First-year Ashland University head softball coach
Jackie Price is 22 days away from starting her first season guiding the Eagles.
Price, however, already is adding to her new program, as six freshmen have officially signed as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
MADISON GREFE, OUTFIELDER, BLOOM-CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL/OHIO STORM
Grefe was part of two district runner-up squads. In her first three prep seasons, she hit .411 with 30 doubles, 11 triples, six home runs and 91 RBIs. Grefe has earned second-team All-Central District, first-team All-Mid State League and first-team All-
Lancaster Eagle Gazette honors. She will be a four-year softball letter winner.
PRICE – "Madi is the type of kid every team needs. She's organized and well-spoken, and also a power-hitting machine on the field. A massive RBI producer. She's the type of player that puts her team on her back and says let's get it done. Madi was one of the first people to reach out upon our arrival to campus, and her personality along with her skill set absolutely fit our culture and needs. She played high school softball for Bloom-Carroll, so Purple and Gold are no stranger to her. We are pumped to welcome Madi to Eagle Nation."
RAELYN KOESTERS, CATCHER, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN (IND.) HIGH SCHOOL/MAD APPLES SOFTBALL
A part of a Summit Athletic Conference title team, Koesters hit .493 with a .562 on-base percentage and an .803 slugging percentage as a junior. She has been first-team All-SAC twice, and second-team All-SAC once.
PRICE – "Hailing from Fort Wayne, Ind., with a deep understand of the game from behind the dish, Raelyn was a no-brainer add to our catching staff. Her left-handed power swing will also be a welcomed addition to the crew, as well. Raelyn calmly and sternly commands a field at a very high level and can also make quick and effective judgment calls, truly leading her team. She will be a delight behind the dish, and is a proven vocal leader."
PRESLI POPE, INFIELDER, MOUNT VERNON HIGH SCHOOL/OHIO OUTLAWS
Pope was a member of a regional runner-up team in 2022, as well as two sectional title teams and a conference championship squad. In her career, she is a better than .350 hitter, with other prep statistics including 10 doubles, four home runs and 15 runs scored.
PRICE – "Presli is very athletic and has the ability to play multiple positions on the infield. Having successful experiences at second base, shortstop and third base, she will provide us with the ability to fill in need gaps anywhere that the team needs her. With quick feet and a rocket arm, she will solidify the defense from both an athletic standpoint and being a solid vocal leader on field. That kind of communication and leadership, as well as an offensive weapon who understands team over me. We look forward to Presli becoming an Eagle."
KYNDALL SPICER, MIDDLE INFIELDER, HEATH HIGH SCHOOL/OHIO STORM
Spicer was part of a state Final Four team as a freshman in 2022. She will be a four-year letter winner, was honorable mention All-Ohio in Division II in 2024, and has earned first-team All-Licking County League honors. Her top prep statistics include a .531 average, .578 on-base percentage, .939 slugging percentage, 35 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
PRICE – "Kyndall is one of those unicorns that pop-up every now and then," Price said. "A middle infielder with a quick transfer, a powerful bat and will swipe bases at any given moment. This is exactly the kind of triple threat that we need here at Ashland. Being a multi-sport athlete at Heath High School has made her a well-rounded human who will value what it means to be an Eagle. We are so looking forward to seeing Kyndall in purple and gold next year, and know she will provide a lift to our program both on and off the field."
ANNIKA SYLVER, UTILITY/OUTFIELDER, MACOMB-DAKOTA (MICH.) HIGH SCHOOL/TURNIN-2
Sylver played for a state finalist team in 2022, and has played on three conference title teams. As a junior, she hit .381, had an on-base percentage of .458 and a slugging percentage of .583. Sylver is a two-time all-district and two-time all-conference choice.
PRICE – "Annika is going to be an absolute joy to add to this team. A true utility, we can put her anywhere and she can get the job done with ease. Her range and softball knowledge are two things that are going to help us get to the next level. Offensively, she will do great things for us as well with a consistent swing and composure in the box. We are so excited to have her and welcome her to Eagle Nation."
ALLY WILLIAMS, CATCHER, BEREA-MIDPARK HIGH SCHOOL/OHIO OUTLAWS
Williams was a member of a district winning and Southwestern Conference winning team in 2023. She has set program records for doubles in a season (17), doubles in a career (26), home runs in a season (eight), and home runs in a career (14). In 2024, was second-team All-Ohio, first-team All-Northeast Ohio and first-team All-SWC.
PRICE – "Ally came to us knowing exactly what she wanted, to be an Eagle while also pursuing a career with the US National Guard. While most will be finishing out the travel softball careers this summer, Ally will be taking off in May for basic training and upon her return will join the rest of the team in August. She has broken hitting records and is also a state-qualifying wrestler for her high school. She will be a much-needed addition behind the dish, and exactly the type of leadership moving forward that is needed to take AUSB to its next level."
Ashland softball will begin the 2025 season on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at the Music City Invitational.
