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Seven Signees Ink NLIs with Utah Softball
11/8/2023 3:40 PM | Softball
Coach Amy Hogue Officially Announces 2024 Signing Class
SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah softball head coach Amy Hogue lifted the veil on her program's 2024 signing class on Thursday to reveal a list of seven new faces, all of whom will be joining the program before the start of the 2025 season.
Hogue's newest Utes are Marley Espiau, Hailey Maestretti, Rio Damari Mendez, Shelbee Jones, Kennedy Proctor, Charlee-Rose Stevens, and Candace Tarle.
Marley Espiau | OF | Kailua, Hawaii | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Espiau spent the 2023 season helping lead the Kamehameha Warriors to within one win of a state title while racking up a long list of accolades. The Hawaii native was named first-team all-state by three different publications after a year in which she batted well over .300 with four homers and 24 RBIs. Espiau honed her skill on the club circuit as well, playing with CA Bombers AK Gold National and Sorcerer Gabales. In addition to her work on the diamond, Espiau was also a member of her high school soccer team and an honor roll student.
"Marley is a human highlight reel," said Hogue. "She has an innate ability to make the field feel small with the types of plays she is able to make. She's an incredibly versatile athlete who finds herself in all the right places at all the right times. She has a natural feel for the game and carries all the intangibles needed to succeed at the next level. Marley will run through walls in her time here and elevate everyone around her."
Marley is the daughter of Charmaine and Jacob Espiau and has three siblings, Kanoelani Flores and Kaizer and Kane Espiau. Her father played college football at the University of Western Oregon and the University of Hawaii Manoa.
Shelbee Jones | P | Bluffdale, Utah | Bingham High School
Jones put together a decorated career for the Bingham Miners that saw her earn three Utah 6A First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-State selections. Her performance on the field also led to her garnering recognition from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, which named her to the NFCA Western Region All-American squad. Her 2023 stat line included a .436 batting average, a 1.064 slugging percentage and a 46-9 record in the circle. Jones' contributions helped lead the Miners to the 2023 6A State Championship. She was a champion in club competition as well, capturing three consecutive state titles with Utah Fastpitch Club Kemp and Utah Fastpitch Club Korth.
"Shelbee is a powerful righty pitcher who can tuck it under the hands of the hitters at a good clip," said Hogue, "and yet her changeup is what sets her apart from most. She throws it in any count and generally for a strike, so you can't sleep on that pitch. She is also an infielder who hits for power, so she pretty much does it all!"
Shelbee is the daughter of Trisha and Louie Jones and has two siblings, Brindee and Jerico. Her grandfather, Joseph Brett Harvey, is a Utah alum.
Hailey Maestretti | P | Parker, Colo. | Lutheran High School
Maestretti's list of accomplishments for the Lutheran Lions include earning the title of 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Colorado, being chosen as an All-American by Extra Inning Softball and MaxPreps and helping her program capture consecutive state championships. She also snagged three 4A Player of the Year awards, the most recent one coming after a season in which she pitched over 200 innings, crafted a 2.24 ERA and batted .392. Maestretti also competes in club competition with the Colorado Batbusters National.
"Hailey is someone who will be coming in to fill the shoes of two very talented lefty pitchers," said Hogue. "She's got the skills and the toughness to step into that type of situation and thrive! She's a talented lefty with the ability to tunnel her pitches extremely well, which keeps hitters off balance."
Hailey is the daughter of Tammy and Glen Maestretti and has one sibling, Alexis.
Rio Damari Mendez | INF | Lakewood, Calif. | Gahr High School
Mendez has scooped up a new award at the end of each of her seasons at Gahr High School, starting with a freshman campaign in which she hit .444 and was named Rookie of the Year by her squad. As a sophomore, she was a first-team all-league pick and named Clutch Player of the Year while helping the Gladiators win a league title. She also pocketed her team's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. These feats led to Mendez being named to the All-American Watch List in 2022 and being a finalist for the same honor in 2023.
Mendez's experience includes club play with the So Cal Athletics Terrones and the BCS Bengals Briggs as well, plus time with the Puerto Rico TCI International Team. Her accomplishments with the latter team include winning a silver medal in 2022. She has helped her club squads claim multiple championships, the most recent of which was a first-place finish at the PGF Shootout in 2023.
"Rio is small in stature and plays the game big," said Hogue. "She's a middle infielder who makes all the plays she should, but thrives off of the miss-hit balls that require her to be creative to get the out! She is extremely athletic and will help our Utes win games because of her work ethic and her high game IQ."
Rio is the daughter of Yvette and Dennis Mendez and has one sibling, Devin.
Kennedy Proctor | C | Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. | Tesoro High School
In her first three years playing for the Tesoro Titans, Proctor's work on the softball field garnered her spots on the all-league first-team as both a sophomore and a junior. She was also a first-team All-CIF honoree. Proctor has twice been named captain of her softball team while simultaneously earning varsity letters in volleyball and flag football. In club competition Proctor's achievements include being selected to the Extra Innings All-Summer Team and the Tier One Alliance all-tournament squad.
