Softball Inks Eight During Early Signing Period
11/19/2024 9:16:00 AM | Softball
Kent State softball head coach Jessica O'Donnell announced the additions of Miley Anderson, Ciara Camacho, Meadow Ferri, Tayler Likens, Riley Miller, Gabby Quinn, Caleigh Shaulis, and Alex Trevena to the program during the early signing period.
"This class is beyond exciting!" O'Donnell said. "They bring speed, power, championship level experience, high level travel ball experience, and tons of passion for our game. This class bleeds Blue and Gold and will come in ready to compete for championships right away."
The eight additions to the program come from the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Miley Anderson
- Outfielder
- Neshannock High School (New Castle, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Miley
"Miley is one of those players you will miss if you don't keep your eye on her because she is extremely fast! We are very excited to get her speed here at Kent. With just her speed alone, she is going to make some noise in the MAC. Not only is Miley a great player, but she is an amazing teammate as well and that is something we pride ourselves on having here. We cannot wait to have her athleticism here at Kent."
High School Accolades
Softball – 2 Year Letterwinner
• 2024 PIAA State Championship Team and 2023 & 2024 District WPIAL Championship Team
• Selected as 2x Lawrence County All Star by the New Castle News
• Selected as Lead Off Hitter of the Year by the Pittsburgh Union Progress
Track & Field – 2 Year Letterman
• WPIAL District Qualifier in the 100 - 200-meter dash
• Finalist 2024 TSTCA Indoor Track Championship (60-meter dash)
Academics
• National Honor Society
More from Miley Anderson
"The culture and energy of the program made me feel that Kent State is the best fit for me! Kent State is centered on family, and I am so thankful to be a part of it."
Ciara Camacho
- Utility Player
- Franklin Regional Senior High School (Murrysville, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Ciara
"Ciara is sneaky with power, speed, and toughness. Her whole family is super athletic, and they all know how to compete at a high level. Her nickname is "Macho Camacho", that should tell you all you need to know about what she's bringing here to Kent. Ciara is a true utility, who will see time all over the field. Get ready Flash Nation because we are getting one tough competitor."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2022-2024 3x WPIAL All Section First Team
Volunteer
• Mission trip to Dominican Republic for Church and community service
More from Ciara Camacho
"I chose Kent State because it felt like a second home. From the coaches and the players to the atmosphere that is being created. The overall feeling that I got from Kent State during the recruiting process was different from any other school and it really made my decision easy."
Meadow Ferri
- Pitcher
- Chartiers Houston High School (McGovern, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Meadow
"Meadow brings straight heat on the mound. Her east and west pitches have nice movement, and she mixes her pitches very well with high mph. She's a very talented athlete who will fit in nicely with our program. We're excited to see what Meadow can accomplish here at Kent."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2024 – District WPIAL Champions, PIAA All State First Team, WPIAL MVP, Post Gazette Player of the Year
• 2022-2024 – 3x WPIAL First Team, Pittsburgh Post Gazette All Area Team
Volleyball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2022-2024 – District WPIAL Second Team
Community
• Member Leo/Dreamers Club, SEC Club, Char-Hou Zoo Club, volunteers time at softball and volleyball youth camps
More from Meadow Ferri
"I ultimately chose Kent State because it felt the most like home. I also felt that the program was going to help me grow and develop the most, not only in softball, but also in life."
Tayler Likens
- Catcher
- Keyser High School (Keyser, W.Va.)
Coach O'Donnell on Tayler
"Tayler is extremely athletic and very sound in all facets of her game. We love her passion to play, and her game IQ is off the charts. She's a very hard worker and loves Kent State. Flash fans are going to want to keep an eye on this one."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2024 WV AA State Runner Up, broke high school home run record
• 2022-2024 PVC Player of the Year, WV All State First Team
Academic
• National Honor Society
• Senior Class Treasurer
Volunteer
• Key Club
More from Taylor Likens
"I chose Kent State because it felt like home, with a welcoming community and supportive environment that truly resonated with me. The strong academic programs, coaches who believe in me, and the awesome team culture make it the perfect place for me to grow both academically and athletically."
