LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head softball coach Todd Judge announced the signing of infielder Kate Vance on Monday. Vance will join the Aggies as a freshman for the 2026 season. 
 
Vance, a native of Chandler, Arizona, is a two-time MaxPreps first-team All-American. She was ranked the No. 6 recruit in the nation in the 2024 class and the No. 3 infielder in the class by Extra Inning Softball. Vance committed to Arizona out of high school and enrolled in the school for a year, playing for the Wildcats in the fall. She signs with the Aggies with four years of eligibility remaining. 
 
"Kate comes to Utah State as one of Arizona's most decorated players coming out of high school," Judge said. "She has the ability to hit for both power and average, while her range and arm speed are top notch. She comes from a good program and will give us a complete player from the second she steps foot on campus. We are very excited to welcome Kate to Logan." 
 
A three-year prep letterwinner before missing her senior season due to injury, Vance earned all-state first team recognition as a sophomore and junior as she set Hamilton records for home runs hit in both a season (18) and career (47). She earned first-team all-conference, all-district and all-region accolades all three seasons that she played. Vance went .432 at the plate with 125 RBIs during her career, including a .452 average with 49 RBIs her junior season. 
 
Vance played club softball with Arizona Storm and Impact Caymol. She helped her teams to a PGF runner-up finish in 2019 and a PGF third-place finish in 2024. She was named a club All-American by Extra Inning Softball, Softball American and PGF. 
 
Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at /USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at /USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.
 
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