BYU Softball announces 2023 signees

PROVO, Utah — BYU softball head coach Gordon Eakin has announced the signing of three student-athletes to join the program for the 2024 season.

The Cougars’ 2023 recruiting class includes pitcher Kate Dahle, catcher Abbey Gillespie and pitcher/outfielder Gianna Mares. Below is some information about each member of the 2023 signing class, as well as quotes about each student-athlete from Coach Eakin.

Kate Dahle | Right-Handed Pitcher | 5-10 | Bear River High School | Tremonton, Utah

• Two-time Utah 4A First Team All-State
• Two-time Utah 4A All-Region & All-Area First Team
• 2022 Utah 4A State Runner-Up
• 2021 Utah 4A State Champion
• Played comp softball with USA Athletics
• Also a three-time All-Region honoree in volleyball and two-time All-Region honoree in basketball 

“Kate is a right-handed pitcher with Division I velocity and movement. She is very coachable and makes quick improvements when shown new things. Kate will be an integral part of our pitching staff moving into the Big 12. We are excited that she chose BYU.”

Abbey Gillespie | Catcher | 5-7 | Freedom High School | South Riding, Virginia

• Four-year varsity starter
• Two-time All-County, All-Region and All-District Team (2022, 2021)
• 2021 All-State Team
• 2022 Team Offensive, Defensive and Overall MVP
• 2022 VHSL Region 6A District runner-up
• 2021 Team Defensive MVP
• 2021 Virginia Class 5 State Runner-Up
• 2021 VHSL Region 5C District & Region Champion

“As a catcher, Abbey is very strong behind the plate. She understands the game and what it takes to help our pitchers perform at the highest level. The catching position is so important in Division I and we are fortunate to add Abbey to our program.”

Gianna Mares | Left-Handed Pitcher/Outfielder | 5-9 | Salpointe Catholic High School | Tucson, Arizona

• Two-time Arizona 4A State Champion (2022, 2021) 
• 2022 MaxPreps Second Team All-American
• 2022 First Team All-Conference  
• 2022 First Team All-Region
• 2022 Region Player of the Year
• Maintaining a 4.0 GPA

“Gianna is an incredible athlete. She is not only a high level left-handed pitcher, but also plays the outfield and swings a great bat. We look for her to make an immediate impact on our team. She will strengthen our pitching staff and will be a force offensively.”