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
Decorated duo of transfers takes talents to GCU
6/27/2024 2:00:00 PM | Softball
Lopes add 2 experienced players with multiple years of eligibility
Grand Canyon is quickly reloading for next season with pitcher Maggie Place and utility player Emily Gonzalez transferring to join the Lopes for the 2025 season.
Place, an incoming sophomore from Oklahoma Baptist, brings a winning attitude to the pitching staff. In her freshman season, she went 17-8 record with 92 strikeouts over 134 innings of work. She was rewarded for her efforts by taking home the Great American Conference Freshman of the Year award.
"Maggie is a kid I am very familiar with," GCU head coach Shanon Hays said. "I have seen her pitch many times in travel ball and while winning the Oklahoma state championship.
"Getting a pitcher of her caliber really puts our staff in a good position for next year."
Hays saw plenty of Place as she played with Lopes sophomore catcher Tinley Lucas since they were 8 years old, eventually teaming up for Washington High School. Place and Lucas also played travel ball with GCU sophomore third baseman Mackenzie Nolan and incoming freshman pitcher Oakley Vickers. With Lucas cementing herself as a mainstay behind the dish, Lopes fans can expect instant chemistry when Place is in the circle.
Gonzalez will be entering her junior year after playing the last two seasons at WAC foe Southern Utah. Coming off an impressive year at the plate that landed her on the All-WAC first team, Gonzalez is expected to instantly impact the lineup moving forward.
"It's great adding such an accomplished transfer like Emily to our program," Hays said. "She was a nightmare for us to pitch to this past season and really put up great numbers in the WAC. She wanted to go to a faith-based university like GCU, so it's a great fit as well."
Gonzalez was at the top of the lineup for the Thunderbirds in 50 starts last season. Her .376 batting average led the team, and Gonzalez managed to accumulate the team's third most RBIs on the season despite hitting leadoff. With experience at the corner infield positions and outfield, Gonzalez will be a valuable asset to plug and play anywhere in Hays' lineup.
Place and Gonzalez provide multiple years of eligibility for Lopes fans to see them in GCU purple.
Place, an incoming sophomore from Oklahoma Baptist, brings a winning attitude to the pitching staff. In her freshman season, she went 17-8 record with 92 strikeouts over 134 innings of work. She was rewarded for her efforts by taking home the Great American Conference Freshman of the Year award.
"Maggie is a kid I am very familiar with," GCU head coach Shanon Hays said. "I have seen her pitch many times in travel ball and while winning the Oklahoma state championship.
"Getting a pitcher of her caliber really puts our staff in a good position for next year."
Hays saw plenty of Place as she played with Lopes sophomore catcher Tinley Lucas since they were 8 years old, eventually teaming up for Washington High School. Place and Lucas also played travel ball with GCU sophomore third baseman Mackenzie Nolan and incoming freshman pitcher Oakley Vickers. With Lucas cementing herself as a mainstay behind the dish, Lopes fans can expect instant chemistry when Place is in the circle.
Gonzalez will be entering her junior year after playing the last two seasons at WAC foe Southern Utah. Coming off an impressive year at the plate that landed her on the All-WAC first team, Gonzalez is expected to instantly impact the lineup moving forward.
"It's great adding such an accomplished transfer like Emily to our program," Hays said. "She was a nightmare for us to pitch to this past season and really put up great numbers in the WAC. She wanted to go to a faith-based university like GCU, so it's a great fit as well."
Gonzalez was at the top of the lineup for the Thunderbirds in 50 starts last season. Her .376 batting average led the team, and Gonzalez managed to accumulate the team's third most RBIs on the season despite hitting leadoff. With experience at the corner infield positions and outfield, Gonzalez will be a valuable asset to plug and play anywhere in Hays' lineup.
Place and Gonzalez provide multiple years of eligibility for Lopes fans to see them in GCU purple.
Players Mentioned
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