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The University of Utah Athletics
Utah Softball Assembles Eight-Person Signing Class
11/12/2024 11:18 PM | Softball
Coach Amy Hogue welcomes a host of new faces to Utah
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah softball team officially announced its 2025 signing class on Wednesday and head coach Amy Hogue welcomed eight student-athletes to the program, all of whom will be joining the roster in time for the start of the 2026 campaign.
The list of eight new Utes consists of outfielders Payton Crank and Danika Wilson, infielders Izzy Cruz and Mia Gomez, pitchers Taylor Mediano and Kaelyn O'Rourke, catcher Brooke Tacke and utility player Cian Noli. These eight student-athletes have a combined resume that includes 10 all-league, all-district, all-region or all-state selections, 15 different MVP, offensive or defensive player of the year awards and 13 championships they've accumulated during their high school and club careers. That success and winning pedigree will contribute to a Utah program that's piled up better than 75 victories over the last two seasons.
Payton Crank – Outfielder – Pinnacle High School – Phoenix, Ariz.
Among the attributes Crank will bring with her to Utah is her outstanding defensive prowess, which has been recognized with three straight defensive MVP awards during her time at Pinnacle High School. In club play, she's helped the Bombers 18U capture a Power 48 Championship, while learning from a coaching staff that includes Olympic Gold Medalist and four-time All-American Cat Osterman. She also lettered in basketball and badminton in high school.
"Payton possesses the abilities of an impact player," said Hogue, "and is expected to contribute immediately. She has natural power to both sides of the field. As an overall athlete with impressive strength, she will be exciting to watch, especially at high altitude."
Payton is the daughter of Sarah and Eldon Crank and has two siblings, Johnathan and Cameron. She'll be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.
Izzy Cruz – Infielder – New Braunfels High School – New Braunfels, Texas
Cruz's softball career has seen her attain excellence at the prep level, club play and in the classroom, where her achievements include earning academic all-district honors. On the field for the New Braunfels Unicorns, Cruz collected awards for Newcomer of the Year, Defensive MVP and Offensive MVP. On the club circuit, she spent nine years honing her skills with the Texas Bombers, helping lead them to Alliance National Championships in 2022 and 2024.
"Izzy has competed and succeeded at a very high level," said Hogue. "Her offensive skills will be a significant asset and we expect her to be a crucial part of our lineup. We are particularly enthusiastic about her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations."
Izzy is the daughter of Claudia and Roger Cruz and has one sibling, Aaron. Her cousin, Brittany Cruz, was an All-American softball player at West Texas A&M. Cruz intends on majoring in General Business at Utah.
Mia Gomez – First Baseman – Agoura High School – Moorpark, Calif.
Gomez has spent her first three seasons of high school softball rattling off one accomplishment after another, starting with garnering a second-team all-league spot and her school's offensive player of the year award as a freshman. One year later, she moved up to first-team all-league status while repeating as offensive player of the year, an honor she'd receive for a third time as a junior. Her performance in year three also led to her being chosen as the All-Marmonte League MVP.
Gomez's experience on the diamond includes plenty of time in club ball as well, starting in 2017 with Synergy Fast Pitch. Since then, she's refined her craft with Velocity, Firecrackers Redmond, Firecrackers Rico and Firecrackers Select Rico Brashear.
"We are excited to welcome another true left-handed player to our lineup," said Hogue. "Mia is a powerful athlete who will be a tough competitor at the next level. In addition to her proven abilities and massive power at the plate, Mia's fun-loving and lighthearted personality will have a great impact in our locker room."
Mia is the daughter of Cesar Gomez and Andrea Reed and has two siblings, Alejandro and Julian. She plans on studying Communications at Utah.
Taylor Mediano – Pitcher – St. Joseph High School – Santa Maria, Calif.
Mediano will arrive at Utah after concluding a decorated career at both the high school and club levels which includes three first-team all-league selections and two Mountain League MVP awards. Mediano has also been named All-Area MVP twice by the Santa Maria Times and helped her team take home a CIF Central Section D2 Championship in 2024.
At the club level, Mediano rose as high as No. 47 in Prep Softball's rankings for the Class of 2025 and was a two-time PGF All-American Finalist. She also finished in the top seven in the 16u Premier Bracket.
"Taylor is one of the top pitchers coming out of California in this class," said Hogue. "Her advanced knowledge of the art of pitching separates her from others. She has the ability to change speeds and command the zone, which are attributes we are looking forward to her bringing to our team."
Taylor is the daughter of Yvette and Roy Mediano and has two siblings, Ryan and Jeffrey. Her brother Ryan played football at the University of North Alabama. Mediano will be pursuing a degree in Nursing.
