SALEM, Ore. – Corban University head softball coach Abigail Farler announced the first wave of the 2018 recruiting class for Warrior softball on Friday, naming eight players that would be joining the squad starting in the fall of 2018.
Farler, the reigning Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Softball Coach of the Year, guided the Warriors to a trip to the NAIA Softball World Series national title game in 2017 during her first year at the helm of the Warriors. Prior to advancing to the national championship contest, Farler and the Warriors captured the 2017 CCC regular-season title.
"I am so excited about our 2018 recruiting class," said Farler. "We are adding a ton of athleticism and a great mix of speed and power. I feel that each one of our signees will bring so much to the table in terms of personality, competition, versatility and fight. They are all extremely driven student-athletes who have a clear vision of what they want out of their college experience, and they truly understand what Corban Softball is about. I feel truly blessed to have been able to bring in such incredible kids for next season!"
Anastasia Iosia – OF/3B – 5' 8" – James Campbell HS – Hawaii
Coming to Corban all the way from Hawaii, Iosia joins the Warriors looking to make an impact right away. A standout during her high school career, she collected All-League plaudits as a utility player on multiple occasions, showing versatility across the field. Iosia racked up a .421 batting average, a .494 on-base percentage, and a .687 slugging percentage during her first three years of high school. In addition, she led her travel ball team to a third-place showing at the 18U Softball factory Tournament in California.
Coach Farler had this to say about Iosia:
"Ana is a tremendous addition to our program. She has the ability to have an immediate impact with her bat as well as her presence on defense. We are very excited that Corban is a great fit for her on and off the field."
Madison Wyllie – OF – 5' 2" – Calaveras HS – California
Wyllie comes to play for the Warriors after an accomplished high school career in California. While earning All-League accolades during three years of high school ball, she led her team to the CIF San Joaquin Section Finals in 2017, blasting a home run in the Championship game. On top of high school ball, she also led her travel ball teams to many successful seasons, most recently playing on the Batbusters Cervellin.
Wyllie intends to major in Forensic Psychology at Corban with the intent of working in Behavioral Analysis. Coach Farler had this to say about Wyllie:
"Wyllie is an exciting pick up for us. She is a high-energy player who will compete from day one. She is a true outfielder with a great read on the ball, range and a solid arm. We look for Wyllie to have a smooth transition into college ball with the skillset she already possesses."
Kaycee Arase – INF/C – 5' 7" – Maui HS – Hawaii
While boasting a number of accolades in high school, Arase comes to Salem looking to translate that success at the collegiate level. Leading her team to the League Championship in 2016 for the first time in 14 years, and a runner-up finish in 2017, she earned All-League All-Star plaudits three times, including First-Team honors in 2016. For her travel ball team, she competed for the Maui Titans, leading her team to qualify for the 2017 PGF Nationals.
Arase plans to major in elementary education with the intention of becoming an Elementary School teacher. Coach Farler had this to say about Arase:
"Kaycee is a true utility player who we anticipate being very versatile for us. Kaycee has the ability to compete in many areas and is a great student-athlete on and off the field."
Taylor Beasley – INF/OF – 5' 8" – Tri-City Christian HS – California
Beasley comes to Corban after a successful high school career. While earning MVP plaudits two times in high school and All-League First-Team accolades twice, she also captained the squad to the League Championship. In addition, she played on the Firecracker and SoCal Breakers travel ball teams. On top of softball, she also captained the varsity volleyball team and earned basketball All-League honors.
Beasley plans to major in Criminal Justice at Corban. Coach Farler had this to say about Beasley:
"We are so excited to have Taylor joining us next year. Taylor really fits great in all categories. She has the ability to compete in multiple positions and we are looking forward to seeing what she will bring to our team offensively and defensively."
Lauren Besse – RHP – 5' 7" – Desert Mountain HS – Arizona
Hailing from Scottsdale, Ariz., Besse joins the Navy and Gold looking to make a difference on the field right away. While currently playing for the SideWinders Faspitch travel ball team, she played on a number of teams in the past, leading her TCS squad to the World Series in 2016. While capturing numerous tournament championships along the way, she also is a four-year letter-winner on her high school team and is set to captain the squad in the upcoming 2018 season.
Besse intends to major in Business at Corban. Coach Farler had this to say about her:
"LB is a great addition to our roster. She brings a lot of focus and fight to the circle for us. She comes from a background of a ton of competition down in Arizona and will look to have an impact with our program from day one."
Christine Warren – UTL – 5' 2" – Encinal HS – California
Warren, who hails from Alameda, Calif., comes to play for the Warriors after a successful high school career to date. While earning All-League accolades on a couple of occasions already, she also earned All-League plaudits for the cross country team. In addition to high school ball, she played travel ball for the San Jose Sting.
Warren plans to major in Education with the intent of becoming a Special Education teacher. Coach Farler had this to say about Warren:
"We are thrilled to have Christine joining our program. She is a great kid with great work ethic. We look for her to come in and compete and contribute wherever she is needed on the field."
Jessasha Tanoue-Kekona – OF – 5' 3" – Baldwin HS – Hawaii
Hailing from Hawaii, Tanoue-Kekona comes to Corban bringing talent to the outfield. Earning All-League accolades twice and leading her team to the League Championship once, she will look to continue on the success in the 2018 spring season in Hawaii. On the travel ball scene, she most recently led the 18U Oregon Titans Fastpitch team to the USA Preps National Championship game.
Coach Farler had this to say about Tanoue-Kekona:
"Sasha is a great addition to our team and family. She will come in and provide energy and compete daily. Sasha is an athletic, versatile athlete who fits well with our system."
Taylor Lawson – INF/OF – 5' 3" – Mt. Hood CC – South Anchorage HS – Alaska
Coming from Alaska to Corban, Lawson most recently competed at Mt. Hood CC. While leading her team to the NWAC Playoffs in 2017, she brings valuable experience from the collegiate ranks. In high school, she earned First-Team All-League honors during her junior and senior seasons, recording the most hits in school history during her senior year. In addition, she was named to the All-Conference squad three times and the All-Star team three times.
Lawson plans to major in Exercise Science with the intention of going into Nursing. Coach Farler had this to say about Lawson:
"Taylor is an extremely hard worker and great competitor. We are so excited to have her joining our family. Taylor really understands the vision of the program and we believe she will come in and compete for multiple roles on our team."
The 2018 Corban Softball season begins in mid-February when the team travels to Arizona for 10 games. CLICK HERE for a complete look at the 2018 schedule. WATCH the 2017 Corban Softball World Series Video here:
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