University of Northern Colorado Athletics
UNC Softball Signs Five from 2025 Class
11/13/2024 4:25:00 PM | Softball
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado head softball coach Dedeann Pendleton-Helm announced the signing of five high school players from around the country on Nov. 13 as part of National Signing Day.
Hayden Nelson
Infielder | Wahoo, Nebraska | Millard North High School
Hayden Nelson will make the move west from Nebraska and will finish her high school career at Millard North. During her time as a Mustang, the infielder lettered all four years and was a Class A Metro All-Conference First Team selection all four years. Nelson was a Class A Metro All Conference Freshman of the Year Nominee, a Class A Lincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable Mention selection, a Class A Omaha World Herald Honorable Mention selection, and a Class A Second Team All-State selection. She is the daughter of Shawn and Stevie Nelson and has one sibling, Brennen. Nelson chose UNC because the campus feels like home, and she enjoys the team culture and supportive coaches.
"We are thrilled to announce that Hayden Nelson has joined our Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Hayden comes to us from a top-level club team in Nebraska, where she has consistently showcased her impressive skills as a first baseman. Her powerful swing and strength at the plate will be a tremendous asset to our team, and we look forward to seeing her impact on the field," Said Pendleton-Helm, "We are looking forward to seeing Hayden in action and cannot wait for her to contribute to our team's success. Welcome to the Bears family, Hayden!"
Ava Arenz
Catcher/Utility | Itasca, Illinois | Lake Park High School
Ava Arenz is currently a senior at Lake Park High School in Illinois where she plays as a catcher and utility player for the Lancers. Arenz earned spots on the Honorable Mention All-Conference team in 2022 and 2023, the All-Conference team in 2024, the DuPage All-Area team in 2023 (Honorable Mention in 2024), and the All-State IL team in 2023 and 2024. Arenz earned a spot on the Highest Honor Roll in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the Academic All-Conference team in 2023 and 2024. Arenz is the daughter of Donald and Kristine Arenz. She plans to major in Marketing at UNC.
"We are thrilled to announce that Ava Arenz has officially signed with the Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Ava is a remarkable catcher, known for her solid defensive skills behind the dish. Ava has a strong bat and is versatile and capable of playing both corners, which adds depth and flexibility to our lineup," said Pendleton-Helm, "Beyond her athletic talents, Ava is an excellent student, demonstrating dedication and discipline both on and off the field. We look forward to seeing Ava grow as an athlete and person in the coming years. Welcome to the Bears family, Ava!"
Eva Peace
Second Base/Utility | Tucson, Arizona | Empire High School
Eva Peace signs to play with the Bears following her career at Empire High School in Tucson. Eva is a multi-sport athlete, playing softball, cross country, and volleyball. At the 3A State Championship, Peace hit a two run bomb to give her team a two run lead, proving her hitting capabilities. She is the daughter of Eddie and Brandie Peace, and has one sibling, Ella.
"We are thrilled to announce that Eva Peace will be joining our Bears softball family in the fall of 2025! Eva comes from a strong team culture, which has undoubtedly shaped her into the talented player she is today. Being a multi-sport athlete, it shows in her versatility on the field. She excels in multiple positions, both infield and outfield," said Pendleton-Helm, "This adaptability will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a competitive program. We are excited to have Eva on board and look forward to seeing her contributions both on and off the field. Welcome to the Bears family, Eva!"
Abby Zsitvay
Shortstop/Utility | Tucson, Arizona | Empire High School
Abby Zsitvay signs with the Bears from Empire High School, where she plays shortstop/utility for the Ravens. In her junior year, Zsitvay helped the team win the 3A State Softball Championship. Abby is the daughter of Tom and Leigh Zsitvay and has one sibling, Nick. She plans to major in Health Sciences, and chose UNC because she loves the campus, the coaching staff, the team atmosphere, and the state of Colorado.
"We are thrilled to announce that Abby Zsitvay has officially signed to join the Bears softball family in the fall of 2025! Abby is a standout shortstop and a left-handed hitter slapper, known for her excellent defensive skills and quick reflexes on the field. Her ability to read the game and make crucial plays will undoubtedly strengthen our infield," said Pendleton-Helm, "Additionally, as a multisport athlete, Abby's competitive spirit and dedication to excellence will be invaluable assets to our team culture. We are excited to have Abby join us and look forward to watching her thrive as a Bear! Welcome to the Bear family, Abby!"
