Coach
Scott Hall and his coaching staff added nine players to their roster during the early signing period. Madison Seigworth, Sarah Ratterman, Lauren Fey, Karli Ricketts, Emily Perrelle, Sydney Kempf, Brianna Avery, Kinley Longest, and Zoe Herdman will join the Bulldogs in the 2018-2019 academic year.
"I am extremely excited to announce this fall's signing class." Hall said. "It is a large class and they will bring a lot of talent and depth to the program. We have it all in this class. We are bringing in pitching, power, speed, and defense. Above all, we are bringing in quality young women that will do things the Butler Way."
"All of these young women have had great success on the field and courts in multiple sports, but more importantly, they have all excelled in the classroom. They will continue to help us build a solid culture moving forward and be great contributors for us in the pursuit of another BIG EAST title."
Seigworth (Chandler, Ariz./Hamilton HS) is a two-time 6A state champion. In each state title match, Seigworth was named the Player of the Game for her outstanding pitching. In 2017, Seigworth was named to the All-Arizona Softball Team, the AZ Central All 6A Division 1
st Team, the Chandler Unified School District 1
st Team and the All-Region 1
st Team. She was also a National Honor Society member.
"Madi has wanted to be a Bulldog since the age of 10," Hall said. "I have watched this pitcher get better and stronger every year since her commitment. She brings a high level of experience, competitiveness and "Big Game" mentality to the circle. I look for Madi to really push our pitching staff to an elite level in the Big East and have an impact for four years at Butler."
Ratterman (Louisville, Ky./Christian Academy of Louisville) was named to the All 7
th Region Team during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Ratterman was also named to the All-State Team her first three years at the varsity level. In addition, Ratterman became a member of the Courier-Journal All-Area Softball Team for her success in the 2017 season.
"Sarah is a joy to be around. I would best describe Sarah as a "Swiss Army knife" player," Hall said. "She can play anywhere in the infield or outfield. She has a lot of pop off her bat and good speed around the diamond. She is a perfect fit for the Bulldogs."
Fey (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli HS) is one of the many local talents that Hall was able to pick up. In the 2017 season, she was named to the All-State 3
rd Team, the All-Conference Team and the All-County Team. Fey was also a member of the National Honor Society.
"We found this local talent late, fortunately. Lauren is a true diamond in the rough." Hall said. "She is a 3-sport athlete, which is rare and I absolutely love it. She is a true competitor and athlete on all playing courts and fields. She has great range and instincts in the infield and is a true leader. At the plate, she is a solid stick with good speed and she will help solidify depth for our defense."
Ricketts (Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central HS) was named to the All-State Team as a sophomore in 2016, and was named to the All-Conference Team all three years. In 2016, Ricketts earned the honor of being named to the All-Marion County Team.
"Karli is a dominating presence in the circle and at the plate," Hall said. "She is a hard throwing righty that can take over a game or end a game with a titanic blast off her bat. I have watched this kid since she was 13 years old and she has continued to develop and improve. I love that she is a local talent that wanted to stay home and be a Bulldog. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and a competitor's mentality. I believe she is a great addition to our program and should be an immediate impact player for our program."
Perrelle (Terre Haute, Ind./Terre Haute South HS) is a three-time All-Conference Team member in her first three years at Terre Haute South. Perrelle spent time playing travel ball with the Indiana Shockwaves.
"Emily may possibly have the quickest set of hands I have ever seen," said Hall. "She has the ability to play multiple positions in the infield and even has the skills to get behind the dish if needed. She possesses great instincts and a great arm. Her ability to be a utility player is big for us. With a solid stick that has power potential, she will fit right in with our program."
Kempf (Mishawaka, Ind./Mishawaka HS) is already number two on the all-time hit list at Mishawka after only three years. She was named an All-Conference Outfielder all three years. Kempf has experience playing with the Cincy Static travel team.
"Syd started coming to Butler camps as a freshman in high school," said Hall. "I have watched her continue to work and improve from day one. Having the opportunity to add depth to our outfield and short game was an easy decision when we offered Sydney. She loves being a Butler Bulldog we are excited to have her."
Avery (Sandwich, Ill./Sandwich HS) is a three-time All-Conference Team member. She was named to the 1
st Team All-Area in the 2016 and 2017 seasons and helped her club team, the Iowa Premier, place third in the 2016 PGF Nationals. Off the field, Avery became a National Honor Society member in 2017.
"The minute I saw Bri run to first base I told my assistant that this kid has game changing speed," Hall said. "Bri has worked extremely hard in the weight room to become a triple threat at the plate, great athlete, and high-level softball player. She is very aggressive in the outfield and on the bases. Bri plays to win. She is an immediate scoring threat when she gets on base. Bri has an infectious personality that is contagious to anyone around her. She will be exciting for our fans to watch for years to come."
Longest (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville Community HS) will join her sister, Payton, on the field as a Bulldog for the 2018-2019 season. She was named to the All-Conference Team in 2017 and is a member of the National Honor Society. Longest played club ball for the LIDS Indiana Dreams.
"Kinley is the 2nd of the Longest family to join the Dawgs. I have been impressed with how Kinley continues to work and improve," said Hall. "She is a solid infielder with a strong arm that will add depth to our defense. She is a power threat at the plate with good speed. Kinley has wanted to be a Bulldog for a long time and I look forward to seeing her compete alongside her sister at Butler."
Herdman (Naperville, Ill./Neuqa Valley High School) is a three-year Neuqua Varsity player and DVC Unanimous All Conference player in 2017. She played travel softball for the Wasco Diamonds for three years. Off the field, Herdman is a Gold Award Girl Scout and a member of National Society of High School Scholars.
"Zoe brings more depth to our infield. She swings a solid bat and does a good job on the bases," said Hall. "Zoe is another young lady that truly wanted to be a Bulldog from her first time on campus. I look forward to coaching her in the fall."