Cian Noli – Utility – Chandler High School – Chandler, Ariz.
For the last three years, Noli has been rewriting the Chandler High School record book, setting new school records for RBIs and home runs in a single season, while simultaneously reeling in Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Her hard work has also paid off in the form of first-team all-district and first-team all-region honors. Noli led her club team in homers as well and has played club softball for Rogue FC Kaye and Arizona Rising.
"Cian is best described as a steady and consistent player," said Hogue, "which is one of the hardest things to be in our game. She is an athlete who rarely swings and misses while showcasing significant pop. Her capacity to hit for power and utilize both sides of the plate will make her a fantastic addition to our roster."
Cian is the daughter of Cathy and Dan Noli and has two siblings, Cheyenne and Danny. Her sister, Cheyenne was a student-athlete at Cal State Northridge and her brother, Danny, is competing athletically at Fort Lauderdale University. Noli will be majoring in Special Education.
Kaelyn O'Rourke – Pitcher – Seaman High School – Topeka, Kan.
O'Rourke has achieved first-team all-league, first-team all-county and second-team all-state status during her time in the circle for the Seaman Vikings. She spent five years with Midwest Power Legacy starting in 2017, competed for Midwest Firecrackers 16u Wildey from 2022-24 and joined Top Gun National 18u in 2024.
"We are excited to have Kaelyn join our pitching staff," said Hogue. "She is someone we have had our eyes on for a while now. Her ability to spin the ball will be a great asset to get the best hitters out at the next level."
Kaelyn is the daughter of Adam and Tracy O'Rourke and has one sibling, Colin.
Brooke Tacke – Catcher – Riverton High School – Riverton, Utah.
Tacke's efforts have helped her team win two 6A State Championships, as well as three regional championships. Her contributions to those titles earned her a spot on the all-state second team. She was also recognized with her team's defensive player of the year and softball leadership awards. Tacke lettered in track and field in addition to softball.
Starting with Rip City softball in 2016, the Riverton, Utah native has put together a lengthy club career that also consists of stops at Nation Softball 14U, Nation Softball 16U, Utah Heat 06/07 and the Utah Fastpitch Club. She assisted in guiding her club team to a third-place finish in Premier Girls Fastpitch and served as a team captain.
"We are excited to have another Utah native on our team," said Hogue. "Brooke is one of the top catchers in our state and her defensive abilities are second to none. We look forward to having her stay home to play in front of her friends and family."
Brooke is the daughter of Kash and Michelle Tacke and has one sibling, Alicia, who is a Utah alum. Tacke's intended major is Biology.
Danika Wilson – Outfielder – Gilroy High School – Gilroy, Calif.
Wilson has been part of four championship teams in her career, most recently at 2021 14U TC Nationals Silver, where her team took the top spot. She was a member of squads that took home titles at the 2018 Summer Spectacular, 2019 Swinging for a Cure and 2021 PGF National Berth as well. Wilson's list of stops on the club circuit consists of The Buzz, The Legends, The Wildcats, Blackjacks, Suncats, Warrior Academy and Suncats Jimenez. She has also earned the title of junior of the year and a spot on the all-league first-team while playing for Gilroy High School.
"Dani will be flying around our ballpark," said Hogue. "She is a true left-handed athlete with a strong arm and good speed. She's a dynamic player who will benefit us on both sides of the field. Her youthful enthusiasm is contagious and will significantly impact our team."
Danika is the daughter of Ed and Melissa Wilson and has two siblings, Dallas and Savannah. Wilson will be aiming to earn a degree in Sports Journalism.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF UTAH ATHLETICS – UTAH 360
The official mobile app of Utah Athletics is Utah 360. Download it today to unlock a refreshed game-day experience that offers access to news and information, schedules, rosters, stats and behind-the-scenes videos, and allows fans to buy and manage game tickets and order concessions straight from their mobile device. The app is available in both the Apple Store (download) and Google Play (download). Add it today, access your game tickets and download them to your smartphone's wallet to make yourself game-day ready!
The list of eight new Utes consists of outfielders Payton Crank and Danika Wilson, infielders Izzy Cruz and Mia Gomez, pitchers Taylor Mediano and Kaelyn O'Rourke, catcher Brooke Tacke and utility player Cian Noli. These eight student-athletes have a combined resume that includes 10 all-league, all-district, all-region or all-state selections, 15 different MVP, offensive or defensive player of the year awards and 13 championships they've accumulated during their high school and club careers. That success and winning pedigree will contribute to a Utah program that's piled up better than 75 victories over the last two seasons.
Payton Crank – Outfielder – Pinnacle High School – Phoenix, Ariz.
