Gophers Ink Seven on Signing Day

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota head softball coach Piper Ritter announced the addition of seven new Golden Gophers for the 2024 season Wednesday afternoon with the signing of National Letters of Intent.

Joining Minnesota are Cameron Grayson (Noblesville, Ind.), Lucy Hooper (Valley Center, Kan.), Brooklyn Jones (Ramsey, Minn.), Lacie Lilyquist (Hudson, Wis.), Macy Richardson (Tecumseh, Neb.), Jessa Snippes (Rosemount, Minn.), and Tara Wolocko (Kingwood, Texas).

"We're very pleased with the overall 2023 signing class," said head coach Piper Ritter. "This class is athletic and strong and will help contribute to our dynamic lineup. Lacie Lilyquist, Brooklyn Jones, and Tara Wolocko all have a lot of upside with their ability to play multiple positions. Jessa Snippes, Macy Richardson, and Cameron Grayson are fiercely competitive in the circle with the ability to play on both sides of the ball. Each of these Gophers are extremely athletic and add strength to our program. They complement our roster and add great character."

Cameron Grayson | RHP/UT | Noblesville High School | Noblesville, Ind.
"From the moment I first stepped on campus I knew Minnesota was different from any other campus I'd ever been on. Being next to the city and still feeling like I'm at home just made me want to come back. I fell in love with everything about it from the coaches, to the facilities, to the education I would be able to get during my four years at Minnesota."

Grayson signs with the Gophers after competing with the Indiana Shockwaves for seven seasons. The pitcher/utility is extremely versatile and brings athleticism and depth on both sides of the ball. Cameron has 34 career home runs with the Shockwaves, and batted .450 while noting a 1.2 ERA through her 16U season. Named Most Valuable Player of the 2021 season, Grayson pitched an impressive four shutouts at Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals.

Lucy Hooper | MIF | Valley Center High School | Valley Center, Kan.
"I chose the University of Minnesota because of the family aspect this program provides and the great opportunities."

Hooper joins the Gophers after competing with the Wichita Mustangs club team for five seasons. The middle infielder helped the Mustangs win the 2022 USA Gold National Championship while boasting a decorated high school career. In 2022, Hooper was honored as the 5A Kansas Softball Player of the Year and Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League II Player of the Year. She was named to the 2022 Kansas All-Class Top Nine while leading Valley Center High School to win the AVCTL II League and Kansas 5A State Championship.

Brooklyn Jones | OF | Anoka High School | Ramsey, Minn.
"The University of Minnesota has always been my dream school, and when I got the opportunity to attend I took it. Not only because it's my home, but also because of the welcoming coaches and the beautiful campus."

Jones signs with Minnesota after spending seven seasons as a part of the Midwest Speed Softball organization from 2017-23 alongside fellow signee, Lacie Lilyquist. A consistent varsity starter since the seventh grade, Jones competes on the Anoka High School softball team, where she hit 11 home runs, breaking the Tornadoes' single season home run record in 2021. Competing in the North Suburban Conference, Jones was named All-Conference, 7AAA All-Section, and All-State in 2021.

Lacie Lilyquist | IF | Hudson High School | Hudson, Wis.
"I have wanted to be a Minnesota Golden Gopher since I was 10 years old! It has always been my biggest dream, and when I stepped on campus and met the coaching staff I felt that I belonged and knew I would be happy here."

Lacie Lilyquist, an infielder with the ability to play multiple positions, signs with the Gophers from Hudson High School in Wisconsin. She will be joining the Gophers alongside current teammate, Brooklyn Jones, Lilyquist has been a member of the Midwest Speed Organization from 13U-18U, Lilyquist led her team in slugging percentage (.750) and doubles (seven) last season. Prior to her stint with the Speed, she was selected to the USA All-American Region Eight Team. The Wisconsin native and Hudson High School standout was named First Team All-Conference and All-Section two years in-a-row while receiving All-State nods in 2021.

Macy Richardson | RHP/UT | Sterling Public School | Tecumseh, Neb.
"I chose Minnesota because of the numerous opportunities available both academically and athletically. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue my softball career for a competitive program with incredible coaches, tradition, and community support."

Richardson joins Minnesota after competing with the Nebraska Gold for three seasons. Prior to her most recent team, she saw action with the Millard Fury from 2018-2020. The pitcher/utility player led the Nebraska Gold to a No. 38 national ranking leading up to the 2021 season. A top prospect, her club ranks among the best, seated at ninth in the country according to TC Fastpitch. Outside of the circle, Richardson has displayed a decorated career in volleyball, track, and basketball for Sterling Public Schools. In the Pioneer Conference, she's received All-Conference and All-State honors in all three sports. Competing in the Nebraska Class D-2 level, she led the Jets to a 2021 Track and Field State Championship, third-place finish at the State Basketball Tournament in 2022 and Track and Field State Runner Up in the same year. Individually, Richardson has been honored as a 2021 and 2022 State Champion in Triple Jump, 100-Meter Hurdles, and 300-Meter Hurdles.

Jessa Snippes | RHP | Rosemount High School | Rosemount, Minn.
"I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because it gave me the opportunity to be successful both academically and athletically. Ever since I was young I have always wanted to be a Golden Gopher. When attending any sporting event the atmosphere is unbelievable. Going to Minnesota allows me to stay close to home and allows my family and friends to continue coming to games."

Snippes signs with Gophers after competing with the Minnesota Magic for five seasons and the Illinois Chill for two. While with the Magic, Snippes won seven State Championships, the 2019 Midwest Regional National Championship, and were the runners-up at the 2021 National Championship. During her tenure at Rosemount High School in the South Suburban Conference, Snippes was honored as an All-Conference, All-Section, All-Metro First Team, and All-State player. The two-time East Metro Player of the Year Finalist has been recognized as the 2021 MSHSL 4A Postseason and 2022 Breakdown Preseason Player of the Year. Named team captain two seasons in a row, Snippes led the Irish to two South Suburban Conference Championships, three 3AAAA Section Championships, and their 2021 State Championship title.

Tara Wolocko | C/UT | Kingwood High School | Kingwood, Texas
"I chose the University of Minnesota because I fell in love with the people and program and knew it was the right place for me."

Wolocko joins Minnesota after competing with the Lady Dukes South Vaughn for one season. The catcher/utility player brings a lot of experience from her home state of Texas. Wolocko saw a third place finish at Premier Girls Fastpitch Nationals in 2018. The following two seasons, Wolocko qualified for Premier Girls Fastpitch in 2019 and 2020, and was named runner-up in the Texas Fastpitch League in 2020. In 2021, Wolocko helped lead her team to a third place finish at the Alliance Fastpitch Nationals. A member of the Kingwood High School softball team, Wolocko picked up All-District Honorable Mention Honors in 2020 following an unfinished season, and was named to the All-District First Team in 2021 and 2022.

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