Indiana Softball Announces 2022 Signing Class
11/12/2021 5:01:00 PM | Softball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana Softball announced its 2022 signing class. The class is loaded with talent and includes six high school seniors from five different states.
From Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"This is the most complete and athletic class we have signed. A legit battery, two fiery outfielders, and a pair of reliable ballers in the infield. I appreciate how hard our staff worked to build relationships with these stellar student-athletes to help them fall in love with IU and Hoosier softball. All six signees are winners and leaders with big dreams. We are thrilled for the opportunity to coach them and beyond proud of the character this group embodies."
Avery Parker
C/UT | Westfield, Ind. | Westfield High School
Parker has had a stellar career at Westfield High School where she holds school records in single season home runs, single game triples, doubles, runs scored, season batting average, runs scored, doubles and RBIs. Parker has a .588 batting average, .685 OBP, 41 runs scored, 38 RBI and 19 career home runs. Parker earned a No. 87 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100 in the 2022 Class.
Parker earned First Team All-State Honors in 2021 and was named to the 2021 IndyStar Super Team. She is a two-time Westfield High School Offensive Player of the Year, two-time All-HCC and two-time All-County selection.
The daughter of Carson and Todd, Avery plans to major in Psychology at Indiana University.
Parker on IU
"I chose IU because the atmosphere created by the coaches and players is top-notch. When I was looking for a school I was looking for a place I could become a better player and person and know IU will help me do that. I loved the campus and facilities, and the players and coaches made me feel welcomed and wanted."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Avery is a stud behind the plate with an elite arm, quick feet and big bat. Her addition to our catching corp makes this our deepest and strongest position on the field and totally unmatched in my almost 25 years of coaching. Our pitchers will love working with her as she has great command and presence on the field."
Chloe Geijer
IF/UT | Frankfort, Ill. | Lincoln-Way East High School
Geijer earned 2021 All-Conference, All-Area and All-State honors as she batted .400 with 17 home runs, 43 runs and 38 RBI. Geijer earned a No. 31 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100.
In addition to softball, Geijer competed in track and field at Lincoln-Way East High school in the 100-meter dash, 4X100-meter relay and javelin throw.
The daughter of Juli and Brett, Chloe plans to major in Kinesiology at Indiana University.
Geijer on IU
"I chose IU because of the great academics and the beautiful campus. This school truly feels like home and I cannot be more excited to spend the next four years here."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Chloe's patience, persistence, and ambition through the recruiting process during the pandemic was refreshing and led to her becoming a Hoosier. She is an all-around high level student-athlete with pop at the plate, quickness and the versatility to play multiple positions. She has a refined skill set with all the tools to make an impact."
Sophie Kleiman
RHP | Evansville, Ind. | Evansville Mater Dei High School
Kleiman posted an ERA of 1.20 with 188 strikeouts in the 2021 season. She earned First Team All-Conference Honors and helped her team to the Sectional Championship.
In addition to her success in softball, Kleiman was an All-State honoree and four-year letter winner in volleyball at Evansville Mater Dei.
The daughter of Kent and Shelly, Sophie plans to major in Exercise Science at Indiana University.
Kleiman on IU
"The mindset and vision of the coaching staff aligned perfectly with what I was looking for in a program. Having come from a long line of Hoosier fans, IU has always been a big deal to me."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Sophie is a hard throwing competitor with a heavy down ball. She will pound the zone, shoot ground balls to a solid defense behind her, and rack up the strikeouts. Her composure is superior and she will complement our current pitching staff well, helping to propel us on the national stage."
Taryn Kern
2B/SS | San Jose, Calif. | Archbishop Mitty High School
In 2021 Kern started every game at second base. She batted .452 with an OBP of .524. Kern tallied 33 hits, 17 RBI, 10 doubles, four home runs and a .967 fielding percentage.
In the summer of 2021 her travel team California Suncats Jimenez, were the Q Bracket Champions and finished 17th at Alliance Nationals in Oklahoma City.
The daughter of James and Tilena, Taryn is currently undecided on her major. Her father James played baseball at Gonzaga.
Kern on IU
"I chose Indiana University because I was drawn to the culture of not only the school, but the softball program as well. The atmosphere of the Indiana Softball program is amazing in the way it motivates each player, and they push themselves, care deeply for each other, and overall develop into good human beings on and off the field. The beautiful camps and facilities, culture of athletics, academic competitiveness, and the endless opportunities for majors at IU ultimately account for my choice to choose Indiana University for my future home."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"What started as online recruitment during covid quickly turned into the deepest excitement from our staff seeing Taryn live in action. Taryn is a complete player, lefty stick with gap-to-gap power and has a dependable defensive skill-set. She loves the game, cares deeply for others and demonstrates high level maturity and social awareness. She is the total package."