Among the attributes Crank will bring with her to Utah is her outstanding defensive prowess, which has been recognized with three straight defensive MVP awards during her time at Pinnacle High School. In club play, she's helped the Bombers 18U capture a Power 48 Championship, while learning from a coaching staff that includes Olympic Gold Medalist and four-time All-American Cat Osterman. She also lettered in basketball and badminton in high school.
"Payton possesses the abilities of an impact player," said Hogue, "and is expected to contribute immediately. She has natural power to both sides of the field. As an overall athlete with impressive strength, she will be exciting to watch, especially at high altitude."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Payton possesses the abilities of an impact player and is expected to contribute immediately. As an overall athlete with impressive strength, she will be exciting to watch."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/50PB8ikPGT
Payton is the daughter of Sarah and Eldon Crank and has two siblings, Johnathan and Cameron. She'll be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.
Izzy Cruz – Infielder – New Braunfels High School – New Braunfels, Texas
Cruz's softball career has seen her attain excellence at the prep level, club play and in the classroom, where her achievements include earning academic all-district honors. On the field for the New Braunfels Unicorns, Cruz collected awards for Newcomer of the Year, Defensive MVP and Offensive MVP. On the club circuit, she spent nine years honing her skills with the Texas Bombers, helping lead them to Alliance National Championships in 2022 and 2024.
"Izzy has competed and succeeded at a very high level," said Hogue. "Her offensive skills will be a significant asset and we expect her to be a crucial part of our lineup. We are particularly enthusiastic about her ability to thrive in high-pressure situations."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Izzy has competed and succeeded at a very high level. Her offensive skills will be a significant asset and we expect her to be a crucial part of our lineup."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/Wsy9upz4us
Izzy is the daughter of Claudia and Roger Cruz and has one sibling, Aaron. Her cousin, Brittany Cruz, was an All-American softball player at West Texas A&M. Cruz intends on majoring in General Business at Utah.
Mia Gomez – First Baseman – Agoura High School – Moorpark, Calif.
Gomez has spent her first three seasons of high school softball rattling off one accomplishment after another, starting with garnering a second-team all-league spot and her school's offensive player of the year award as a freshman. One year later, she moved up to first-team all-league status while repeating as offensive player of the year, an honor she'd receive for a third time as a junior. Her performance in year three also led to her being chosen as the All-Marmonte League MVP.
Gomez's experience on the diamond includes plenty of time in club ball as well, starting in 2017 with Synergy Fast Pitch. Since then, she's refined her craft with Velocity, Firecrackers Redmond, Firecrackers Rico and Firecrackers Select Rico Brashear.
"We are excited to welcome another true left-handed player to our lineup," said Hogue. "Mia is a powerful athlete who will be a tough competitor at the next level. In addition to her proven abilities and massive power at the plate, Mia's fun-loving and lighthearted personality will have a great impact in our locker room."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"We are excited to welcome another true left-handed player to our lineup. Mia is a powerful athlete who will be a tough competitor at the next level."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/J2I3iHrQ8b
Mia is the daughter of Cesar Gomez and Andrea Reed and has two siblings, Alejandro and Julian. She plans on studying Communications at Utah.
Taylor Mediano – Pitcher – St. Joseph High School – Santa Maria, Calif.
Mediano will arrive at Utah after concluding a decorated career at both the high school and club levels which includes three first-team all-league selections and two Mountain League MVP awards. Mediano has also been named All-Area MVP twice by the Santa Maria Times and helped her team take home a CIF Central Section D2 Championship in 2024.
At the club level, Mediano rose as high as No. 47 in Prep Softball's rankings for the Class of 2025 and was a two-time PGF All-American Finalist. She also finished in the top seven in the 16u Premier Bracket.
"Taylor is one of the top pitchers coming out of California in this class," said Hogue. "Her advanced knowledge of the art of pitching separates her from others. She has the ability to change speeds and command the zone, which are attributes we are looking forward to her bringing to our team."
???????????? ?????????????? ???? ???????????? ?????? ?????????????? ???? ????????!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Taylor is one of the top pitchers coming out of California in this class. She has the ability to change speeds and command the zone."
- Coach Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/N1bVgL8Yc9
Taylor is the daughter of Yvette and Roy Mediano and has two siblings, Ryan and Jeffrey. Her brother Ryan played football at the University of North Alabama. Mediano will be pursuing a degree in Nursing.
Cian Noli – Utility – Chandler High School – Chandler, Ariz.
For the last three years, Noli has been rewriting the Chandler High School record book, setting new school records for RBIs and home runs in a single season, while simultaneously reeling in Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Her hard work has also paid off in the form of first-team all-district and first-team all-region honors. Noli led her club team in homers as well and has played club softball for Rogue FC Kaye and Arizona Rising.
