Long Beach State University Athletics
Photo by: Scott Quintard
Softball Welcomes Four Newcomers For The Upcoming 2023 Season
9/14/2022 9:45:00 AM | Softball
The Beach will add two Division I transfers and two incoming freshman to the squad.
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Kim Sowder and the rest of the Long Beach State coaching staff have secured the commitment of four newcomers who will join a veteran returning core as the Beach prepares for the upcoming 2023 season.
The Beach is excited to be bringing in a pair of Division I transfers and two incoming freshman who will bolster the team as Long Beach State looks to retake the top spot in the Big West after finishing in second place one season ago.
Eryka Gonzalez comes to the Beach from CSUN, where she pitched during the 2021 campaign before taking last year off. Gonzales led the Matadors in appearances that season with 20, and made nine starts while leading CSUN with 45 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
"Eryka is a tough competitor in the circle," said Sowder. "Her consistency and experience will add to the strength of the pitching staff and our team.
Makayla Medellin is an outfielder from Yorba Linda who impressed over four seasons at Yorba Linda High School, and comes to the Beach as a top student as well. "Makayla is an athletic outfielder who comes from a highly competitive team and will add great depth to both our defense and offense," noted Sowder. "She has a tremendous work ethic and focus that will make us better."
Selena Perez is a top recruit out of the state of Arizona. A three-time first team all-conference selection, Perez hit 13 home runs as a senior and was named the Region Player of the Year while also standing out with her defense at shortstop. "Selena is a smooth and talented shortstop with a solid bat to go with it," said Sowder. "She's very athletic and plays with a lot of passion which will bring good energy to the team."
Finally, Long Beach State will welcome a rival from across the league in Teah Theis. Thies joins Long Beach State as a graduate transfer for her final year of eligibility after starring for four years at UC Santa Barbara. During her time with the Gauchos, Theis earned All-Big West honors and led UCSB in home runs a season ago while finishing the year with 23 RBI.
"Teah will bring experience and maturity to our battery," said Sowder. "She has always been a great competitor and leader and we're excited that she'll be finishing off her career at the Beach."
Long Beach State begins fall practice soon and is set to start competitive play this coming February.
The Beach is excited to be bringing in a pair of Division I transfers and two incoming freshman who will bolster the team as Long Beach State looks to retake the top spot in the Big West after finishing in second place one season ago.
Eryka Gonzalez comes to the Beach from CSUN, where she pitched during the 2021 campaign before taking last year off. Gonzales led the Matadors in appearances that season with 20, and made nine starts while leading CSUN with 45 strikeouts in 70 innings pitched.
"Eryka is a tough competitor in the circle," said Sowder. "Her consistency and experience will add to the strength of the pitching staff and our team.
Makayla Medellin is an outfielder from Yorba Linda who impressed over four seasons at Yorba Linda High School, and comes to the Beach as a top student as well. "Makayla is an athletic outfielder who comes from a highly competitive team and will add great depth to both our defense and offense," noted Sowder. "She has a tremendous work ethic and focus that will make us better."
Selena Perez is a top recruit out of the state of Arizona. A three-time first team all-conference selection, Perez hit 13 home runs as a senior and was named the Region Player of the Year while also standing out with her defense at shortstop. "Selena is a smooth and talented shortstop with a solid bat to go with it," said Sowder. "She's very athletic and plays with a lot of passion which will bring good energy to the team."
Finally, Long Beach State will welcome a rival from across the league in Teah Theis. Thies joins Long Beach State as a graduate transfer for her final year of eligibility after starring for four years at UC Santa Barbara. During her time with the Gauchos, Theis earned All-Big West honors and led UCSB in home runs a season ago while finishing the year with 23 RBI.
"Teah will bring experience and maturity to our battery," said Sowder. "She has always been a great competitor and leader and we're excited that she'll be finishing off her career at the Beach."
Long Beach State begins fall practice soon and is set to start competitive play this coming February.
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