Completed Event: Softball at Colorado State on May 2, 2026 , Win , 11, to, 2 , (5 inn.)
Softball
at Colorado State
W 11-2
Grand Canyon University Athletics
Lopes find talent in transfer portal
2/7/2023 4:09:00 PM | Softball
GCU adds 9 transfers, including 5 from junior college pipeline
The Grand Canyon softball program welcomes nine acclaimed transfers to the 2023 roster, featuring All-WAC infielder Ramsay Lopez, All-Big Sky honorable pitcher Meghan Golden, All-Lone Star infielder Madison Schaefer, Big-Ten utility player and five junior college stars, including national co-players of the year and infielders Lovey Kepa'a and CC Wong, as well as outfielder Kayla Rodgers and pitchers Emily Darwin and Hailey Hudson.
RAMSAY LOPEZ
Infielder - Senior - New Mexico State
"Ramsay gives us a legitimate power presence in the middle of our lineup," Lopes head coach Shanon Hays said. "She is an experienced hitter and a tough out."
Lopez, a Preseason All-WAC selection, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and spent the last three years with New Mexico State. As an Aggie, Lopez became a two-time All-WAC first-team honoree, and was named to the 2021 All-WAC Tournament team. Last season, Lopez hit.317 with 40 runs, 42 RBIs, six doubles, a team-best 17 home runs and a .710 slugging percentage.
"I picked GCU because of the fun and competitive environment of the program," Lopez said. "I am so glad to be part of this amazing team, and am very excited for the conference championship, as well as the opportunity to compete in the postseason."
KAYLA RODGERS
Outfielder - Junior - Yavapai College
"We are counting on Kayla to make an impact in our lineup," Hays said. "Not only is she a left-handed hitter, but she is really solid in the outfield as well."
Rodgers, the two-time All-American, led the nation with 105 hits and a Yavapai-record 108 runs. She ranked fifth in slugging percentage (1.130), sixth in batting average (.544), walks (32), doubles (25), steals (17) and on-base percentage (.607), and seventh in RBIs (87), home runs (26) and triples (5) last year. The all-conference first-team outfielder was awarded National Fastpitch Coaches Association first-team all-region, National Junior College Athletic Association all-region, and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Week three times, wrapping up the season as the Yavapai career leader in triples (8).
"I chose to come to GCU because of the overall atmosphere with the team and coaches," Rodgers said. "I loved the Christian and competitive energy this team embodied, and I'm super excited to go out and compete with them."
MADSION SCHAEFER
Infielder - Senior - Texas A&M Commerce
"Madison is an experienced and talented player that will be a mainstay in our lineup and at third base," Hays said. "I had to face her back when I was at Oklahoma Christian, and she was one of the top DII players in the nation."
Schaefer, a transfer from Texas A&M Commerce, batted a team-best .371 in 55 games last season with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs, 40 runs, 18 stolen bases, 15 doubles and a .674 slugging percentage. The three-time, first-team All-Lone Star Conference honoree, and four-time region selection also earned College Sports Communicators all-district and all-America honors, as well as a spot on the All-Lone Star Tournament team after posting five RBIs and two home runs on eight at bats.
"I came to GCU because of the great coaching staff and the level of competition I will have the opportunity to play at," Schaefer said. "In my last year, I'm most excited about having fun with great teammates."
HAILEY HUDSON
Pitcher - Junior - McLennan Community College
"Hailey should be one of our key starters in the circle," Hays said. "She is super talented, and we'll definitely lean on her this season."
Hudson was named the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, after collecting a 1.66 ERA with 172 strikeouts and posting a 25-3 record last season. Hudson also earned a spot on all-NTJCAC first team, NJCAA All-Region V and the NJCAA Division I National Championship's all-tournament team.
"I chose GCU for the coaching staff and team atmosphere," Hudson said.
CC WONG
Infielder - Junior - McLennan Community College
"CC is a great talent with a lot of juice in her bat," Hays said. "I expect her to make an impact on our program for the next two years."
Wong, the 2022 NJCAA Division I Co-Player of the Year with fellow Lopes newcomer Lovey Kepa'a, led the nation with a .580 batting average, was third with 91 RBIs and ranked fourth with 27 home runs. The McLennan Community College transfer is also a two-time all-NTJCAC first-team selection, two-time NTJCAC Offensive Player of the Year, two-time NFCA West All-Region honoree, two-time NFCA All-American, NJCAA Most Outstanding Offensive Player, NJCAA All-Region honoree and a member of the NJCAA Division I National Championship;s all-tournament team.
"I chose GCU because I knew as soon as I visited that it would be the place where I could grow to my best potential as an athlete and as a person, while being surrounded by some incredible people," Wong said. "I'm excited to work hard with an amazing group of teammates that are all striving to accomplish some great things this season,"
KAITLYN BRANNSTROM
Utility - Redshirt Junior - Purdue
"KB is an awesome addition to our team," Hays said. "She's an experienced player and is a super teammate as well."
