Bronx, N.Y. – Head coach
Melissa Inouye and the Fordham softball program have today announced their 2019 recruiting class, comprised of one junior transfer and four freshmen. Aubree Barney arrives after spending her first two collegiate years at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, Washington, while Amanda Carey, Michaela Carter, Devon Miller, and Katelyn Vara make up the four-person graduating Class of 2023.
"Our coaching staff is excited to announce our incoming recruiting class of five quality student-athletes who have had success on and off the field," Inouye said, "This talented class brings athleticism, versatility, and competitiveness to our program. We feel that they will help us continue to succeed in the Atlantic 10 and in postseason play. We look forward to seeing them compete and succeed on the field and in the classroom as a part of our Fordham Softball 'Ramily'."
Barney, a 5'6 catcher from Salem, Utah, comes to the Bronx with two years of collegiate experience to her name. While with Big Bend, Barney was named a NFCA and Northwest Athletic Conference All-American this past year while batting .400 with 13 doubles, 14 home runs, 56 RBI, 59 runs, and a 6/21 K/BB ratio, and serving as a team captain. Prior to that, Barney played at Salem Hills High School and played her club ball with Especially 4 Athlete.
Coach Inouye on Barney – "Aubree has good fundamentals and will add some experience behind the plate coming in with two years of collegiate softball under her belt. She has a good arm and has the ability to hit for average and power."
Carey, a 5'5 catcher from Mentone, California, where she was a four-year varsity starter at Redlands East Valley. During her time there, she earned CBL First Team and Second Team honors, was a So Cal Prep Legends Female Athlete of the Week and a two-time Scholar Athlete award winner. She played her club ball with the So Cal Choppers.
Coach Inouye on Carey – "Amanda has a good arm and receives the ball well. She adds depth behind the plate and we look forward to expanding on her skills."
Carter, a 5'7 left-handed outfielder, hails from Duvall, Washington, where she played four seasons at Cedarcrest. Carter helped her team to three Cascade Conference championships and one District title, the latter coming during her freshman season where she earned All-Conference honorable mention and was a KING 5 News Player of the Week once. Carter was named to the First Team all three of her next seasons and was named her league's Offensive MVP as a junior. As a senior, she was named First Team All-State and Team MVP while serving as a team captain. She played her club ball with the Washington Ladyhawks, the same club that four former Rams competed for (
Jordy Storm, Morgan Figueroa, Lindsay Bright, and Erin Fisher).
Coach Inouye on Carter – Michaela is a gritty type of player that plays the game hard and with good energy. She has good speed as a triple threat lefty and will add depth in the outfield."
Miller, a 5'8 pitcher, hails from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, where she played at Bishop Shanahan. Her career accolades include the Pennsylvania State Softball Association 5A Player of the Year, the Daily Local News Player of the Year and First Team member, and a Chesmont League First Team selection, while breaking the 1,000-strikeout milestone during her tenure. Miller played her club ball with the Rhode Island Thunder, former clubs of Fordham alums
Madi Shaw and Elise Fortier. Off the field, she was a member of the National Honor Society.
Coach Inouye on Miller – "Devon has a strong pitching frame with good velocity on her pitches and has the ability to be a power pitcher. She is a solid competitor and a good addition to our pitching staff."
Vara, a 5'7 left-handed outfielder, arrives in the Bronx from Rochester, N.Y., where she played at Our Lady of Mercy. Her first accolade came in 2015 when named Second Team All-County. As a freshman, she was named her team's Offensive MVP and her team's Defensive MVP as a junior and senior. A four-time Private Parochial First Team selection and two-time All-Greater Rochester First Team member, Vara has helped her school to two Section 5 championships – in 2017 and 2018, the latter while earning Second Team All-State accolades. She played her club ball with the Conklin Raiders. Off the field, she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a four-time Scholarship Roll and Scholar-Athlete recipient.
Coach Inouye on Vara -
"Kate is a hard-nosed type of player who is willing to do whatever it takes to win. She has a strong build and definitely has the ability to hit the ball hard and far."
