Softball | August 10

DeKALB, Ill.—Northern Illinois University Softball Head Coach Kathryn Gleason has announced the additions of Harli Noriega and Shae Johnson.
 
Noriega comes to the Huskies after competing for Phoenix College in Arizona and was named an NFCA Division II All-American this past season. In action for the Bears, Noriega played 110 games, recorded 148 hits, 75 runs, and 33 home runs while maintaining a batting average of .420. In her prep career, Noriega posted an 86-39 record with Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Noriega and the Huskies took second place at the state tournament during her sophomore season while she totaled 89 hits, 59 runs, and 11 home runs.
 
Johnson joins the Huskies after being named the Lake County (IL) Player of the Year in 2026, competing for Mundelein High School. In action for the Mustangs, Johnson competed in 98 games, recording 90 hits, 105 RBIs, and 41 runs as she helped to post a four-year record of 107-26. Johnson was a member of the team that finished second in the Illinois State Tournament in 2026, captured the conference title in 2024 and 2026 (shared) and were regional champions in 2025. In the circle, Johnson pitched 78 games, recorded 57 wins, and had an ERA of 1.325 in her final season.
 
"We are excited to welcome Harli and Shae to the NIU Softball Family," said Gleason. "Harli had an outstanding career both in Hamilton High School and at Phoenix College.  We look to her to add depth the the infield and to contribute in the offensive lineup with her power and speed.  Shae is coming off another great year for Mundelein High School and her Iowa Premier travel ball team.  She will add depth to the mound and pitching staff.  They are both very competitive and excited to join the Huskies, as we begin a new chapter in the Horizon League."
 
Noriega and Johnson join Maddi Nevitt, Kylie Fish, Lilly Heath, Makenzie Johnson, and Michaela Power in the signing class of 2026 for Huskie softball.
 
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