Ellyse Hydock
Pitcher | Greeley, Colorado | Greeley West High School
Ellyse Hydock is finishing her senior year at Greeley West where she plays as a pitcher for the Spartans under Coach Hannah Rivera. Hydock has had a standout high school career athletically and academically. She was named a First Team All-Conference selection all four years, while earning All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore year, and Second Team All-State her junior year. In her senior year, Hydock was named First Team All-State, and was awarded the Conference Pitcher of the Year. She earned a spot on the Academic All-State First Team in her junior and senior years and was a member of the National Honor Society. Ellyse is the daughter of Mandy and David Hydock, and has one sibling, Nolan. Her mother also attended UNC. Hydock chose Northern Colorado because she is passionate about the community she was raised in and is excited to join a softball program that she loves.
"We are thrilled to announce that Ellyse Hydock has officially signed with the Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Ellyse is not only a dominating force on the mound but also a strong hitting pitcher," said Pendleton-Helm, "We are so excited to keep such a standout player from our backyard of Greeley, CO. Ellyse in an excellent student, and I have no doubt that her talent and work ethic will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff and our program. We look forward to seeing Ellyse grow as an athlete and person in the coming years. Welcome to the Bears family, Ellyse!"
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the softball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsSB).
To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.
About TicketSmarter.com
TicketSmarter® is a ticket resale marketplace and is not affiliated with Ticketmaster® or Live Nation®. TicketSmarter® is an online ticket marketplace and a proud member of the Digital Ally Companies (NASDAQ: DGLY). TicketSmarter® offers tickets to more than 125,000 live events ranging from concerts to sports and theatre shows.
TicketSmarter® is a primary and secondary ticketing solution for events and high-profile venues across North America including more than 300 professional sports teams and collegiate athletic departments. TicketSmarter® is also dedicated to giving back through contributions to charitable organizations.-
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All purchases are backed with a TicketSmarter® ticket guarantee. Have peace of mind knowing when you make your purchase for any sporting event, concert or theatre show that your tickets will be valid. You will receive a 100% refund if the event is canceled and not rescheduled. You will also receive a 100% refund if your order was accepted but the tickets were not delivered by the seller or shipped in time for the event. TicketSmarter® also provides a worry-free guarantee that your tickets will be valid upon entry. If they are not valid, we will provide you with a refund.
Hayden Nelson
Infielder | Wahoo, Nebraska | Millard North High School
Hayden Nelson will make the move west from Nebraska and will finish her high school career at Millard North. During her time as a Mustang, the infielder lettered all four years and was a Class A Metro All-Conference First Team selection all four years. Nelson was a Class A Metro All Conference Freshman of the Year Nominee, a Class A Lincoln Journal Star All-State Honorable Mention selection, a Class A Omaha World Herald Honorable Mention selection, and a Class A Second Team All-State selection. She is the daughter of Shawn and Stevie Nelson and has one sibling, Brennen. Nelson chose UNC because the campus feels like home, and she enjoys the team culture and supportive coaches.
"We are thrilled to announce that Hayden Nelson has joined our Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Hayden comes to us from a top-level club team in Nebraska, where she has consistently showcased her impressive skills as a first baseman. Her powerful swing and strength at the plate will be a tremendous asset to our team, and we look forward to seeing her impact on the field," Said Pendleton-Helm, "We are looking forward to seeing Hayden in action and cannot wait for her to contribute to our team's success. Welcome to the Bears family, Hayden!"
Ava Arenz
Catcher/Utility | Itasca, Illinois | Lake Park High School
Ava Arenz is currently a senior at Lake Park High School in Illinois where she plays as a catcher and utility player for the Lancers. Arenz earned spots on the Honorable Mention All-Conference team in 2022 and 2023, the All-Conference team in 2024, the DuPage All-Area team in 2023 (Honorable Mention in 2024), and the All-State IL team in 2023 and 2024. Arenz earned a spot on the Highest Honor Roll in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the Academic All-Conference team in 2023 and 2024. Arenz is the daughter of Donald and Kristine Arenz. She plans to major in Marketing at UNC.
"We are thrilled to announce that Ava Arenz has officially signed with the Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Ava is a remarkable catcher, known for her solid defensive skills behind the dish. Ava has a strong bat and is versatile and capable of playing both corners, which adds depth and flexibility to our lineup," said Pendleton-Helm, "Beyond her athletic talents, Ava is an excellent student, demonstrating dedication and discipline both on and off the field. We look forward to seeing Ava grow as an athlete and person in the coming years. Welcome to the Bears family, Ava!"
