodies an infectious attitude and pure athleticism. Her journey as a multi-sport athlete has sculpted a character that will bring not only skill but a vibrant personality to our team. Lia will look to roam the outfield and bring further speed to our lineup."
 
 
Hailey Olivera will join the Huskies from Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard, Calif. Olivera and the Spartans of Rio Mesa have gone undefeated in conference play, posting a 39-0 record over the last three seasons. Olivera has contributed to a 65-15-1 record and earned All-Conference honors three consecutive years. Olivera has seen action in 78 games with 241 at bats, 61 hits, 40 RBIs, and a batting average of .253.
 
Sutcliffe on Olivera: "Also coming from the highly nationally competitive SoCal Choppers, Hailey's journey has just begun. We are thrilled to witness her skills at the corners and love for the game develop. Her gritty attitude will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark within the program."
 
Visit NIUHuskies.com for more information on NIU Softball. The Huskies return to the field in the Spring of 2024. Fans can stay up-to-date with Huskie Softball on X/Twitter @NIUSoftball and @NIU_Softball on Instagram.
 
--NIU--