Nov. 14, 2014

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State softball head coach Steve Johnson announced the addition of four players to the 2015-16 roster. Bailey Lewis, Mia Maher, Katie Schroeder and Bailee Trapp all signed National Letters of Intent with the Aggies this week.

Lewis, a catcher, comes to Utah State from Del Oro High School in Loomis, Calif., where she is a four-year varsity starter. She is a two-time all-Sierra Foothill League selection and a team captain. Most recently, Lewis and her club team the Lady Magic have won two greater Sacramento Metro championships, were the runners-up at the 16U American Softball Association (ASA) Nationals, and finished second at the 2013 Colorado Independence Day Tournament.

"Bailey was one of the first kids I saw when I took the job at Utah State and I was excited about her potential. She's played for one of the top travel ball teams in Northern California and is going to be an excellent catcher for us," Johnson said. "She is a strong kid with power potential who is great behind the plate and possesses a strong arm. Adding her to the mix will make us strong behind the plate for the next few years."

Maher is an outfielder out of Irvine, Calif. She is a four-year starter at University High School, with a .429 batting average and .471 on-base percentage last season. As a junior, she led the conference in stolen bases with 33 and earned first-team all-league honors. She also plays club softball for the Irvine Sting under coaches Clint Watson and Blair Ota. So far this season, she has a .381 batting average and a .409 on-base percentage.

"Mia was a late find for us but someone who we feel can come in and be an impact player for us," Johnson said. "One of her strongest assets is her speed, which is something we really need to execute our offense like we want to. She'll also compete for a spot in the outfield and provide depth to that position for us."

Schroeder is a pitcher from Camas High School in Camas, Wash. At the end of her freshman season, she was named the Defensive Player of the Year and earned first-team all-league honors. At the conclusion of her junior season last year, she was named the Greater St. Helen's League 4A Player of the Year. Schroeder spent her early years of softball as a pitcher and first baseman with Something Special, winning the ASA 16U Washington state championship in 2013. She moved to Explosion, playing for Chris Morgan, this last season. Schroeder is also a varsity swimmer and works in athletic training at Camas High School.

"Katie will give us one of the deepest pitching staffs in the Mountain West," Johnson said. "She moves the ball really well and hits her spots. She's a great complement to all of the other pitchers on our roster. Playing with the Explosion, she has learned what it takes to pitch against some of the best hitters in the country and that will help her transition."

Trapp is an in-state recruit, joining the Aggies from Bear River High School in Tremonton, Utah, where she is a pitcher and third baseman. Trapp has earned all-region honors each season of her high school career, and has played on the 3A all-state team the last two seasons. At the conclusion of her junior year, she was named to the Standard Examiner all-star team. At the club level, Trapp has played for several teams, most recently with the Utah Slammers. In 2013, the Slammers won the 16U Utah ASA state tournament, advancing to the national tournament in Tennessee. Over the last four seasons of club play, Trapp has a batting average of .450 and a fielding percentage of .968.

"Bailee is our first Utah signee and will primarily play third base. She is a strong, athletic kid from just over the mountains that hits well and has home run potential," Johnson said. "We're excited to open up the doors to more Utah kids and have Bailee be our first."

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at facebook.com/USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at facebook.com/USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.

-USU-