Softball | November 11
DeKALB, Ill. – Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe of the Northern Illinois University softball team has signed five talented individuals to the 2024 roster, the softball program announced Friday.
“We feel we have signed some of the best talent from across the country with this class, getting athletes from Illinois, California, and Florida,” said Sutcliffe. “They have an overall genuine spirit about them that instantly connected them as a class,”
Alanah Velazquez hails from Pembroke Pines, Fla. where she will be a 2023 graduate of Pembroke Pines Charter High School. Twice named captain of her high school team, Velazquez earned All-State honors upon completion of the 2022 campaign. In 2021, Velazquez raked in All-Area honors along with being named team MVP. Recently, Velazquez had an incredible opportunity to play for team Puerto Rico in the Triple Crown Sports (TCS) International Challenge. In her free time, Velazquez enjoys volunteering at the human society, cleaning beaches, and coaching youth softball teams. She’s the daughter of Carmen and Gilberto Velazquez and plans to major in sports management while minoring in kinesiology at NIU.
“Alanah has competed nationally for the New Jersey Intensity and brings a mind for the game. She loves the game and will do anything with positive energy that spreads throughout a program. Alanah is the type of catcher and teammate that elevates the game for the pitchers around her through her skill and passion,”
Kayla Estrada, originally from Riverside, Calif., will graduate in the spring of 2023 from Martin Luther King High School. Estrada lettered in softball all four years of high school and was named team captain in her final two. In her junior year, Estrada logged 72 at-bats, posting 32 hits and 10 runs scored while batting .444. Additionally, she homered four times and batted in 23 runners. Like Velazquez, Estrada also participated in the TCS International Challenge, but for team Mexico. When not on the field, Estrada enjoys volunteering for the Dodger Dream Field Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities. She’s the daughter of Renessa and Angel Estrada and plans to major in psychology at NIU.
“Kayla is a competitor on the field and will look to instantly earn innings at first base or behind the plate. Her experience with the Firecrackers So Cal – Medina/Schneider will bring a wealth of competitive experience. Kayla’s ability to change a game with one swing will be exciting to watch develop,”
Tess Meyer will be a 2023 graduate of Lyons Township High School where she lettered in softball all four years. Originally from La Grange, Ill., Meyer was named team captain her junior and senior season and, upon the conclusion of her junior season, was given Second Team All-State accolades for her impressive play with the Lions. Outside of softball, she enjoys reading and is a member of the Future Healthcare Club and Recycling Club. Meyer is a four-time Honor Roll student and is a member of the National Honors Society. She’s the daughter of Victoria and Robert Meyer and plans to major in nursing at NIU.
“Tess has an infectious personality and always plays with a smile. Coming from the Illinois New Lenox Lightning and Tennessee Mojo Blue, we know she will be a smart player. She looks to break into our lineup on the corners, behind the plate, or in the outfield. Tess’s versatility will help create depth while also providing some power in our offensive lineup,”
Kaitlyn Ramage is a tri-sport student-athlete at Metamora Township High School where she will graduate in 2023. Hailing from Germantown Hills, Ill., Ramage is a two-time Peoria Journal Star All-Area team member and an Illinois Softball Coaches Association Third Team member. Most recently, she led the Redbirds to a share of a conference championship, a regional championship and sectional championship after her junior year. Ramage totaled 39 RBI, 69 runs, four home runs, and batted .472 through the previous two seasons. A competitor in the classroom as well, she’s an Honor Roll and National Honors Society member at Metamora. She’s the daughter of Barbara and Christopher Ramage and plans to major in nursing at NIU.
“Katy has competed for many years with Illinois Stone City Fastpitch. She has a sense for the game that we can’t wait to bring to the program and develop as she roams the outfield. Katy’s determination for success and desire to get better everyday shines through. She also has a burning desire to win and is destined for success,”
Alana Powell attends Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago where she’ll graduate from in 2023. She was named captain twice while playing for the Tigers and, in 2022, was named to the All-City Team for her efforts on the diamond. When not competing with Kenwood, Powell plays at the club level for Chicago Cheetah’s Fastpitch. She’s a National Honors Society and Honor Roll member with aspirations of becoming an athletic trainer. Outside of softball, Powell enjoys playing various instruments in Kenwood’s band and orchestra. She’s the daughter of Angela and Gerald Powell and plans to study kinesiology at NIU.
“Alana comes to us from the Chicago Cheetah’s program where she’s primarily anchored the left side of the infield. She will instantly make our infield defense better with her athletic ability and competitive spirit. Her speed will also create havoc on the bases. Alana carries herself with a grit and tenacity that is rare to see,”
All five of the Huskies’ signees will make immediate impacts and help NIU in its hunt for championships.
“We look forward to blending them into our current roster and watching them grow individually and collectively. We are excited for our growth of our program and the future of Huskie softball.”