Elle Smith
OF | Blue Spring, Mo. | Blue Spring South High School
Smith helped her team to the Missouri Class 4 State Championship in 2018 and 2019 and Class 5 Third Place in 2021. She holds school records for most hits in a season (58) and most runs scored in a single season (49). She earned a No. 47 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100.
In her senior season at Blue Spring South, the team finished 30-5, their best record in school history. Smith registered a .518 batting average with 58 hits, 49 runs and 31 stolen bases. To date she has tallied 137 hits, 120 runs and 79 stolen bases.
The daughter of Bobby and Cindi, Elle plans to major in Kinesiology with a focus on Athletic Training at Indiana University.
Smith on IU
"From the moment they reached out to me, the relationship began. It felt like home the very first time I stepped onto campus. The coaches are very like-minded, passionate, and share the same drive and love for the game of softball that I have. I knew it was a match made in heaven."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Elle is a feisty ball player with true triple threat ability. She's mighty and fast and committed to do what it takes to achieve competitive excellence. Her lion mode mentality is a great fit for our culture. She plays big."
Cassidy Kettleman
UT | Amherst, Ohio | Amherst Steele High School
Kettleman competed in soccer as well as softball for much of her athletic career which has helped her with her explosive first-step agility and athleticism. Cassidy exploded onto the high school seen as a freshman for the Steel (Amherst, Ohio) High Comets when she led the team with a .580 batting average and set school records with 55 hits, 49 runs scored and smashing eight RBIs in one game.
Kettleman was selected First Team All-Ohio and earned a No. 41 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100. She was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Juniors Game on ESPN. Kettleman plans to major in Biology at Indiana University.
Kettleman on IU
"I chose IU because of the beautiful campus and all the friendly people treating everyone like family. I'm excited to get pushed to my best abilities while also having the time of my life making memories with my new family.
IU Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Cassidy flat out competes, setting the tone and having a profound effect on every game she plays. Her combination of speed, power and athleticism will excel in our style of play. She is aggressive, explosive and sells out on the ball field. A gritty outfielder with the versatility to play in the infield as well. She is a game-changer."
Follow Indiana Softball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#GoIU
From Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"This is the most complete and athletic class we have signed. A legit battery, two fiery outfielders, and a pair of reliable ballers in the infield. I appreciate how hard our staff worked to build relationships with these stellar student-athletes to help them fall in love with IU and Hoosier softball. All six signees are winners and leaders with big dreams. We are thrilled for the opportunity to coach them and beyond proud of the character this group embodies."
Avery Parker
C/UT | Westfield, Ind. | Westfield High School
Parker has had a stellar career at Westfield High School where she holds school records in single season home runs, single game triples, doubles, runs scored, season batting average, runs scored, doubles and RBIs. Parker has a .588 batting average, .685 OBP, 41 runs scored, 38 RBI and 19 career home runs. Parker earned a No. 87 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100 in the 2022 Class.
Parker earned First Team All-State Honors in 2021 and was named to the 2021 IndyStar Super Team. She is a two-time Westfield High School Offensive Player of the Year, two-time All-HCC and two-time All-County selection.
The daughter of Carson and Todd, Avery plans to major in Psychology at Indiana University.
Parker on IU
"I chose IU because the atmosphere created by the coaches and players is top-notch. When I was looking for a school I was looking for a place I could become a better player and person and know IU will help me do that. I loved the campus and facilities, and the players and coaches made me feel welcomed and wanted."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Avery is a stud behind the plate with an elite arm, quick feet and big bat. Her addition to our catching corp makes this our deepest and strongest position on the field and totally unmatched in my almost 25 years of coaching. Our pitchers will love working with her as she has great command and presence on the field."
Chloe Geijer
IF/UT | Frankfort, Ill. | Lincoln-Way East High School
Geijer earned 2021 All-Conference, All-Area and All-State honors as she batted .400 with 17 home runs, 43 runs and 38 RBI. Geijer earned a No. 31 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100.
In addition to softball, Geijer competed in track and field at Lincoln-Way East High school in the 100-meter dash, 4X100-meter relay and javelin throw.
The daughter of Juli and Brett, Chloe plans to major in Kinesiology at Indiana University.
