BYU adds four recruits to 2019 roster

PROVO, Utah – BYU softball head coach Gordon Eakin announced the 2018 signing class Friday with four players from Missouri, California, Kentucky and Utah.

“We are very excited about our 2018 recruiting class,” Eakin said. “They are high level athletes and softball players. Their character and leadership qualities will make our team, program and university stronger. We believe this 2018 class will be strong contributors immediately.”

Reggie Kanagawa (P), Alyssa Podhurcak (SS/2B), Brooke Hill (1B/OF) and Aubrielle Paulson (2B/OF) have all signed National Letters of Intent during the November signing period and will join the team for the 2019 season. 

Reagan “Reggie” Kanagawa
6-2 | P | L/R | Blue Springs HS | Blue Springs, MO

Personal

• Mom is Jennifer Kanagawa
• Has two sisters, Kenadee and Madisen, and one brother, Robert

High School

• Three-sport varsity letterman in softball, basketball and track
• Earned first-team conference, district and All-Area honors her sophomore – junior years
• Led team with a .514 battering average
• Ranked nationally in the top-25 for javelin
• 2016-17 Academic Excellence
• National Honor Society member

Club

• Currently plays for KC Gold (18 Gold)
• Played for Originals- CK (16U), NJ Intensity Hawkins Mizuno National Team, Originals (12U and 14U),
• Named a FloSoftball Rising Star in May 2015
• 2015 Midwest Region Boombah Elite Select All American Team selection

Coach Eakin on Reggie: “Reggie is a determined competitor. She has a presence on the mound that gives the team around her confidence while discouraging opposing teams. She has the ability to make the adjustments necessary during the game that keep opposing hitters off balance. She has the rare ability to fight through adversity during a game and find success. In addition to being a force on the mound, Reggie can flat out hit. She will add power to our already strong lineup.”

Alyssa Podhurcak
5-8 | SS/2B | R/R | South Torrance HS | Torrance, CA

Personal

• Parents are Andy and Patty
• One brother, AJ

High School

• Four-year varsity starter
• Pioneer League Champion and CIF Division 5 Champion, both for the first time in school history
• All-League Second Team selection in 2017 and First Team selection in 2016
• Offensive MVP in 2016 and led team with a .444 batting average, 19 RBI, 10 doubles and four home runs
• Played volleyball as a freshman and voted Most Inspirational Player
• Honor roll student

Club

• Currently plays for So Cal A’s Briggs (18U)
• Won the 2015 PGF 14U National Championship with OCC Batbusters (14U)

Coach Eakin on Alyssa: “Alyssa is a very versatile player. She can play every infield position at a high level. She is an excellent defender and hitter. Alyssa has played against the very best competition since she was very young while playing for high-level teams and coaches. She has great softball instinct and a high-level softball IQ. We expect big things from Alyssa during her BYU career.”

Brooke Hill
5-11 | 1B/OF | R/R | Paul Laurence Dunbar HS | Lexington, KY

Personal

• Parents are Jenny and Marc
• Brothers Dalton and Cogan

High School

• Earned a .474 batting average, had 30 RBI and hit 10 home runs as a junior
• Named to the 2017 Lexington All-City Softball Team
• Named to the All-District First Team
• Paul Laurence Dunbar Softball Player of the Year in 2017
• National Honor Society member
• Academic All-State honoree

Club

• Currently plays for the Louisville Lady Sluggers (18U)
• Participated in ASA GOLD Nationals with the Ohio Outlaws (16U)
• Finished third at PGF Nationals (14U)

Coach Eakin on Brooke: “Brooke is a high-level first baseman and outfielder. She is a power hitter that has the ability to change the game with her bat. We believe Brooke will become a feared hitter in the middle of our Cougar lineup. Her very presence in the lineup will make the hitters around her better. She is another player that has a high softball IQ and game instincts.”

Aubrielle Paulson
5-3| 2B/OF | L/R | Orem HS | Orem, UT

Personal

• Parents are Amy and Toby
• Sisters Arianna and Arissa both currently play for BYU
• Also has two brothers, Sterling and Brinton

High School

• Four-year varsity player
• 2017-18 team captain
• 2017 Utah All-State Second Team selection
• Named to the Daily Herald’s All-Valley Softball Team in 2017
• State runner-up in 2015 and 2016
• 2016 Gracie Haught All-Tournament team selection

Club

• Currently plays for the Arizona Athletics
• Named a top player at the 2014 FloSoftball Advanced Fastpitch Prospect Camp
• FloSoftball Hot 100 Next In

Coach Eakin on Aubrielle: “Aubrielle is a great athlete with good speed. She will see time at second base and in the outfield. She can play multiple positions well. She hits left-handed and can play the short game or hit with some power. The thing I love about Aubrey is she is a feisty player and she finds a way to get the job done. She is tough, she is my kind of player!”