"Kennedy is the lone catcher we are signing in this class," said Hogue, "and she has that toughness factor necessary to be behind the dish. I've witnessed her have the endurance and the confidence necessary to lead a defense and manage a pitching staff. She's a powerful hitter who believes big in her abilities to help her team win. I can't wait to coach her!"
Kennedy is the daughter of Deborah and Mike Proctor and has two siblings, Jack and Natalie.
Charlee-Rose Stevens | OF | Waianae, Hawaii | Waianae High School
Stevens has gained experience playing for Waianae High School, for four different club squads and for Team Polynesia. Her list of accomplishments in her prep career include earning an honorable mention all-state selection and she has helped her club teams capture West Coast World Series 16u and USSSA West Coast National Championships. Stevens also assisted in guiding Team Polynesia to a pair of Triple Crown International Challenge titles. Her resume garnered her a top 100 ranking in her signing class three years in-a-row.
"Roko is someone I've seen play a lot over this past year," said Hogue, "and she continued to stand out. Her ability to cover ground in the outfield with a plus arm will complement our outfield nicely. She has power offensively and we are excited for her competitiveness to kick-start her ability to grow every day she's here."
Charlee-Rose is the daughter of Charlesee Stevens and Mark Ibanez and has two siblings, Mattox Joshua and Christianni-Lee.
Candace Tarle | P | Carlsbad, Calif. | Cathedral Catholic High School
Tarle has spent her time at Cathedral Catholic helping the Dons pile up trophies, including a pair of Western League Championships and a first-place finish at the 2022 Michel Carew Classic. Tarle also earned all-tournament status at the Michel Carew Classic and was named her team's defensive player of the year at the end of the 2022 season. Her work in the classroom led to her being named a scholar athlete and a member of the San Diego City Conference All-Academic team in 2023.
"Candace's competitive nature and ability to spin the ball is going to be an asset to our team in the circle," said Hogue. "Her maturity and drive to get better and achieve at a high level will allow her to thrive in our environment. We are excited to add her as another piece to our pitching staff."
Candace is the daughter of Cynthia and Tom Tarle and has three siblings, Dillon, Camille and Courtney. Her father played football in college at Pierce College.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
Hogue's newest Utes are Marley Espiau, Hailey Maestretti, Rio Damari Mendez, Shelbee Jones, Kennedy Proctor, Charlee-Rose Stevens, and Candace Tarle.
Marley Espiau | OF | Kailua, Hawaii | Kamehameha Schools Kapalama
Espiau spent the 2023 season helping lead the Kamehameha Warriors to within one win of a state title while racking up a long list of accolades. The Hawaii native was named first-team all-state by three different publications after a year in which she batted well over .300 with four homers and 24 RBIs. Espiau honed her skill on the club circuit as well, playing with CA Bombers AK Gold National and Sorcerer Gabales. In addition to her work on the diamond, Espiau was also a member of her high school soccer team and an honor roll student.
"Marley is a human highlight reel," said Hogue. "She has an innate ability to make the field feel small with the types of plays she is able to make. She's an incredibly versatile athlete who finds herself in all the right places at all the right times. She has a natural feel for the game and carries all the intangibles needed to succeed at the next level. Marley will run through walls in her time here and elevate everyone around her."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Say hello to the newest member of this year's signing class, Kailua, Hawaii's Marley Espiau!
Welcome to the University of Utah, @EspiauMarley!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/VhdTK5Ljss
Marley is the daughter of Charmaine and Jacob Espiau and has three siblings, Kanoelani Flores and Kaizer and Kane Espiau. Her father played college football at the University of Western Oregon and the University of Hawaii Manoa.
Shelbee Jones | P | Bluffdale, Utah | Bingham High School
Jones put together a decorated career for the Bingham Miners that saw her earn three Utah 6A First-Team All-Region and First-Team All-State selections. Her performance on the field also led to her garnering recognition from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, which named her to the NFCA Western Region All-American squad. Her 2023 stat line included a .436 batting average, a 1.064 slugging percentage and a 46-9 record in the circle. Jones' contributions helped lead the Miners to the 2023 6A State Championship. She was a champion in club competition as well, capturing three consecutive state titles with Utah Fastpitch Club Kemp and Utah Fastpitch Club Korth.
"Shelbee is a powerful righty pitcher who can tuck it under the hands of the hitters at a good clip," said Hogue, "and yet her changeup is what sets her apart from most. She throws it in any count and generally for a strike, so you can't sleep on that pitch. She is also an infielder who hits for power, so she pretty much does it all!"
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Shelbee Jones has made it official that she'll be playing softball for the Utes!
Welcome to the family, Shelbee!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/K2OTXahP1d
Shelbee is the daughter of Trisha and Louie Jones and has two siblings, Brindee and Jerico. Her grandfather, Joseph Brett Harvey, is a Utah alum.
