University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers Add Five in 2026 Signing Class
11/12/2025 4:11:00 PM | Softball
MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota head softball coach Piper Ritter has announced the addition of five future Gophers for the 2026-27 school year with the signing of National Letters of Intent.
Joining the Maroon and Gold are Ava Angel (Crown City, Ohio), Jordyn Jones (Anoka, Minn.), Jordyn Kennedy (Ankeny, Iowa), Rory Salvesen (Hatley, Wis.), and Claire Schuyler (Antioch, Ill.).
Ava Angel | Outfielder | Crown City, Ohio | Gallia Academy High School
"When I visited the U of M, it wasn't just about the amazing facilities or the beautiful Jane Sage Cowles Stadium, it was about the people," said Angel. "The team felt like a family, the coaches believed in me, and everything about Minnesota felt like home."
Angel joins the Gophers from Gallia Academy High School, where she was a three-time Ohio Valley Conference First Team selection ('23–'25) and a Southeast Ohio Division II Second Team honoree during that stretch. A two-time team captain, Angel led all Ohio freshmen in home runs in 2023 and etched her name into the state record book with two home runs in one inning. She was recognized as a Beck's Player with Heart Award winner and has appeared in the Southern Ohio Sports Authority and All-District All-Star Games each of the past three seasons. Angel has suited up for the Ohio Outlaws and Tennessee Mojo during her time playing club ball.
The daughter of Matthew Angel and Angie Warren, Ava plans to major in Agricultural Communication and Marketing.
From Coach Ritter:
"Ava is such a dynamic player and competitor. She finds ways to make things happen—whether she's in the box, on the field, or encouraging her teammates. She makes everyone around her better, and we're so excited to see the difference she'll make in our program over the next four years."
Jordyn Jones | Infielder | Anoka, Minn. | Anoka High School
"I chose Minnesota because the campus and the team environment felt like home," said Jones.
Jones comes to Minnesota after a standout career at Anoka High School, where she earned All-Conference honors in 2024 and 2025 and was named All-Section from 2023–25. A 2025 All-State selection and two-time team captain, Jones has also been recognized as a Star Tribune Player of the Week in each of her varsity seasons.
The daughter of Kimberly and Steve Jones, Jordyn will join her sister, Brooklyn Jones, for Brooklyn's senior season and Jordyn's freshman campaign. She plans to pursue a career in medicine at the University of Minnesota.
From Coach Ritter:
"Jordyn is the kind of athlete every coach loves to have. She's incredibly versatile, athletic, and can change the game on both sides of the ball. What makes it even more meaningful is that she's staying home to wear Maroon and Gold. We couldn't be happier to have her representing Minnesota."
Jordyn Kennedy | Utility | Ankeny, Iowa | Ankeny Centennial High School
"I chose Minnesota because of its overall feeling of home," said Kennedy. "I loved the coaches and felt a strong connection with them as well as meeting the players and observing the bonds they share with each other. The University itself is beautiful as well and it was an overall obvious choice."
Kennedy arrives in Minneapolis following a decorated career at Ankeny Centennial, where she began playing varsity softball as an eighth grader. A four-time First Team All-Conference and three-time First Team All-District selection ('23–'25), Kennedy also earned All-Iowa Elite Team honors in 2023 and 2025, and was named KMAland 5A Offensive Player of the Year in 2025. She holds the single-season and career home run records at Ankeny Centennial. Kennedy has also competed for the Softball Club of Iowa and the Iowa Nationals.
The daughter of Josh and Missy Kennedy, both collegiate athletes at Briar Cliff University, Jordyn plans to study kinesiology at Minnesota.
From Coach Ritter:
"Jordyn brings such a powerful presence to the plate. She has tremendous strength and confidence in her swing, and she competes with an edge that inspires the people around her. We can't wait to see the impact she'll make in our lineup."
Rory Salvesen | Infielder/Utility | Hatley, Wis. | Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School
"I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because it feels like home," said Salvesen. "Between the beautiful campus, the academic opportunities, and the amazing coaching staff and team, I knew it was where I belonged."
Salvesen signs with the Gophers after an impressive multi-sport career at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, where she has earned 10 varsity letters in softball, basketball, and cross country. She was named Conference Runner of the Year ('22), Basketball Player of the Year ('24), and Softball Player of the Year ('25). A First Team All-State honoree in 2025, Salvesen batted .600 with 51 hits and a 1.746 OPS during her junior season. She was also named First Team All-District for softball each season she has played. She has also competed for JBA Clutch Fastpitch, Velocity Fastpitch, and the Beverly Bandits.
The daughter of Matt and Rebecca Salvesen, Rory plans to major in kinesiology or pursue pre-physical therapy at Minnesota.
From Coach Ritter:
"Rory just loves to play the game. She brings a fierce passion to everything she does and finds a way to make an impact in every situation—whether it's driving in a run or making a big defensive play. She's a true competitor who simply knows how to win, and that's what makes her so special."
Claire Schuyler | Infielder | Antioch, Ill. | Antioch Community High School
"I chose the University of Minnesota because it felt like home," said Schuyler.
Schuyler joins the Gophers following a standout four-year varsity career at Antioch Community High School, where she helped her team compile an 85-22 record. A consistent performer, she earned All-Academic, All-Conference, and All-Area honors each season from 2023–25. The 2025 Illinois All-State selection and team captain also competed for the Illinois Chill Gold club program.
The daughter of Gina and Doug Schuyler, Claire has one older brother, TJ, who plays baseball at Indiana University. Her father, Doug, played football at UW–Whitewater, while her mother, Gina, competed in softball at St. Norbert College.
"Claire plays the game with heart and energy. She's quick, dependable, and always seems to come through when it matters most. Her speed and athleticism will add so much to our infield, along with her confidence."