With the departure of a strong senior class this upcoming season, Nevada softball head coach Josh Taylor has signed five National Letters of Intent for the 2020-21 season. All members of the class are infielders with four middle infielders and one first baseman.Â
"Overall, this is an extremely athletic class that brings multiple facets to the table," said Taylor. "They each have the potential to be a dynamic combination of speed and power. Our coaching staff is excited to have each and every one of them joining the Pack!"
One of the goals Taylor has had was to make his team more athletic for years to come and he did just that with this class. Below is a breakdown of each athlete that was signed on Wednesday.
Aaliyah Rivas King HS Riverside, Calif. Infielder "Aaliyah brings a powerful bat to the Nevada line up to go with a solid infield glove. She is a dynamic athlete and student," said Taylor.
A 4.0 academic honor roll student and accomplished athlete has lettered every year she has played softball … Was the recipient of the Scholar Athlete award two years in a row and is on the way to a third ... During her 2018 season, posted a .452 batting average in 73 at bats with 19 runs, five homeruns and 13 RBI to go along with her .500 on-base percentage ... Drove in the winning run for the King Wolves to take the Alan Dugard Classic in April 2019 ... Plays for the travel ball club, 18U Corona Angels.
Samantha Oliver Sheldon HS Sacramento, Calif. 1B "Samantha brings powerful left handed bat to the roster," said Taylor. "She is a dynamic first baseman who will look to be in the middle of the batting order in the future.
A decorated academic athlete that has garnered honor role and academic honors each year ... Was named to the Sacramento Bee's All-Metro second team in 2017 while also being named to the first team of the All Delta League...A member of the 2017 San Joaquin Section Division Championship team that saw Sheldon High School win over Tracy HS before falling to Tracy in the 2018 semi-finals of the San Joaquin Championships... A CIF Sac-Joaquin Section all-state nominee ... Tallied over 46 hits and 39 RBI in her sophomore campaign while being named to the second team All-Norcal Softball team ... Plays for the LTGÂ Lions.
Gennahlyn Sanchez Linn-Mar HS Marion, IA Infielder  "Gennahlyn is an athletic middle infielder who can provide a combination of speed and pop to the Nevada line up," continued Taylor. "We are excited to add her to the Pack."
During her junior year (2018-19) saw action in 23 games with 21 starts in the infield for Linn-Mar ... Sported a .306 hitting percentage with 22 hits, eight for extra bases with 14 RBI and a .486 slugging percentage ... As a freshman, was named an All-League Honorable Mention in Madera, Calif. after recording a .383 batting average and a .429 in her league ... Currently plays travel ball with the Iowa Premier Gold Fast Pitch team under Greg Dickel.Â
Tayler Holcroft Orange Lutheran HS Yorba Linda, Calif Infielder  "Tayler will be a great addition to the Pack, said Taylor. She brings a competitive demeanor along with an athleticism that we are all excited about. Tayler can play multiple infield positions along with gap to gap power."Â
A decorated softball player and honor roll student … Currently attends Orange Lutheran HS where she has lettered each year while helping the team to a top 10 ranking on MaxPreps for the 2019 preseason poll ... Assisted her team to the 2019 CIF Southern Section Softball Championships before falling in the quarterfinals ... During the 2018-19 season, participated in 24 games with a .304 batting average after 17 hits with 11 runs and 14 RBI to go along with her .355 on-base percentage...Plays with the So-Cal Athletics, 18U Briggs travel ball team.Â
Mia Misasi Tokay HS Lodi, Calif. Infielder
"Mia is a versatile athlete that can play both middle infield positions as well as catcher. She has gap to gap pop in her bat and provides the Pack with a versatility that is much needed," said Taylor. Â
A three-year starters for Tokay HS in the infield ... In her 2019 season hit above a .400 and tallied over 10 RBI ... Named the Lodi Athlete of the Week in April 2019 ... Her sophomore campaign saw her hit .245 with five doubles, three triples with five stolen bases and a .889 fielding percentage ... As a freshman hit a .395 with 12 RBI and a .969 fielding percentage ... Was also recruited by Colorado State and Sonoma State ... Plays for the All-American Sports Academy Merrida 18G.Â
Nevada is coming off of a success 2019 campaign in which the program saw its third postseason berth, hosting the NISC at Hixson Park. The Wolf Pack returns both of it All-Conference players from a year ago in Sadaria McAlister and Dallas Millwood. Nevada is welcoming five newcomers on its 2020 roster, all of whom will look to make an immediate impact this upcoming year.
