Kent State Softball Inks Nine During Early Signing Period
11/14/2025 2:42:00 PM | Softball
KENT - Kent State softball head coach Jessica O'Donnell announced the additions of Aubrey Del Cecato, Reese Knox, Rylee Kulbatsky, Jaidon Nogay, Amiyaa Parr-Inman, Cayden Sparks, Emma Stroup, Mackenzie Stowe, and Lilliana Sutkowy.
The nine additions come to Kent State from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, and Indiana.
Aubrey Del Cecato
- Infield/Centerfield
- Olentangy Liberty High school (Powell, Ohio)
Coach O'Donnell on Del Cecato
"Aubrey Del Cecato is an outstanding shortstop and versatile utility player who brings unmatched energy, heart, and competitiveness to every game. Her drive and passion for the game will inspire our team, and we're thrilled to have her join our KSU softball program."
High School Accolades
- First Team All-OCC
- Second Team All-District
- Second Team All-LCL
Notable Stats
- Junior season batting AVG .521
Reese Knox
- Infield
- Milan High School (Milan, Mich.)
Coach O'Donnell on Knox
"Reese Knox is a strong and powerful infielder/utility player whose fight and determination make her an elite competitor. With a left-handed power bat who consistently finds her way on base, she'll be a valuable asset to our lineup and a force for our softball program for many years to come."
High School Accolades
- Four -year Varsity
- First Team All-Conference (HLC)
- All-Region
- MLive Dream Team-First Team Infield
- Top Scholar Athlete
- National Honors Society
- Mentorship Program
Notable Stats
- Single season runs scored leader
- Single season RBI leader
- Single season hits leader (2024)
Rylee Kulbatsky
- Pitcher
- Dubois Central Catholic (Dubois, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Kulbatsky
"Rylee Kulbatsky is the kind of student-athlete every coach dreams of. Her precision and consistency on the mound mixed with her discipline are off the charts impressive. Even more impressive than her talent is the kind of teammate and person she is, and we can't wait to see the impact she'll make on and off the field here at Kent State."
High School Accolades
- District Championship, Allegheny All-Star
- District Championship 2, Allegheny MVP and Pitcher of Year, State Championship, MVP of state Championship, Pitcher of the Year, All State First Team Pitcher.
- District Championship 3, Allegheny Pitcher of the Year and All-Star, Pitcher of the Year, strikeout leader in PA
Notable Stats
656 strike outs Freshman-Junior year
Jaidon Nogay
- Outfield
- Neshannock Jr/Sr High School (New Castle, Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Nogay
"You thought one Nogay was a force to be reckoned with, just wait until we have two! Jaidon, younger sister of current Junior, Aaralyn Nogay, brings incredible speed, heart, and consistency to the outfield and our offensive production, and we're thrilled to see her carry on the family legacy in our program and leave her own mark as well."
High School Accolades
- Three-time WPIAL 2A Softball Champion
- Two-time PIAA 2A State Champion
- 2023 PIAA First Team All-State outfielder
- 2024 PIAA First Team All-State outfielder
- 2025 PIAA first team All-State outfielder
Notable Stats
- .531 batting average,
- .615 OBP
- 102 hits
- 99 runs
- 86 RBIs
- 47 SB
Amiyaa Parr-Inman
- Outfield
- Mississinewa High School (Gas City, Ind.)
Coach O'Donnell on Parr-Inman
"Amiyaa Parr-Inman is a dynamic utility player who brings a little bit of everything with her speed, power, athleticism, and heart. Her versatility and competitive spirit will make an immediate impact on our program, and we're excited to see her contributions on and off the field here as a Golden Flash."
High School Accolades
- First Team All-CIC Sophomore and Junior year
- CIC All-Academic Team
Notable Stats
- 25 Career Homeruns
- 55 stolen bases in travel ball from freshman
- Junior year (SB% 91.67)
Cayden Sparks
- Catcher/Outfield
- Woodgrove High School (Round Hill, Va)
Coach O'Donnell on Spark
"Cayden Sparks is a versatile player whose passion and positivity shine on and off the field. Her energy and mindset make her a perfect fit for our program, and we are excited to see her contribute to our culture and success here at Kent State."
High School Accolades
- Two-time VHSL State Champion
- Extra Innings Top 25 Golden Glove Honorees NE
- Four-year Varsity letter
- Woodgrove High School Softball Captain
- Two-time First Team All-District
- First Team All-Region
- Four-year Academic Letter
- National Honors Society Member
Notable Stats
- Fielding Percentage (High School season and summer travel ball season 2025)
- Batted .423, 2024-2025 High School Season
Emma Stroup
- Infield/Outfield
- Cumberland Valley High School (Mechanicsburg Pa.)
Coach O'Donnell on Stroup
"Emma Stroup is a smart, tough infielder who approaches every game with focus and determination. Her work ethic and softball IQ make her a valuable addition and asset to our program. We are thrilled to see the impact she'll have here at Kent."
High School Accolades
- Four-year varsity starter
- 2023 District 3 Class 6A Champion
- 2023 Mid-Penn All-Freshman Team
- 2024 PAHSSBCA Class 6A All-State Third-Base Second Team
- 2024 Commonwealth Second Team All-Division
- 2024 All-Sentinel Softball Second Team
- 2024 USA Softball High Performance Program National Selection Invite
- 2025 District 3 Class 6A Champion
- 2025 Mid-Penn Commonwealth All Division Second Ream
- 2025 OKC USA Gold National Champion
Notable Stats
- Current High School Batting Average (9-11) - .344
- Current High School Hits (9-11) - 90
Mackenzie Stowe
- Catcher/Utility Player
- Lakeview High School (Cortland, Ohio)
Coach O'Donnell on Stowe
"Mackenzie Stowe brings an incredible passion for the game and a leadership presence that instantly elevates everyone around her. Her strong arm, work ethic, and command behind the plate make her a perfect fit for our KSU softball culture and goals."
High School Accolades
- Two-time District championship runner ups (2023-2024)
- District champions (2025)
- Regional champion (2025)
- First ever state appearance in school history (2025)
- Ne8 Player of the Year (2025)
- Defensive Player of the Year (2025)
- Ne8 First Team catcher (2024)
- Max preps Ohio Player of the Week (2025)
Notable Stats
- 2023, BA- .492, Home runs- 6
- 2024, BA- .412, Home runs- 7
- 2025, BA- .527, set school home run record- 11, set school RBI record- 53
Lilliana Sutkowy
- First Base/Outfield
- Field High School (Brimfield, Ohio)
Coach O'Donnell on Sutkowy
"Lilliana Sutkowy, a local standout from Field High School just minutes down the road, is a force at first base, bringing incredible strength and power that will add a consistent, impactful bat to our lineup. She's broken multiple records at Field, and beyond her talent, she's an amazing teammate and person. We're excited for the energy and leadership she'll bring to our program as a Golden Flash."
High School Accolades
- Four-year Varsity Letter winner
- Scholar-Athlete Award
- First Team All-Conference
- First Team All-District
- Offensive Player of the Year
- NE District All-Ohio Underclass Team
- USA Softball High-Performance Program
Notable Stats
- .556 BA
- 112 Hits
- 79 RBI's
- 36 Doubles
- 9 HR
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