Minot State head softball coach Nat Wagner and his staff scoured the nation for the best talent and landed a half-dozen new recruits from across the country.

After all that hard work, coach Wagner and the Beaver softball team are pleased to announce that Mallory Hoogensen from Iowa, Paige Kellogg from Nevada, Anna LaCount and Calley Olson from Wisconsin, Taylor Smith from Minnesota, and Sara Van Wickler from Arizona all signed a National Letter-of-Intent this week and will begin their career in the classroom and on the diamond as freshmen at Minot State in the fall of 2022.

Here is a look at the newest additions to the Minot State softball team:

Mallory Hoogensen, C, Ankeny, IA

“An imposing and athletic catcher, Mallory Hoogensen brings exceptional gravitas and presence to the plate. A threat to go deep in any at-bat, Mallory has power to all fields and looks to inject an important jolt of power to our lineup.

“She has marked herself as a beloved teammate and natural leader on her Iowa Blitz and NE Gold travel ball teams, leading by virtue of her phenomenal work ethic and a calm poise in competition.

“Mallory wants to be great on and off the field and she elevates those around her not only through her formidable athleticism but through her intelligence and character. She loves to learn and attacks practice with a fierce eagerness to improve.

“Mallory is a winner and promises to grow into an important leader in this program. Beaver softball gets better with the addition of Mallory Hoogensen.”

Paige Kellogg, IF,

Arbor View,

Las Vegas, NV

Kellogg hit .400 with a .733 slugging percentage this past season for the Aggies.

“Paige brings to Minot State softball a big stick and true defensive versatility. A technically polished fielder, Paige plays every infield position with smooth fluidity and can make even the toughest plays look easy. Blessed with great poise and presence, she projects as a middle-of-the-order bat, who always brings to the plate a calm, intelligent approach.

“Paige loves to compete and wants to be the one in big situations. A standout player at Arbor View High School in Las Vegas and a proud product of the Lil’ Rebels organization, Paige loves to learn, and she will blossom in the college game.

“Paige is also a talented musician who plays multiple instruments. She hopes to earn a Pre-Physical Therapy degree and go on to become a physical therapist. We can’t wait to see this quietly dynamic player take off in Minot.”

Anna LaCount, C,

Kaukauna

High School, WI

LaCount hit .397 with six home runs, 20 RBIs, and a .769 slugging percentage in 26 games as a junior for the Galloping Ghosts.

“A superb defensive catcher, Anna LaCount excels behind the plate in all facets of the position. She frames and blocks well and controls the running game with a strong arm and lightning-quick release. Anna plays defense with an attack mentality, competing hard to gain strikes for her pitchers and always looking to challenge runners.

“In 2021, she helped carry Kaukauna High School to a 2021 Wisconsin State Championship and led her nationally-ranked Wisconsin Bandits team to a PGF regional championship.

“Blessed with an exceptional work ethic and intelligent approach, Anna is always looking to refine and polish her game offensively and defensively. We are thrilled to add Anna to the Beaver softball family.”

Calley Olson, P,

Bloomer, WI

“Calley Olson is a rare combination of power and grace: A Wisconsin state champion in the weight room and an elegant, All-State finesse pitcher. Calley spins the ball exceptionally well in the circle and crushes balls at the plate. As a pitcher, Calley challenges hitters with deceptive movement and works the edges of the zone effectively. As a hitter, she drives balls with a fluid, aggressive swing. Calley notched 23 home runs over the summer with her club team.

A product of the Minnesota Magic softball club, Calley comes to Minot grounded in sound fundamentals, playing the game the right way. She brings to Beaver softball a fierce dedication to her teammates and an ardent desire to improve. We are beyond excited to see Calley continue to develop her power and finesse as a Beaver.”

Taylor Smith, UP,

Elko New Market, MN

“Starring in hockey and softball at New Prague High School, Taylor is a dynamic two-sport athlete, who will bring grit and explosive athleticism to the Beaver line-up. Her quick hands and acceleration make her a terrific defender both in the middle infield and in the outfield. As a hitter, too, she possesses surprising power for her size. A twitchy athlete, Taylor swipes a ton of bases and challenges defenses at every turn with her speed and drive to score.

Taylor competes with an unflagging intensity and fearlessness. She plays with her hair on fire – constantly flying around the diamond at top speed, covered in dirt. We can’t wait to add her energy and competitive fire to our dugout. Van Wickler hit .387 and stole 11 bases for the Huskies last season.

Sarah is a five-tool player who combines speed and power as an extremely versatile offensive player. A superb outfielder, she ranges well and possesses a very strong arm that makes her very tough to run on. Steeped in superb instruction with the Arizona Hotshots and Arizona Storm programs, Sara comes to Minot State as a very polished power slapper and defender, poised to make an immediate impact.”

She also brings to the dugout invaluable passion and energy. A consummate teammate, Sarah cares deeply for her softball sisters and will walk through fire for them. Boisterous and always generous in her enthusiasm, she is a vocal leader – a sparkplug that fires up those around her. Sarah is planning to major in Psychology. We are so pleased to welcome Sarah into the Beaver softball family.”