Oregon softball signed six players to its 2023 recruiting class, including three of the top 100 players in the class, in a group that ranks in the top 15 nationally.
Infielders Katie Flannery and Abby Steffen, outfielders Regan Legg and Ayanna Shaw, pitcher Taylour Spencer and catcher/utility player Braiesey Rosa signed National Letters of Intent with the Ducks on Wednesday in a class ranked No. 13 by Extra Inning Softball.
“This is a class of fierce competitors who love to play the game at the highest level,” Oregon coach Melyssa Lombardi said in a statement. “In this group, you will see power at the plate, speed, athleticism and power pitching on the mound. One of the things I really I love about this group is their collective desire to be great. Their hunger to be successful is undeniable. Our staff is very excited to welcome them to the family and get to work with them next fall.”
Flannery is the No. 8 overall prospect and the top-ranked third baseman in the class. She hit .341 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs and 49 runs scored as a junior at Spain Park (Ala.) High School.
“Oregon felt like home away from home,” Flannery said. “The coaching staff made personal relationships with me throughout recruiting. I love the family culture within the team and campus life too. It was truly everything I was looking for.”
Flannery as a Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American and a member of the 2022 PGF championship team. Softball America ranks her as the No. 24 player nationally.
“Katie’s a driven athlete and winner,” Lombardi said. “Her bulldog mentality allows her to play the hot corner. She’s an explosive hitter at the plate, and thrives in pressure situations. Katie has already won a national championship at the club level and I’m excited for her to bring that experience to Eugene.”
Rosa is ranked No. 23 in Extra Inning Softball’s top 100. She was a member of Team Polynesia’s 18U All-Star team in 2021 and 2022.
“What impressed me the most about the softball program and athletic department was the coaching staff, players, and the athletic facilities, especially The Jane,” she said.
The right-handed catcher and utility player out of Waianae (Hawaii) High School also was a member of USA Softball’s Hawaii state championship team.
“Braiesey’s an excellent receiver behind the plate, with a strong arm and quick release,” Lombardi said. “She thrives at throwing out runners, but also has the ability to pickoff runners in tight situations. Offensively, she also adds another powerful bat to our lineup. Look for her to be a big part of our battery next year.”
Legg, a right-handed hitter out of San Juan Hills High (Calif.), is ranked No. 91 by Extra Inning Softball.
“The coaching staff was the biggest reason I chose Oregon,” she said. “The facilities are also second to none. I love the University’s support for student-athletes, and I think that playing softball at Oregon will allow me to become the best athlete I can be.”
Legg also competes in track in both the 100 meters and 4×100 relay team.
“From the first time I saw her play, Regan’s speed and athleticism caught my attention,” Lombardi said. “She covers a ton of ground and makes excellent decisions in the outfield. Like her teammates, she has the ability to hit for high average and take extra bases. Her versatility is incredibly impressive.”
Shaw, a left-handed outfielder, hit .524 with 48 runs scored and 22 stolen bases last season at California powerhouse Mater Dei High School. In three years at Mater Dei, Shaw hit .468 with 77 runs scored and 41 stolen bases and has committed just three errors with a .971 career fielding percentage.
“Ayanna is an intense competitor and an elite athlete,” Lombardi said. “She has excellent range in the outfield and a cannon for an arm. At the plate, she’s a true triple threat with elite speed and the ability to hit for average and power.”
Spencer is a right-handed pitcher out of Vista Murrieta (Calif.) High School, where she was an all-league honoree.
“Taylour’s a power pitcher with great movement,” Lombardi said. “Her love for the game shines through with the electric energy she exudes on the mound. She’s a proven winner and is on a mission to be the best.”
Steffan is the No. 68 player in California, according to MaxPreps. The right-handed infielder out of Eastlake High led the league in home runs as a junior.
“The first thing you’ll notice about Abby is her stature,” Lombardi said. “She brings a strong presence and physicality to our roster. She is a true utility in the infield. Her defense is fluid and looks effortless. She has a powerful swing that I expect will drive in a lot of runs for the Ducks.”