"Cian is best described as a steady and consistent player," said Hogue, "which is one of the hardest things to be in our game. She is an athlete who rarely swings and misses while showcasing significant pop. Her capacity to hit for power and utilize both sides of the plate will make her a fantastic addition to our roster."
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Cian is best described as a steady and consistent player. Her capacity to hit for power and utilize both sides of the plate will make her a fantastic addition to our roster."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/pZn8Ctl4EQ
Cian is the daughter of Cathy and Dan Noli and has two siblings, Cheyenne and Danny. Her sister, Cheyenne was a student-athlete at Cal State Northridge and her brother, Danny, is competing athletically at Fort Lauderdale University. Noli will be majoring in Special Education.
Kaelyn O'Rourke – Pitcher – Seaman High School – Topeka, Kan.
O'Rourke has achieved first-team all-league, first-team all-county and second-team all-state status during her time in the circle for the Seaman Vikings. She spent five years with Midwest Power Legacy starting in 2017, competed for Midwest Firecrackers 16u Wildey from 2022-24 and joined Top Gun National 18u in 2024.
"We are excited to have Kaelyn join our pitching staff," said Hogue. "She is someone we have had our eyes on for a while now. Her ability to spin the ball will be a great asset to get the best hitters out at the next level."
???????????? ??'???????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ?????? ??!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"We are excited to have Kaelyn join our pitching staff. Her ability to spin the ball will be a great asset to get the best hitters out at the next level."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/i15aqYEhQD
Kaelyn is the daughter of Adam and Tracy O'Rourke and has one sibling, Colin.
Brooke Tacke – Catcher – Riverton High School – Riverton, Utah.
Tacke's efforts have helped her team win two 6A State Championships, as well as three regional championships. Her contributions to those titles earned her a spot on the all-state second team. She was also recognized with her team's defensive player of the year and softball leadership awards. Tacke lettered in track and field in addition to softball.
Starting with Rip City softball in 2016, the Riverton, Utah native has put together a lengthy club career that also consists of stops at Nation Softball 14U, Nation Softball 16U, Utah Heat 06/07 and the Utah Fastpitch Club. She assisted in guiding her club team to a third-place finish in Premier Girls Fastpitch and served as a team captain.
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— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Brooke is one of the top catchers in our state and her defensive abilities are second to none. We look forward to having her stay home to play in front of her friends and family."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/1WoN5uoS1L
"We are excited to have another Utah native on our team," said Hogue. "Brooke is one of the top catchers in our state and her defensive abilities are second to none. We look forward to having her stay home to play in front of her friends and family."
Brooke is the daughter of Kash and Michelle Tacke and has one sibling, Alicia, who is a Utah alum. Tacke's intended major is Biology.
Danika Wilson – Outfielder – Gilroy High School – Gilroy, Calif.
Wilson has been part of four championship teams in her career, most recently at 2021 14U TC Nationals Silver, where her team took the top spot. She was a member of squads that took home titles at the 2018 Summer Spectacular, 2019 Swinging for a Cure and 2021 PGF National Berth as well. Wilson's list of stops on the club circuit consists of The Buzz, The Legends, The Wildcats, Blackjacks, Suncats, Warrior Academy and Suncats Jimenez. She has also earned the title of junior of the year and a spot on the all-league first-team while playing for Gilroy High School.
"Dani will be flying around our ballpark," said Hogue. "She is a true left-handed athlete with a strong arm and good speed. She's a dynamic player who will benefit us on both sides of the field. Her youthful enthusiasm is contagious and will significantly impact our team."
?????????????? ???? ?????? ??, ???????????? ????????????!
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 13, 2024
"Dani will be flying around our ballpark. She is a true left-handed athlete with a strong arm and good speed. She's a dynamic player who will benefit us on both sides of the field."
- Coach Amy Hogue#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/b7f5UDJj1n
Danika is the daughter of Ed and Melissa Wilson and has two siblings, Dallas and Savannah. Wilson will be aiming to earn a degree in Sports Journalism.
FOLLOW THE UTES!
Fans can follow along on social media (Twitter: @Utah_Softball |Instagram: @utahsoftball | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utessoftball).
OFFICIAL MOBILE APP OF UTAH ATHLETICS – UTAH 360
The official mobile app of Utah Athletics is Utah 360. Download it today to unlock a refreshed game-day experience that offers access to news and information, schedules, rosters, stats and behind-the-scenes videos, and allows fans to buy and manage game tickets and order concessions straight from their mobile device. The app is available in both the Apple Store (download) and Google Play (download). Add it today, access your game tickets and download them to your smartphone's wallet to make yourself game-day ready!
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