Upcoming Event: Softball versus Weber State on October 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
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Softball
vs Weber State
Meet The Ute Softball Newcomers
11/10/2003 12:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 10, 2003
This season, the Utah softball program welcomes five newcomers. Included in those newcomers is a juco transfer and four freshmen. The talent of the newcomers should prove to be a nice compliment to the veteran lineup returning for Utah.
Kate Nygaard, C, R/R, Jr., Salt Lake City (Salt Lake CC)
Kate Nygaard, a Salt Lake City, native comes to the Utes after playing two years at Salt Lake Community College. At SLCC, Kate was a second-team juco All-American while helping lead SLCC to the Scenic West Conference Championship. Nygaard, a catcher, boasts a cannon behind the plate, which will help improve Utah's overall defense. She also offers a powerful bat.
Nygaard Notes
Childhood Athletic Hero: Dot Richardson
Favorite Pro Teams: Minnesota Twins, Denver Broncos
My Glove's Name: Buddy
Melissa Oakes, P, R/L, Fr., Marysville, Calif. (Saratoga HS)
Freshman Melissa Oakes joins the Utes this season. The left-handed hurler played at Saratoga High School and for the Sacramento Rush club team. Oakes, a Marysville, Calif., native recorded a 1.24 ERA during her high school career and netted several league honors. Oakes' drop ball falls off the table, which will leave opposing batters wondering what to do. Oakes is also a threat in the batters box with her strong bat.
Oakes Observations
Childhood Athletic Hero: Lisa Fernandez
Favorite Pro Team: San Francisco Giants
My Glove's Name: Patch
Devina Quintero, UT, R/R, Fr., Reseda, Calif. (Faith Baptist HS)
Devina Quintero comes to Utah after playing for Faith Baptist High School in California. She also hails from one of the best club programs in the country: the Orange County Batbusters. Quintero is a three-time first-team all-CIF and all-league pitcher. The freshman is a great hitter and is full of natural athletic ability. Quintero also boasts good hands defensively.
Devina Details
Childhood Athletic Hero: John Elway
Favorite Pro Teams: Anaheim Angels, Denver Broncos
Two Words That Describe My Playing Style: Competitive, determined
Samantha Schroeder, P/1B, R/R, Fr., Fresno, Calif. (Buchanan HS)
Freshman Samantha Schroeder enters her first season as a Ute. Schroeder comes to Utah from the Fresno area, one of the toughest softball beds in the country. The 6-1 Schroeder brings an imposing presence to the mound. She offers five strong pitches.
Schroeder Shots
Childhood Athletic Hero: Amanda Scott
Favorite Pro Team: San Francisco Giants
My Glove's Name: Bob
Chelsea Steinbach, UT, R/R, Fr., Park City, Utah (Park City HS)
Steinbach joins the Utes this season as a freshman walk-on. She played her high school career at Park City High. Steinbach sees the ball well and has a good eye at the plate. She has a lot of raw potential with the ability to do some great things.
Chelsea Chalk Talk
Childhood Athletic Hero: Michael Jordan
Favorite Pro Teams: New York Yankees, Utah Jazz
My Glove's Name: Billay
Players Mentioned
Utah Softball's Hailee White Feature
Tuesday, April 15
Utah Softball's Jolie Mayfield Feature
Friday, March 28
Utah Softball - The Inaugural 1976 Team
Wednesday, March 19
University of Utah Athletics - A Storied History
Friday, August 02