Brannstrom, a transfer from Purdue, played every game for the Boilermakers, and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and Freshman Team last season. The Portage, Mich. native led the team and the conference with 30 RBIs, producing nine games with multiple RBIs, and led Purdue with five home runs, notching one in each of the last five series of the season.
"I chose GCU for the team dynamic, and for the opportunity to be part of something greater than myself, " Brannstrom said.
EMILY DARWIN
Pitcher - Sophomore - Yavapai College
"Emily has super potential, and I'm excited to see how she will develop," Hays said. "She gives brings power, and I think she will really help us this year."
Darwin, a transfer from Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, was the NJCAA Division I Region I Tournament MVP and posted the fifth-winningest record in the nation (25-3) last season for junior college players. With a 1.92 ERA, she struck out 163 batters in 149 2/3 innings. The two-time ACCAC Pitcher of the Week hit .391 with two home runs, one of which was at the national tournament. Darwin also earned first-team all-conference and all-region honors from the NJCAA and NFCA.
"I chose GCU because of the coaches and the atmosphere of the campus," Darwin said.
MEGHAN GOLDEN
Pitcher - Sophomore - Northern Colorado
"Meghan had a strong freshman year at Northern Colorado, but we're glad that she wanted to get back home," Hays said of the Peoria Centennial High School graduate. "She has the ability to add some punch to our team, so I'm excited to see how she performs in the circle."
Golden broke the Northern Colorado single-game strikeout program record (15), led the team with a 3.81 ERA, recorded 14 wins and posted three shutouts last season. Golden started 28 of the Bears' 30 games, pitching 15 complete games and a total of 152 2/3 innings.
"I was always interested in GCU, and when I had the opportunity to play against them last year, it was great to see how much Coach Hays has already changed the program," Golden said. "My goal was to join a growing program and play closer to home; I am excited to be part of such a strong team."
LOVEY KEPA'A
Infielder - Sophomore - Yavapai College
"Lovey is an infielder with super hands and a high ceiling for power hitting," Hays said of the Hawaii product. "I expect her to make her mark on our program over the next two years."
Kepa'a, the 2022 NJCCA Division I Co-Player of the Year with fellow Lopes newcomer CC Wong, broke single-season school records and led the nation with 34 home runs and 104 RBIs, while also ranking sixth in the country for batting average (.479) and seventh for slugging percentage (1.068) and on-base percentage (.569). The two-time All-American and two-time all-region honoree was also named the 2022 ACCAC Player of the Year and NJCAA Home Run Derby champion.
"Choosing GCU was easy, and it just felt right," Kepa'a said. "From the moment I walked onto campus, I knew I wanted it to be my home. Meeting the girls and coaches topped it off, and just gave me that family feeling. These girls are my sisters on and off the field, and I can't wait to see how far we go this season."
RAMSAY LOPEZInfielder - Senior - New Mexico State
"Ramsay gives us a legitimate power presence in the middle of our lineup," Lopes head coach Shanon Hays said. "She is an experienced hitter and a tough out."
Lopez, a Preseason All-WAC selection, hails from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and spent the last three years with New Mexico State. As an Aggie, Lopez became a two-time All-WAC first-team honoree, and was named to the 2021 All-WAC Tournament team. Last season, Lopez hit.317 with 40 runs, 42 RBIs, six doubles, a team-best 17 home runs and a .710 slugging percentage.
"I picked GCU because of the fun and competitive environment of the program," Lopez said. "I am so glad to be part of this amazing team, and am very excited for the conference championship, as well as the opportunity to compete in the postseason."
KAYLA RODGERS
Outfielder - Junior - Yavapai College
"We are counting on Kayla to make an impact in our lineup," Hays said. "Not only is she a left-handed hitter, but she is really solid in the outfield as well."
Rodgers, the two-time All-American, led the nation with 105 hits and a Yavapai-record 108 runs. She ranked fifth in slugging percentage (1.130), sixth in batting average (.544), walks (32), doubles (25), steals (17) and on-base percentage (.607), and seventh in RBIs (87), home runs (26) and triples (5) last year. The all-conference first-team outfielder was awarded National Fastpitch Coaches Association first-team all-region, National Junior College Athletic Association all-region, and Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Player of the Week three times, wrapping up the season as the Yavapai career leader in triples (8).
"I chose to come to GCU because of the overall atmosphere with the team and coaches," Rodgers said. "I loved the Christian and competitive energy this team embodied, and I'm super excited to go out and compete with them."
MADSION SCHAEFERInfielder - Senior - Texas A&M Commerce
"Madison is an experienced and talented player that will be a mainstay in our lineup and at third base," Hays said. "I had to face her back when I was at Oklahoma Christian, and she was one of the top DII players in the nation."
