Pierson adds 6 signees for 2021

Grand Canyon softball announced a recruiting class of six signees who will join the program for the 2021 season.

The strong ties to in-state talent continue for GCU head coach Ann Pierson and her staff, which added five players from Arizona while landing the other signee from Utah.

"We are very excited about the 2020 signing class," Pierson said. "These young women bring speed, strength and a high softball IQ to the GCU softball program. They have looked forward to playing together for a long time and it's right around the corner. We celebrate the 2020 class."

The six incoming Lopes include right-handed pitcher Jacie Hambrick, catcher Izzabela Goerke, utility player Kaytlin Leyvas, infielder Nicole Hoffman, middle infielder Anjolee Aguilar-Beaucage and infielder Daisy Taloa.

The members will complete their high school careers this spring before enrolling at GCU for classes and training in August and having the opportunity to officially take the field in February 2020.

JACIE HAMBRICK | P | Bradshaw Mountain HS | Dewey, Ariz.

"I've watched Jacie since she was 8 years old because our paths crossed early in her career," Pierson said. "I knew then that Jacie was a special athlete with a big future. Jacie is a right-handed pitcher with speed and movement. She throws hard and spins the ball. She has a variety of pitches that she uses at any time. She is also a big left-handed bat with gap power and RBI potential. Jacie also has experience at first base and in the outfield, making her an extremely versatile athlete."

Hailing from Dewey, Arizona, Hambrick has competed for Bradshaw Mountain High School for three seasons. After a successful 2019 campaign, she was a Gatorade Player of the Year nominee, All-Arizona 4A Conference first-team selection, all-region first-team pitcher and an honoree on National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Region West , NFCA All-Academic, Arizona All-Academic and All-Area Softball teams. During her junior year, Hambrick attended an open tryout for the Women's Junior National Team and was one of two pitchers chosen for selections trials, where most of the players were collegiate freshmen.

As a junior, Hambrick had an ERA of 0.93, a 15-2 record, 185 strikeouts, a perfect game, two no-hitters, 11 shutouts and no errors. At the plate, she hit .455 with four home runs, 41 RBIs and a .508 on-base percentage.

She plans to major in Finance.

IZZABELA GOERKE | C | Sahuaro HS | Tucson, Ariz.

"Bela is a talented catcher with an extremely strong arm," Pierson said. "She is a leader behind the plate with an ability to work with all types of pitchers. Her presence makes her a natural to run the field. She is a right-handed RBI bat with home run power and will be counted on for run production."

Goerke, a native of Tucson, Arizona, was a four-year varsity starter at Sahuaro High School. She was also named the team's Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 2018 while earning all-region first team honors.

She intends to major in Cybersecurity.

KAYTLIN LEYVAS | U | Cactus HS | Peoria, Ariz.

"Kayt is a true utility player with experience behind the plate, in the outfield and on the right side of the infield," Pierson said. "Her versatility allows for depth in all positions. She runs well and covers ground in the outfield and also possesses a strong throwing arm. Kayt is also a power left-handed bat that will garner RBIs, as well as a slapper and bunter to set the table. Kayt has an extremely high softball IQ and loves the strategies of the game."

From Peoria, Arizona, Leyvas was named a varsity leader as a freshman at Cactus High School. She received the 2018 Hot Bat Award and 2019 Golden Glove Award. Leyvas was named to the all-distrct first team, along with all-conference first-team honors as a sophomore and junior. In her junior season, she was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.

She is planning to major in Early Education.

NICOLE HOFFMAN | INF | O'Connor HS | Glendale, Ariz.

"Nicole is a utility infielder who will see most time at first base," Pierson said. "Nic is a quicker learner and strong competitor who can replace a senior-heavy right side. Nic also is a right-handed bat with home run and gap power. She will be an RBI producer."

From Glendale, Arizona, Hoffman was named to the 6A all-region team for Sandra Day O'Connor High School. In her junior season, Hoffman had a .370 batting average with 8 home runs to lead O'Connor to a state championship.

She intends to major in Biology with an emphasis in Physical Therapy.

ANJOLEE AGUILAR-BEAUCAGE | INF | Salpointe Catholic HS | Tucson, Ariz.

"Anj is a versatile athlete who will see time in the middle infield positions," Pierson said. "She has quick feet to extend her already strong range and adds a very strong throwing arm to throw runners out from deep in the hole. Anj is a right-handed bat with power to all fields and runs extremely well, putting pressure on the defense. Anj is another strong game-sense kid who provides presence on the field."

A Tucson native, Aguilar-Beaucage won the Lancer Award and the Outstanding Dedication Award at Salpointe Catholic High School. She was a four-year varsity starter who is serving as team captain for a second consecutive year. She was named Kino Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 when she helped lead the team to its second consecutive state championship.

Anjolee plans to major in Biology with an emphasis in Pre-Physician Assistant. She will follow her sister, Brianna, who will be a senior pitcher for the Lopes this spring.

DAISY TALOA | INF | West HS | Rose Park, Utah

"Daisy is a versatile left-side infielder with a strong arm, smooth hands and quick feet," Pierson said. "She is fearless and quick at third base, and possesses quick feet and a strong arm for shortstop. She is also a right-handed power bat, homeruns and RBI's to all fields. Daisy is a fierce competitor, adding stability and strength to the infield."

Taloa hails from Rose Park, Utah where she has been a starter on West High School's varsity team every year. She has helped lead her team to two region championships and state championships in 2017 and 2019. Taloa was named an all-state honorable mention in 2018 and made the all-state first team in 2019. In her high school career thus far, she has 24 home runs and a batting average of .480.

She plans to major in Secondary Education.

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