Hailey Maestretti | P | Parker, Colo. | Lutheran High School
Maestretti's list of accomplishments for the Lutheran Lions include earning the title of 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Colorado, being chosen as an All-American by Extra Inning Softball and MaxPreps and helping her program capture consecutive state championships. She also snagged three 4A Player of the Year awards, the most recent one coming after a season in which she pitched over 200 innings, crafted a 2.24 ERA and batted .392. Maestretti also competes in club competition with the Colorado Batbusters National.
"Hailey is someone who will be coming in to fill the shoes of two very talented lefty pitchers," said Hogue. "She's got the skills and the toughness to step into that type of situation and thrive! She's a talented lefty with the ability to tunnel her pitches extremely well, which keeps hitters off balance."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of our Utah family, Hailey Maestretti!
Welcome aboard, @HaileyRae2024! #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/wkMijR0P0F
Hailey is the daughter of Tammy and Glen Maestretti and has one sibling, Alexis.
Rio Damari Mendez | INF | Lakewood, Calif. | Gahr High School
Mendez has scooped up a new award at the end of each of her seasons at Gahr High School, starting with a freshman campaign in which she hit .444 and was named Rookie of the Year by her squad. As a sophomore, she was a first-team all-league pick and named Clutch Player of the Year while helping the Gladiators win a league title. She also pocketed her team's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. These feats led to Mendez being named to the All-American Watch List in 2022 and being a finalist for the same honor in 2023.
Mendez's experience includes club play with the So Cal Athletics Terrones and the BCS Bengals Briggs as well, plus time with the Puerto Rico TCI International Team. Her accomplishments with the latter team include winning a silver medal in 2022. She has helped her club squads claim multiple championships, the most recent of which was a first-place finish at the PGF Shootout in 2023.
"Rio is small in stature and plays the game big," said Hogue. "She's a middle infielder who makes all the plays she should, but thrives off of the miss-hit balls that require her to be creative to get the out! She is extremely athletic and will help our Utes win games because of her work ethic and her high game IQ."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Rio Damari Mendez has made it official that she's coming to Utah!
Welcome home, @RioMendez2024!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/eKyz0JUxuP
Rio is the daughter of Yvette and Dennis Mendez and has one sibling, Devin.
Kennedy Proctor | C | Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. | Tesoro High School
In her first three years playing for the Tesoro Titans, Proctor's work on the softball field garnered her spots on the all-league first-team as both a sophomore and a junior. She was also a first-team All-CIF honoree. Proctor has twice been named captain of her softball team while simultaneously earning varsity letters in volleyball and flag football. In club competition Proctor's achievements include being selected to the Extra Innings All-Summer Team and the Tier One Alliance all-tournament squad.
"Kennedy is the lone catcher we are signing in this class," said Hogue, "and she has that toughness factor necessary to be behind the dish. I've witnessed her have the endurance and the confidence necessary to lead a defense and manage a pitching staff. She's a powerful hitter who believes big in her abilities to help her team win. I can't wait to coach her!"
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Help us give a warm Utah welcome to our newest signee, Kennedy Proctor!
Welcome to the U, @ProctorKennedy! #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/RMnGW3VWkq
Kennedy is the daughter of Deborah and Mike Proctor and has two siblings, Jack and Natalie.
Charlee-Rose Stevens | OF | Waianae, Hawaii | Waianae High School
Stevens has gained experience playing for Waianae High School, for four different club squads and for Team Polynesia. Her list of accomplishments in her prep career include earning an honorable mention all-state selection and she has helped her club teams capture West Coast World Series 16u and USSSA West Coast National Championships. Stevens also assisted in guiding Team Polynesia to a pair of Triple Crown International Challenge titles. Her resume garnered her a top 100 ranking in her signing class three years in-a-row.
"Roko is someone I've seen play a lot over this past year," said Hogue, "and she continued to stand out. Her ability to cover ground in the outfield with a plus arm will complement our outfield nicely. She has power offensively and we are excited for her competitiveness to kick-start her ability to grow every day she's here."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Say hello to our newest signee, Charlee-Rose Stevens!
We're so excited to have you, Roko!#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/asJ5vaJNxh
Charlee-Rose is the daughter of Charlesee Stevens and Mark Ibanez and has two siblings, Mattox Joshua and Christianni-Lee.
Candace Tarle | P | Carlsbad, Calif. | Cathedral Catholic High School
Tarle has spent her time at Cathedral Catholic helping the Dons pile up trophies, including a pair of Western League Championships and a first-place finish at the 2022 Michel Carew Classic. Tarle also earned all-tournament status at the Michel Carew Classic and was named her team's defensive player of the year at the end of the 2022 season. Her work in the classroom led to her being named a scholar athlete and a member of the San Diego City Conference All-Academic team in 2023.
"Candace's competitive nature and ability to spin the ball is going to be an asset to our team in the circle," said Hogue. "Her maturity and drive to get better and achieve at a high level will allow her to thrive in our environment. We are excited to add her as another piece to our pitching staff."
?????????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ????????!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 8, 2023
Utah is officially Candace Tarle's next destination!
We can't wait, Candace!
#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/kefSAlnpYa
Candace is the daughter of Cynthia and Tom Tarle and has three siblings, Dillon, Camille and Courtney. Her father played football in college at Pierce College.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
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