TAMPA, FLA. November 10, 2022 – The University of South Florida head softball coach Ken Eriksen announces the seven-member signing class for the 2023-24 season.
The class includes Alex Wright, Sam Walz, Julia Apostolakos, Alex Wilkes, Jamia Nelson, Alicea Pepitone, and DaNia Brooks.
Four of the future Bulls are from Florida, while one is from Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Eriksen’s new class has three infielders, one outfielder, one utility, one pitcher, and one two-way player.
Alex Wright | Pitcher | Auburndale, Fla. | Lake Region High School | Tampa Mustangs Rene
A bay area native, Alex Wright is a force in the circle. In her junior campaign, she posted a 1.04 ERA in 121 innings pitched. She has struck out 280 batters in her three seasons, 132 came in her junior year. Also in her most recent season, she was named the 4A Player of the Year and MVP, as well as earned a spot on the All-County First Team. She plays for Lake Region High School under head coach John Bridges.
“Having Alex join us strengthens our pitching staff tremendously for the future,” said Eriksen. “Alex has displayed what every coach dreams of in a young pitcher, progress over time and she has shown that the last 5 years. I believe her smooth mechanics and her competitive nature will thrill USF Fans.”
Sam Walz | Outfield | Tampa, Fla. | Newsome High School | D1VISION 18U National
Another bay area native, Sam Walz has been a leader for her high school team. She is in the top five in career steals, hits, and runs for her high school. During her junior season, she set her high school’s single season record for stolen bases with 31, while leading her team in hits and stolen bases. She plays for Newsome High School under head coach Ally Ledenham.
“A speedster out of the Tampa Bay Area Sami will remind our fans of Kristen Wyckoff,” said Eriksen. “She’s that fast and has a nose for the ball in the outfield. The way she plays the game is fun to watch because she has ice in her veins but has red hot passion to Win. Look for Sami ahead of the vapor trail behind her.”
Julia Apostolakas | Utility | Beachwood, N.J. | Donovan Catholic | NJ Cheetahs Muaro-Smull
A native of Beachwood, N.J., Julia Apostolakas comes to USF as a dual threat. In her sophomore and junior seasons, she posted a 59-2 record with a 1.23 and .32 ERA, respectively. At the plate, she had a .634 batting average her junior season. She plays for Donovan Catholic under head coach Debbie Schwartz.
“The New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year and a Greek National Team member, Julia is a strong presence on the field as a pitcher and a position player,’ said Eriksen. “Her athleticism will lend itself for our team’s philosophy of if you have a glove, you can play anywhere! A hitter with tremendous power and the ability to get the barrel to the ball is an addition that any program hopes for!”
Alex Wilkes | SS/2B | Tampa, Fla. | Gaither High School | Clearwater Bombers
From Tampa, Fla., Alex Wilkes is a three-year second baseman/shortstop. In her sophomore and junior seasons, she had a batting average of .633 and .561, respectively. So far, she has earned the title of Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. She plays for Gaither High School under head coaches Jerry Murray and Karl Mason.
“Alex is another multi defensive position player that is an athlete that hit for average, hit for power, and run a defense from the middle infield positions,” said Eriksen. “I love the way she plays the game and she joins her sister as the second Wilkes sister to play for her hometown team.”
Jamia Nelson | 1B/3B | Haverford, Pa. | Agnes Irwin High School | PA Chaos
A native of Haverford, Pa., Jamia Nelson brings years of experience in the infield. She plays club softball for PA Chaos under head coach Joe Spina. She will play her final year at Agnes Irwin High School under head coach Meghan Halberstadt.
“Watching Jamia perform as a young player you could tell right away, she had the capacity to play this game and trust her instincts on the field,” said Eriksen. “Another great athlete that can hit, hit for power and has great instincts in the infield is a bonus for us. Coming to USF she will get the reps she needs to move up the depth chart quickly.”
Alicea Pepitone | 1B/3B | East Setauket, N.Y. | Ward Melville High School | Team Beast
A native of East Setauket, N.Y., Alicea Pepitone comes to USF as a force on the corners. She has a career batting average of above .450. She has been named to the Preseason Newsday Top 100 Softball Players on Long Island all four years in high school. In her freshman year, she was named the League 1 Rookie of the Year. She plays for Ward Melville High School.
“I know this young player’s ceiling isn’t even close to being reached yet,” said Eriksen. “Alicea has power and possesses great hands at the corners. Coming from New York down to Florida she will get more reps early on and because she is an athlete that will translate into a fast rate in player development.”
DaNia Brooks | P/3B | Tampa, Fla. | Sickles High School | Tampa Mustangs Rene
A Tampa native, DaNia Brooks brings years of experience to USF. In her junior season, she posted a .430 batting average with 37 hits, 21 RBIs, and 27 runs. She averaged a run per game last season. She plays for Sickles High School under head coach Al Bowman.
“To be able to sign a person/player like DaNia Brooks is a bonus for any program,” said Eriksen. “A multi positional player that can hit is a huge asset for us. You may see her pitch/play infield/play outfield in any one game because she can. Her athleticism and the way she plays the game from the neck up fits well with our philosophy that smart athletes can get better quickly. For DaNia to join her hometown college program says a lot about her pride in her community and her family ties”.
About USF Softball
Be sure to follow USF softball on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF softball program has been one of the most successful on campus, making 17 NCAA tournament appearances, including a trip to the Women’s College World Series in 2012.
– #GoBulls –