Riley Miller
- Pitcher
- Hempfield Area Senior High School (Greensburg, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Riley
"Riley is a special pitcher with lots of upside. She spins the ball well and understands what it takes to pitch against top teams across the country. Riley has a nice drop curve and keeps hitters off balance. I fully expect Riley to surprise a lot of hitters with her movement and provide a different look to our pitching staff. Can't wait to see her take the mound here at Kent State."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2023-2024 2x Big 56 Pitcher of the Year
• 2023 PIAA State Champion, District WPIAL Champion, PIAA All State First Team, Tribune Review Player of the Year, Pittsburgh Post Gazette All Area Player, All Westmoreland First Team
• 2022 PIAA State Champion Runner-Up
More from Riley Miller
"I ultimately chose Kent State because I love the coaching staff and how supportive they are of their players. I also really liked how team bonding was a very important point."
Gabby Quinn
- Infielder
- Neshannock High School (New Castle, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Gabby
"Gabby is an outstanding student of the game, both offensively and defensively. Her Softball IQ is off the charts. Not only does she have what it takes to help us grow here at Kent, but she is an amazing student and an even better person. Gabby has a ton of accolades on and off the field, but the best part about it is how humble she is. We are very excited to have Gabby joining the Flashes next year, you will want to keep an eye on this one for sure."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2022, 2024 2-Time PIAA Undefeated State Champion and 3-Time Undefeated District WPIAL Champions in a row
• 2022-2024 3-Time PIAA All State Player First Team
• 2022-2024 3-Time Lawrence County All-Star by the New Castle News
• 2022-2024 3-Time All Section First Team
• 2022-2023 - Set PA record for 48 most consecutive wins in State
Basketball – 2 Year Letterwinner
• 2022 PIAA State Champion and District WPIAL Champion
Academics
• National Honor Society
Homecoming
• 2024 Homecoming Queen
Volunteer
• Miracle League, Club Hope for Cancer, Youth Softball Coach, Layups for Lucy
More from Gabby Quinn
"I chose Kent State because of the all-around positive atmosphere-including the campus, the leadership from coaches and players, the family bond they have, the competitiveness of the program, the unending support, and my drive to be a part of/make a lasting impact on the program."
Caleigh Shaulis
- Catcher
- Walsh Jesuit High School (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)
Coach O'Donnell on Caleigh
"Caleigh is one of those players you must have on your team. She's a local stud who played high level travel ball in all areas of the country with the Bandits and now Outlaws. She's going to come in well prepared to play at this level. Offensively, she's going to add a lot of power and consistency to our lineup. Caleigh is another one who will play a utility role for us, and we are very excited to see her elevate our game here at Kent."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2024 - Crown Conference and District Champion - D1 First Team All-Ohio, D1 First Team All-Northeast Ohio, First Team All-Conference
• 2023 - Crown Conference MVP, First Team All Crown Conference, D1 Second Team All-District
• 2022 - First Team All Crown Conference, Crown Conference Champs, D1 District Champions
Volunteer
• Catholic Worker tutors Guatemalan refugee students and Artemus Ward tutor for kindergarten classes
More from Caleigh Shaulis
"I chose Kent State due to the family culture and since it is so close to home, my BIG family can come watch my games!"
Alex Trevena
- Infielder
- Conrad Weiser High School (Robesonia, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Alex
"The first time we saw Alex play she was diving and sprinting all over the field making plays. Her defensive skillset, reaction time, athleticism, and mechanics are extremely smooth and crisp. Alex can hit for power, singles, doubles, and lay down a quick bunt if she wants to throw the defense off. She's a multifaceted player who will make our team better just with her presence alone. Can't wait for Golden Flash fans to see this one in action."
High School Accolades
Softball – 3 Year Letterwinner
• 2022-2024 Berks County All Division First Team
• 2024 Broke School Record in highest batting average
Basketball
• 2022-2023 – Honorable Mention All Division
Golf
• 2022-2023 – Honorable Mention All Division
Community
• Volunteers for Reading Hot Stovers, Morgan's Message, and local church
More from Alex Trevena
"I chose Kent State because of the amazing coaching staff and team culture. I know that I have a team full of people who have a common drive and desire to win."
Be sure to follow the Golden Flashes on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates about the team.
