Nov. 13, 2015
By Brooke Ortale | UTAMavs.com
ARLINGTON, Texas - UT Arlington women's softball coach Kristie Fox announced the signing of eight freshmen that will join the Mavericks in the 2017 season.
The largest recruiting class in Fox's tenure includes seven Texas natives and one who hails from California. The 24th-best recruit in the 2016 class ranked by FloSoftball.com highlights the Mavs signing day.
"All of our signees are really going to thrive in the environment our program provides." Fox said. "They are all talented right now and have the desire to continue to get better. Each player likes what UT Arlington has to offer both athletically and academically and are proud to be future Mavericks. As a whole, their energy and ambition will help UT Arlington softball continue to improve. Combined with the women we currently have, this should an exciting team to watch."
Mariah Denson - Mansfield Timberview HS - Arlington, Texas - P
Notable: The 2016 class's 24th-best recruit according to FloSoftball.com, Denson is a local product from Arlington. A three-time All-District team member and three-time District MVP, Denson was also named MaxPreps All-American and an All-State honoree as a sophomore at Mansfield Timberview. Denson plays travel ball for Glory Adkins Allen-along with battery mate Reagan Wright and Avery Grimes who also signed to play at UTA.
Coach Fox: "Mariah has the potential to be a program changer in the circle and has big pop with her bat. The tools and the confidence are there and I can see her doing big things."
Reagan Wright -Mansfield Legacy HS - Mansfield, Texas - C/IF
Notable: As a standout at Mansfield Legacy High School, Wright has compiled a long list of accolades, as well as broken numerous offensive records. As a freshman and sophomore she was First Team All-District and Academic All-District. As a junior, Wright was named to the Dallas Morning News All Area-Team, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Super Team, Academic All-District and Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State. Wright owns the season and career records for home runs and doubles at Mansfield Legacy. Her record-breaking season also saw her being named the District 14 5A Defensive Player of the Year. Wright is one of three of this years recruiting class to play travel ball for Glory Adkins Allen 18u Gold.
Coach Fox: "Reagan is a catcher/ corner infielder that is very athletic. Her versatility is going to be a positive asset to our team. Her strongest attribute is her grittiness as a player, and willingness to compete. "
Aileen Garcia - Pearland HS - Houston, Texas - IF, C
Notable: At Pearland High School, Garcia is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. Currently playing for the Texas Mizuno Elite, Garcia has also played for Impact Gold, Texas Storm Elite and Hotshots. Garcia placed fifth at 10u nationals, as well as was a first place finisher at the state tournament.
Coach Fox: "Aileen is a good hitter that loves the game. She is a smart player that can play multiple positions. Every time I watched her, she was getting on base and has a knack for getting her barrel on the ball."
Carley Ruffino - CY-Fair HS - Cypress, Texas - IF/OF
Notable: As a member of CY-Fair High School, Ruffino was named Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Athlete of the Year. She was also awarded the Hustle Award and was named most improved. Ruffino is a standout in the classroom, earning nothing but A's throughout her high school career and is also member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Young Life. Ruffino plays travel softball for Breakway Speed 18.
Coach Fox: "Carley may look small but has good power. I can see her working for a spot at a variety of different positions. Her positive energy is infectious, and we look forward to having that on our team."
Whitney Walton - Brazoswood HS - Lake Jackson, Texas - MI
Notable: A two-sport athlete, Walton has found success both on the volleyball court and on the softball field. As a softball player, she was named varsity's best offensive player, Newcomer of the District and Newcomer of the County in 2013. Her 2014 season saw her become team MVP, best offensive player in the county, District MVP, All Greater Houston Second Team and NFCA Second Team All Region. Walton was named to the All County First-Team in 2015. Walton is a member of the Hotshots Gold travel ball team.
Coach Fox: "Whitney has the athleticism and natural talent that can take her a long way. She is a very even tempered player, but don't let that fool you because she is a tremendous competitor. She will help this program continue to strive to the next level."
Melanie Mendoza - Eagle Pass HS - Eagle Pass, Texas - MI
Notable: Mendoza was awarded the Eagle Excellence ward in 2014-15 at Eagle Pass High School. The middle infielder is a member of National Honor Society and played travel ball for the Texas Bombers Gold Elite. Mendoza is the younger sister to Sandra Mendoza, who enjoyed a stellar freshman campaign as part of the Maverick softball team in 2015.
Coach Fox: "Melanie is the sister of our second baseman Sandra and it will be fun to watch them battle next year at that spot. They are the type of players and family that you want a part of your program."
Avery Grimes - Timber Creek HS - Keller, Texas - MI
Notable: At Timber Creek High School, Grimes has accumulated a number of awards. Grimes was named to All District Second-Team in 2013 and 2015, Academic All District in 2014 and 2015, 2014's Offensive Player of the Year and All-Area Honorable mention in 2014 and 2015. As a member of the Glory Adkins Allen 18 Gold travel ball team, Grimes has placed in a number of national tournaments including an eleventh place finish in the Platinum Bracket at TCS Nationals in Reno, Nevada, fifth place in the TCS Fireworks Super 64 Power Poll in Aurora, Colo., and trips to PGF Nationals in 2013,2014, and 2015. Grimes has an athletic background with her great grandfather, grandfather and great uncle all playing collegiate or professional sports. Her great grandfather, Bill Grimes, and grandfather, Mark Grimes, both played collegiate football at Oklahoma State, with Bill playing professionally for the Green Bay Packers. Grimes' great uncle, Steve Grimes, was a pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Grimes chose UTA over Kansas, Wichita State, Western Kentucky, South Alabama and Oklahoma State.
Coach Fox: "Avery was the first verbal commit in this 2016 class and she really set the tone in what caliber athlete's we are pursuing. She has been one of our biggest ambassadors of how much change has happened here at UT Arlington in the last few years."
Brittany Wyllie - Bonita Vista HS - Bonita, Calif. - IF
Notable: Another two-sport athlete in high school, Wylie was an All-Academic team member in volleyball and softball in 2014 and 2015. As a freshman Wylie was awarded the Athletic Award. In her career, Wylie has been an All-CIF second team member and Union Tribune Second Team All-League. Wylie helped lead the Bonita Vista Barons to become Mesa League Champions in 2013 and 2014, as well as CIF runner-ups in those same years. Having an athletic family, Wylie's father played soccer at Point Loma Nazarene and her sister played volleyball at Cuyamaca Community College. Wylie chose UT Arlington over University of Illinois Chicago.
Coach Fox: "Brittany is a top athlete with very strong arm on defense. She has the potential to help us in a lot of different places. Playing for one of the more reputable travel ball programs in California, she is prepared to come compete in the tough Sun Belt Conference."