Geijer on IU
"I chose IU because of the great academics and the beautiful campus. This school truly feels like home and I cannot be more excited to spend the next four years here."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Chloe's patience, persistence, and ambition through the recruiting process during the pandemic was refreshing and led to her becoming a Hoosier. She is an all-around high level student-athlete with pop at the plate, quickness and the versatility to play multiple positions. She has a refined skill set with all the tools to make an impact."
Sophie Kleiman
RHP | Evansville, Ind. | Evansville Mater Dei High School
Kleiman posted an ERA of 1.20 with 188 strikeouts in the 2021 season. She earned First Team All-Conference Honors and helped her team to the Sectional Championship.
In addition to her success in softball, Kleiman was an All-State honoree and four-year letter winner in volleyball at Evansville Mater Dei.
The daughter of Kent and Shelly, Sophie plans to major in Exercise Science at Indiana University.
Kleiman on IU
"The mindset and vision of the coaching staff aligned perfectly with what I was looking for in a program. Having come from a long line of Hoosier fans, IU has always been a big deal to me."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Sophie is a hard throwing competitor with a heavy down ball. She will pound the zone, shoot ground balls to a solid defense behind her, and rack up the strikeouts. Her composure is superior and she will complement our current pitching staff well, helping to propel us on the national stage."
Taryn Kern
2B/SS | San Jose, Calif. | Archbishop Mitty High School
In 2021 Kern started every game at second base. She batted .452 with an OBP of .524. Kern tallied 33 hits, 17 RBI, 10 doubles, four home runs and a .967 fielding percentage.
In the summer of 2021 her travel team California Suncats Jimenez, were the Q Bracket Champions and finished 17th at Alliance Nationals in Oklahoma City.
The daughter of James and Tilena, Taryn is currently undecided on her major. Her father James played baseball at Gonzaga.
Kern on IU
"I chose Indiana University because I was drawn to the culture of not only the school, but the softball program as well. The atmosphere of the Indiana Softball program is amazing in the way it motivates each player, and they push themselves, care deeply for each other, and overall develop into good human beings on and off the field. The beautiful camps and facilities, culture of athletics, academic competitiveness, and the endless opportunities for majors at IU ultimately account for my choice to choose Indiana University for my future home."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"What started as online recruitment during covid quickly turned into the deepest excitement from our staff seeing Taryn live in action. Taryn is a complete player, lefty stick with gap-to-gap power and has a dependable defensive skill-set. She loves the game, cares deeply for others and demonstrates high level maturity and social awareness. She is the total package."
Elle Smith
OF | Blue Spring, Mo. | Blue Spring South High School
Smith helped her team to the Missouri Class 4 State Championship in 2018 and 2019 and Class 5 Third Place in 2021. She holds school records for most hits in a season (58) and most runs scored in a single season (49). She earned a No. 47 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100.
In her senior season at Blue Spring South, the team finished 30-5, their best record in school history. Smith registered a .518 batting average with 58 hits, 49 runs and 31 stolen bases. To date she has tallied 137 hits, 120 runs and 79 stolen bases.
The daughter of Bobby and Cindi, Elle plans to major in Kinesiology with a focus on Athletic Training at Indiana University.
Smith on IU
"From the moment they reached out to me, the relationship began. It felt like home the very first time I stepped onto campus. The coaches are very like-minded, passionate, and share the same drive and love for the game of softball that I have. I knew it was a match made in heaven."
Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Elle is a feisty ball player with true triple threat ability. She's mighty and fast and committed to do what it takes to achieve competitive excellence. Her lion mode mentality is a great fit for our culture. She plays big."
Cassidy Kettleman
UT | Amherst, Ohio | Amherst Steele High School
Kettleman competed in soccer as well as softball for much of her athletic career which has helped her with her explosive first-step agility and athleticism. Cassidy exploded onto the high school seen as a freshman for the Steel (Amherst, Ohio) High Comets when she led the team with a .580 batting average and set school records with 55 hits, 49 runs scored and smashing eight RBIs in one game.
Kettleman was selected First Team All-Ohio and earned a No. 41 spot on the Extra Inning Elite 100. She was selected to play in the 2021 All-American Juniors Game on ESPN. Kettleman plans to major in Biology at Indiana University.
Kettleman on IU
"I chose IU because of the beautiful campus and all the friendly people treating everyone like family. I'm excited to get pushed to my best abilities while also having the time of my life making memories with my new family.
IU Head Coach Shonda Stanton
"Cassidy flat out competes, setting the tone and having a profound effect on every game she plays. Her combination of speed, power and athleticism will excel in our style of play. She is aggressive, explosive and sells out on the ball field. A gritty outfielder with the versatility to play in the infield as well. She is a game-changer."
Follow Indiana Softball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
#GoIU
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