Softball Signs Six to Class of 2023

GREELEY, Colo.- Head Coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm and the Northern Colorado Softball staff welcome six talented recruits to the Bear family as a part of the 2023 recruiting class.

The class consists of six talents from three different states.

"This is a strong, talented class that will give the Bears speed, power, and depth to our program," said Pendleton-Helm. "They are all incredible athletes, but more importantly they are focused students, great leaders and amazing individuals that fit into the culture we are building."

Alina Quinney | Outfielder | 5-1 | Chandler, Ariz. | Basha HS
Alina Quinney makes her way to Greeley from Chandler, Arizona where she will bring her skills to the Bears' outfield. The Basha High School product has lettered in softball four times and has earned first team all-league honors.

Last season alone, Quinney recorded 18 RBI and 17 runs. She also had a .933 fielding percentage and is the No. 8 softball recruit in the state of Arizona.

"Alina will bring speed, strength, and a strong arm to our outfield. She hits with power at the plate and loves talking about the game. She shows a love for this game in her talk and her great softball IQ. We are excited to welcome Alina and her family to UNC," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

Emma Harrington | Catcher | 5-4 | Parker, Colo. | Legend HS
A Parker, Colorado native, Emma Harrington did not have to go far to find a home in Northern Colorado. The Legend High School product is a four-time letterwinner, four-time all-conference honoree, and second team all-state honoree. She also helped her team to become 5A Colorado State Champions in 2021.

The catcher's high school career boasts a .427 batting average, .514 on-base percentage, 122 hits, 113 RBI, 71 runs, and 24 home runs. She is the No. 4 recruit in the state of Colorado and the No. 24 nationally ranked recruit.

"Emma is a competitive player but her care for her team comes through in her play. She will help us in any infield position and also behind the plate. She has power in her bat and her arm but more importantly she cares more about her team's success than her own. We are excited to welcome Emma to our Bear family," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

Quinn Myers Lenz | Infielder | 5-4 | Cave Creek, Ariz. | Cactus Shadows HS
Quinn Myers Lenz will come to Greeley next fall by way of Cave Creek, Arizona. The infielder is a four-time letterwinner, a two-time first team all-region honoree, and a two-time second team all-conference honoree.

Myers Lenz had a batting average of .511, 46 runs, and 20 RBI last season and is the No. 20 recruit in the state of Arizona.

"Quinn is a great athlete with a tough mentality. She will be a great addition to our middle infield with her quickness and smooth glove. She will also help us in the outfield with her speed and strong arm, along with being a tough out at the plate. We are excited to welcome Quinn and her family to our Bear family," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

Jazzlyn Longo | Outfielder | 5-7 | Lake Forest, Calif. | Trabuco Hills HS
Jazzlyn Longo will bring her experience as a four-time letterwinner at Trabuco Hills High School to the Bears in 2023. The Lake Forest, California native has earned multiple accolades including second team all-league honors and winning the Trabuco Hills Golden Glove award in 2021. In 2022, Longo earned first team all-league honors and was named the Trabuco Hills Mustang of the Year Award. Longo carried a .361 batting average last season and was also a scholar athlete.

"Jazzy is a strong, dependable outfielder who has a great softball IQ. She brings an incredible work ethic and maturity along with her strong arm and solid bat. She shows great leadership on and off the field and we are excited to welcome Jazzy to our Bear family," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

Samanie Simmons | Pitcher | 5-6 | Fairfield, Calif. | Vanden HS
Fairfield, California native Samanie Simmons will bring her strong pitching abilities to UNC in the fall. Last season she boasted an ERA of 1.75 in 12 innings pitched, striking out six batters and tabbing 31 putouts. The Vanden High School product is the No. 49 recruit in the state of California.

"Samanie is not just a strong pitcher with good velocity and spin, she is an all-around athlete. She will bring power with bat and an ability to play many positions when she is not pitching. She also has a strong work ethic, and we are excited to welcome Samanie and her family into our Bear family," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

Katie Thompson | Utility | 5-8 | West Hills, Calif. | Chaminade College Preparatory
Katie Thompson's wide range of abilities as a utility player make her a solid prospect for the Bears. During her high school career, the West Hills, California native has lettered four times and was named second team all-league her sophomore year and first team all-league and Defensive Player of the Year last season.

"Katie will bring versatility and a great personality to our program. She is a utility player that plays multiple infield and outfield positions and is also a pitcher that really spins the ball. She brings a strong arm defensively and power with her bat from the left side of the plate. We are excited to welcome Katie and her family to our Bear family," Coach Pendleton-Helm said.

To stay up to date on all things UNC softball, visit UNCBears.com follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Softball Signs Six to Class of 2023

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