MIAMI (Nov. 13, 2020) – Coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson inked an impressive early signing class at FIU, as the group was ranked in the Top 50 of America according to Extra Inning Softball. The Panthers inked nine players overall this past week, with seven of those ranking among the Top 500 players in the country.
“I’m really excited about this class,” Coach Steiner-Wilcoxson said. “Not only do we have an extremely versatile group that is gifted athletically, but they’re also really smart and great in the classroom. These nine kids will play a huge part in how we continue to build a championship-level program here at FIU. They all wanted to come somewhere where they’ll be pushed hard and compete for a championship.”
Despite the restrictions of COVID-19 protocols this recruiting cycle, the softball staff still produced one of the best signing classes in recent memory at FIU.
“It was very difficult, but softball is one of those sports that you watch and recruit kids at a very young age,” Coach Steiner-Wilcoxson said about the challenges. “We want to always make sure we build those relationships with them right away and I am really big on that. We know all these kids personally, we’ve watched all of them play and we’ve been following them for 2-3 years now. We’re confident that we’ve made the right choice and they have that same confidence as well because they have that relationship and chemistry with us already.”
Below is the full signing class.
Jordyn Partain (P | Mount de Sales Academy | Macon, Ga.)
Coach on Partain: “Jordyn is one of the top prospects in the country and in the top 50 at her position nationally. She was a state champion in high school and just a great kid who will add a lot of depth to our pitching rotation. She will be able to provide us with innings, she will be able to hit for power and she has speed. She knows how to win and has played at a championship level. We believe she will fit in great with what we are trying to build here.”
Hannah Jansen (C | Webster Groves HS | Webster Groves, Mo.)
Coach on Jansen: “Hannah is a Top 100 player in the country this year and has a cannon of an arm at catcher. She’s a state champion wrestler as well, so we know she’s tough as nails. She works extremely hard and will be able to contribute offensively and defensively for us. The biggest asset she has for us is her arm strength for sure.
Makaela Carr (P | Smithville HS | Smithville, Mo.)
Coach on Carr: “Makaela is an All-State pitcher coming to us from Missouri and we are super excited to have her. She’s the first lefty we’ve been able to recruit here and she will help mix into our rotation. She brings a lot of power and speed, but being able to get another left-handed arm on your staff is huge.”
Kyndal Tinnell (1B/3B | Butler HS | Louisville, Ky.)
Coach on Tinnell: “We were looking for power-lefty hitters this class and Kyndal fits that bill. She can also play at first or third base, but the big thing we noticed about her was her power. We really hadn’t had a lot of lefty-power hitters while we’ve been here so we were really excited to get Kyndal.”
Jianna Simonet (SS | Lake Nova HS | Orlando, Fla.)
Coach on Simonet: “Jianna is a versatile middle infielder and a slapper. We were really looking for someone to add some speed to our lineup, a good runner and someone with good bat control. She can do a lot of things well, but mostly middle infielder. The biggest thing for us is that she brings another lefty bat for us to the lineup.
Kayla Alexandre (UTL | Trinity Prep | Oviedo, Fla.)
Coach on Alexandre: “Kayla is going to be very versatile for us and be able to play multiple positions. What we really noticed about her is her ability to hit to all fields for power. The fact that she is a true utility player and can do a lot of nice things defensively is also a great asset.”
Hanna Johanning (OF/UTL | Sullivan HS | Sullivan, Mo.)
Coach on Johanning: “Hanna is also All-State competitor who we signed. She’s very versatile as an all-state pitcher, she can play the outfield and middle infield and she’s just an all-around great athlete that also brings power to the lineup. We think people will be amazed at her power at the plate, she can hit home runs and has done a fantastic job at increasing her strength over the offseason.
Lindsey Burroughs (OF | Westminster Christian | Miami, Fla.)
Coach on Burroughs: “Lindsey is a local product from Miami who has experience playing with some of the kids on our roster right now. She will add a power stick to the outfield and is another true outfielder who is just athletic. Her big thing will be offense and what she can contribute there for us.”
Brooke McCann (OF | Timber Creek HS | Orlando, Fla.)
Coach on McCann: “Brooke will bring some speed and athleticism to our outfield and provide depth at that position. She’s a true outfielder and has spent her whole life playing the position. She’s willing to lay out for balls and that aggressive nature is something we want in our kids.”
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