Eva Peace
Second Base/Utility | Tucson, Arizona | Empire High School
Eva Peace signs to play with the Bears following her career at Empire High School in Tucson. Eva is a multi-sport athlete, playing softball, cross country, and volleyball. At the 3A State Championship, Peace hit a two run bomb to give her team a two run lead, proving her hitting capabilities. She is the daughter of Eddie and Brandie Peace, and has one sibling, Ella.
"We are thrilled to announce that Eva Peace will be joining our Bears softball family in the fall of 2025! Eva comes from a strong team culture, which has undoubtedly shaped her into the talented player she is today. Being a multi-sport athlete, it shows in her versatility on the field. She excels in multiple positions, both infield and outfield," said Pendleton-Helm, "This adaptability will be a tremendous asset to our team as we continue to build a competitive program. We are excited to have Eva on board and look forward to seeing her contributions both on and off the field. Welcome to the Bears family, Eva!"
Abby Zsitvay
Shortstop/Utility | Tucson, Arizona | Empire High School
Abby Zsitvay signs with the Bears from Empire High School, where she plays shortstop/utility for the Ravens. In her junior year, Zsitvay helped the team win the 3A State Softball Championship. Abby is the daughter of Tom and Leigh Zsitvay and has one sibling, Nick. She plans to major in Health Sciences, and chose UNC because she loves the campus, the coaching staff, the team atmosphere, and the state of Colorado.
"We are thrilled to announce that Abby Zsitvay has officially signed to join the Bears softball family in the fall of 2025! Abby is a standout shortstop and a left-handed hitter slapper, known for her excellent defensive skills and quick reflexes on the field. Her ability to read the game and make crucial plays will undoubtedly strengthen our infield," said Pendleton-Helm, "Additionally, as a multisport athlete, Abby's competitive spirit and dedication to excellence will be invaluable assets to our team culture. We are excited to have Abby join us and look forward to watching her thrive as a Bear! Welcome to the Bear family, Abby!"
Ellyse Hydock
Pitcher | Greeley, Colorado | Greeley West High School
Ellyse Hydock is finishing her senior year at Greeley West where she plays as a pitcher for the Spartans under Coach Hannah Rivera. Hydock has had a standout high school career athletically and academically. She was named a First Team All-Conference selection all four years, while earning All-State Honorable Mention her sophomore year, and Second Team All-State her junior year. In her senior year, Hydock was named First Team All-State, and was awarded the Conference Pitcher of the Year. She earned a spot on the Academic All-State First Team in her junior and senior years and was a member of the National Honor Society. Ellyse is the daughter of Mandy and David Hydock, and has one sibling, Nolan. Her mother also attended UNC. Hydock chose Northern Colorado because she is passionate about the community she was raised in and is excited to join a softball program that she loves.
"We are thrilled to announce that Ellyse Hydock has officially signed with the Bears softball family for the fall of 2025! Ellyse is not only a dominating force on the mound but also a strong hitting pitcher," said Pendleton-Helm, "We are so excited to keep such a standout player from our backyard of Greeley, CO. Ellyse in an excellent student, and I have no doubt that her talent and work ethic will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff and our program. We look forward to seeing Ellyse grow as an athlete and person in the coming years. Welcome to the Bears family, Ellyse!"
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at uncbears.com. Follow the softball team on X (formerly Twitter) (@UNC_BearsSB), Instagram (@UNC_BearsSB), and Facebook (/UNCBearsSB).
To purchase tickets, visit uncbears.com/tickets or call 970-351-4849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Campus Commons Ticket Office, Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. TicketSmarter is the official resale marketplace of UNC athletics.
About TicketSmarter.com
TicketSmarter® is a ticket resale marketplace and is not affiliated with Ticketmaster® or Live Nation®. TicketSmarter® is an online ticket marketplace and a proud member of the Digital Ally Companies (NASDAQ: DGLY). TicketSmarter® offers tickets to more than 125,000 live events ranging from concerts to sports and theatre shows.
TicketSmarter® is a primary and secondary ticketing solution for events and high-profile venues across North America including more than 300 professional sports teams and collegiate athletic departments. TicketSmarter® is also dedicated to giving back through contributions to charitable organizations.-
100% Ticket Guarantee
All purchases are backed with a TicketSmarter® ticket guarantee. Have peace of mind knowing when you make your purchase for any sporting event, concert or theatre show that your tickets will be valid. You will receive a 100% refund if the event is canceled and not rescheduled. You will also receive a 100% refund if your order was accepted but the tickets were not delivered by the seller or shipped in time for the event. TicketSmarter® also provides a worry-free guarantee that your tickets will be valid upon entry. If they are not valid, we will provide you with a refund.
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