Schaefer, a transfer from Texas A&M Commerce, batted a team-best .371 in 55 games last season with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs, 40 runs, 18 stolen bases, 15 doubles and a .674 slugging percentage. The three-time, first-team All-Lone Star Conference honoree, and four-time region selection also earned College Sports Communicators all-district and all-America honors, as well as a spot on the All-Lone Star Tournament team after posting five RBIs and two home runs on eight at bats.
"I came to GCU because of the great coaching staff and the level of competition I will have the opportunity to play at," Schaefer said. "In my last year, I'm most excited about having fun with great teammates."
HAILEY HUDSON
Pitcher - Junior - McLennan Community College
"Hailey should be one of our key starters in the circle," Hays said. "She is super talented, and we'll definitely lean on her this season."
Hudson was named the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, after collecting a 1.66 ERA with 172 strikeouts and posting a 25-3 record last season. Hudson also earned a spot on all-NTJCAC first team, NJCAA All-Region V and the NJCAA Division I National Championship's all-tournament team.
"I chose GCU for the coaching staff and team atmosphere," Hudson said.
CC WONGInfielder - Junior - McLennan Community College
"CC is a great talent with a lot of juice in her bat," Hays said. "I expect her to make an impact on our program for the next two years."
Wong, the 2022 NJCAA Division I Co-Player of the Year with fellow Lopes newcomer Lovey Kepa'a, led the nation with a .580 batting average, was third with 91 RBIs and ranked fourth with 27 home runs. The McLennan Community College transfer is also a two-time all-NTJCAC first-team selection, two-time NTJCAC Offensive Player of the Year, two-time NFCA West All-Region honoree, two-time NFCA All-American, NJCAA Most Outstanding Offensive Player, NJCAA All-Region honoree and a member of the NJCAA Division I National Championship;s all-tournament team.
"I chose GCU because I knew as soon as I visited that it would be the place where I could grow to my best potential as an athlete and as a person, while being surrounded by some incredible people," Wong said. "I'm excited to work hard with an amazing group of teammates that are all striving to accomplish some great things this season,"
KAITLYN BRANNSTROM
Utility - Redshirt Junior - Purdue
"KB is an awesome addition to our team," Hays said. "She's an experienced player and is a super teammate as well."
Brannstrom, a transfer from Purdue, played every game for the Boilermakers, and was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and Freshman Team last season. The Portage, Mich. native led the team and the conference with 30 RBIs, producing nine games with multiple RBIs, and led Purdue with five home runs, notching one in each of the last five series of the season.
"I chose GCU for the team dynamic, and for the opportunity to be part of something greater than myself, " Brannstrom said.
EMILY DARWINPitcher - Sophomore - Yavapai College
"Emily has super potential, and I'm excited to see how she will develop," Hays said. "She gives brings power, and I think she will really help us this year."
Darwin, a transfer from Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona, was the NJCAA Division I Region I Tournament MVP and posted the fifth-winningest record in the nation (25-3) last season for junior college players. With a 1.92 ERA, she struck out 163 batters in 149 2/3 innings. The two-time ACCAC Pitcher of the Week hit .391 with two home runs, one of which was at the national tournament. Darwin also earned first-team all-conference and all-region honors from the NJCAA and NFCA.
"I chose GCU because of the coaches and the atmosphere of the campus," Darwin said.
MEGHAN GOLDENPitcher - Sophomore - Northern Colorado
"Meghan had a strong freshman year at Northern Colorado, but we're glad that she wanted to get back home," Hays said of the Peoria Centennial High School graduate. "She has the ability to add some punch to our team, so I'm excited to see how she performs in the circle."
Golden broke the Northern Colorado single-game strikeout program record (15), led the team with a 3.81 ERA, recorded 14 wins and posted three shutouts last season. Golden started 28 of the Bears' 30 games, pitching 15 complete games and a total of 152 2/3 innings.
"I was always interested in GCU, and when I had the opportunity to play against them last year, it was great to see how much Coach Hays has already changed the program," Golden said. "My goal was to join a growing program and play closer to home; I am excited to be part of such a strong team."
LOVEY KEPA'A
Infielder - Sophomore - Yavapai College
"Lovey is an infielder with super hands and a high ceiling for power hitting," Hays said of the Hawaii product. "I expect her to make her mark on our program over the next two years."
Kepa'a, the 2022 NJCCA Division I Co-Player of the Year with fellow Lopes newcomer CC Wong, broke single-season school records and led the nation with 34 home runs and 104 RBIs, while also ranking sixth in the country for batting average (.479) and seventh for slugging percentage (1.068) and on-base percentage (.569). The two-time All-American and two-time all-region honoree was also named the 2022 ACCAC Player of the Year and NJCAA Home Run Derby champion.
"Choosing GCU was easy, and it just felt right," Kepa'a said. "From the moment I walked onto campus, I knew I wanted it to be my home. Meeting the girls and coaches topped it off, and just gave me that family feeling. These girls are my sisters on and off the field, and I can't wait to see how far we go this season."
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