FARMVILLE, Va.- Longwood softball head coach Dr. Megan Brown has announced that the team has officially signed its recruiting class of 2023. The Lancers have added six new faces to the program and are excited to welcome them to Farmville in the fall.

The Lancers' class spans all the way from east to west, with three recruits coming from California and three staying in their home state of Virginia.

"On behalf of Longwood Softball and the entire Longwood University Family, it is my pleasure to welcome our 2023 recruiting class to Longwood," said head coach Dr. Megan Brown, now entering her third season at the helm of the program. "Each of these young ladies brings a unique skill set that will help our team continue to grow and pursue the vision of Longwood Softball.

"They are not only talented softball players but women of high character that truly embody the qualities of a Longwood woman. We look forward to having them on campus next fall."

Longwood's six newcomers will join a program that has perennially been at the top of the Big South standings since joining the conference in 2013, claiming five tournament titles in that span. Last season, the Lancers went 34-24 (21-6 in Big South) on route to finishing as runners up in the Big South tournament.

Naleya Bridges is an infielder from Fresno, California who has starred on the varsity softball team at Clovis North High School for the past three years. While at Clovis North, Bridges has won the Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC) title twice, was named 2^nd Team All-TRAC her sophomore year, and is a one-time California Interscholastic Federation champion. Swinging a bat seems to run in the family for Bridges, who has three uncles and a cousin that played baseball at the collegiate level. Her uncle, Tye Waller, played in the MLB from 1980-1987.

"I chose Longwood because the campus environment felt like home to me," said Bridges. "Coming from a fairly large city in California, Farmville is a nice change and I enjoy the small-town vibes. Longwood's campus is beautiful and I enjoyed sitting in a couple of classes and meeting the professors. Longwood's softball coaching staff and players have been very welcoming to me and I look forward to becoming a Lancer!"

Cierra Gawryluk is a pitcher and outfielder from Suffolk, Virginia who letters in both softball and field hockey at Nansemond River High School. However, it is on the softball field where she excelled greatest, having played in the Nansemond River program since she was in 8^th grade. Gawryluk was double-threat in every way last season, registering a 1.26 ERA on the mound and a .327 batting average at the plate. Her accolades include a 5A and 5B Virginia Regional Championship, 2021 5A Virginia State Championship, two-time 1^st Team All-Region selection, 2^nd Team All-State selection, and holds her school's record for most perfect games in a season with two in 2022.

"I chose Longwood because it's close to home but far enough away," said Gawryluk. "The size and location of the school makes me feel at home. I can't wait to be a Lancer!"

Maggie Hiatt is a catcher and infielder from Henrico, Virginia at Mills E. Godwin High School. Hiatt is a two-sport athlete who has lettered in softball and basketball for four years. She is coming off of two-straight seasons hitting .400+ headed into her senior season at Mills E. Godwin. An honor roll student for four years, some of Hiatt's athletic achievements include Team MVP, All-Region 2^nd Team, All-Metro 1^st Team, and a Regional Championship in 2022.

"I chose Longwood because of the feeling of the atmosphere on campus. Everyone feels like a family here," said Hiatt. "I love the coaching staff at Longwood, they are very welcoming, and push us to be our best. Longwood is also pretty close to home so I am excited that my parents are going to be able to come at watch most of the games!"

Avery Miller is a first baseman and catcher from Alexandria, Virginia, where she has excelled at the plate for Alexandria City High School. Miller has posted batting averages of .545 and .455 across her sophomore and junior seasons with the Titans. She has been an honor roll student throughout her time at Alexandria City and posts impressive athletic accolades. In 2021, Miller was Team MVP, 1^st Team All-District and 1^st Team All-Region and was named 2^nd Team All-District and 2^nd Team All-Region in 2022.

"During my first visit to 'The Farm' I could feel a strong sense of community," said Miller. "The environment felt welcoming and supportive. Longwood felt like home and I knew it was where I belonged."

Cassy Seifert is a pitcher from Sacramento, California who has taken the mound for Cordova High School for the past four years. Seifert has also excelled on the volleyball court at Cordova as well during her time there. She has received the All-League MVP in her conference for her efforts during her sophomore and junior seasons. Seifert plays on the same travel softball team as her future Longwood teammate Mary Zepeda.

Outside of softball, Seifert enjoys playing piano and plans on studying business at Longwood. Seifert says that she chose Longwood due to thinking very highly of the softball program and that Farmville felt like home.

Mary Zepeda is a shortstop and second baseman from Roseville, California who has been a dual-sport athlete during her time at Woodcreek High School, playing both softball and golf. She was an All-Team Conference selection in her junior year, and says that she intends on doing so again her senior year. In addition to excelling at Woodcreek, Zepeda has competed for the 18U International Mexico team in 2022 and plays alongside her future Lancer teammate Cassy Seifert on the same travel team.

Outside of softball, Zepeda has volunteered in her community by helping to feed the needy in Sacramento and enjoys reading, gaming, and animals. She says she chose Longwood due to its town, athletic programs, and philosophy.

Longwood softball's recruiting class of 2023 is set to join the team next school year in the Fall of 2023. To stay up to date with everything Longwood softball, head to www.longwoodlancers.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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