Players added to Coach Morgan Zerkle’s first signing class
Marshall University softball Head Coach Morgan Zerkle announced the addition of seven signees to the incoming signing class of 2024 following National Signing Day.
“I can’t wait to get this 2024 class on campus,” Coach Zerkle said. “They are great young women with lots of energy and passion for Marshall University and playing this sport. I believe they are warriors each in their own ways and ready to help elevate Herd softball.”
Ava Blake
Ava Blake is a right-handed infielder who won the West Virginia AAA State Softball Championship in 2023 with John Marshall High School in Moundsville. En route to the title, Blake slugged 15 home runs as a junior. As a sophomore the previous season, Blake notably hit two grand slams in one game. Blake chose Marshall, “Because of the family-oriented community and that my coaches are giving me the opportunity to play for something bigger than myself.”
Aiko Conaway
Aiko Conaway is a right-handed pitcher from Battlefield High School in Haymarket, Virginia. Conaway earned the distinction of being named the 2022 All-Cedar Run District Team Player of the Year as a sophomore. That season, Conaway won 11 games with 97 strikeouts in under 89 innings pitched. Conaway chose Marshall because, “The moment I arrived there, it felt like the perfect fit for me. It exceeded my expectations in every way, and something about the campus and its community just felt different from other schools I had visited. I immediately connected with the coaches, and the college town environment, with its strong sense of family and support for all sports, resonated with me. Marshall University felt like more than just an academic institution; it felt like home.”
Ava Hazzard
Ava Hazzard is an infield right-handed infield power hitter from Houma, Louisiana. Hazzard led her team to a Louisiana Class 3A Division II Championship appearance in 2023. Hazzard entered 2023 with a distinction of being named to the 2023 PGF All-American Watchlists from the Southeast Region. Ava chose Marshall because, “I love the community and the way it feels like a home.”
Laney Jennings
Laney Jennings is a left-handed utility player from Townville, South Carolina. As a junior, Jennings hit .532 with five home runs, four triples, and had an OPS of 1.673. Jennings has been named to her South Carolina All-Region team each of her first three seasons and was recognized as All-State her sophomore year. Laney chose the University because, “Marshall feels like home! As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt God tell me that this is where I needed to be. I don’t feel like I’m seven hours away from my family, I feel like I’m right where I’m supposed to be!”
Diamond Leslie
Diamond Leslie is a right-handed speedy outfielder from Centennial High School in Alpharetta, Georgia. As a high schooler, Leslie has a .498 average with 21 home runs and 98 RBI entering her senior season. Leslie has earned 1st Team All-Region, MVP, All State GA, and MSP All American Softball honors. Diamond chose Marshall because, “I love the community, the culture and the softball program.”
Tia Titi
Tia Titi is a right-handed catcher from Gulf Shores High School in Oxford, Alabama. Titi helped her school win its first regular season area championship since 2014 and was named a Second-Team All-State catcher by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Tia joined Marshall because, “When it feels right you just know, that comfortable warm feeling home gives you. The coaches and staff were amazing towards my family and I.”
Madelyn Veal
Maddie Veal is a right-handed pitcher from Newnan, Georgia. Veal has already surpassed 500 strikeouts for her career before entering her senior season. In her junior season, Veal won a state championship with Newnan High School in 2023, where she threw 60 shutout innings in the postseason. Veal chose Marshall because, “I love the school and it is absolutely amazing.”
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**Press release from Marshall University – HERDZONE – 11/9/2023 2:30:00 PM | Softball