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Softball Introduces Eight-Member Class of 2024
5/13/2020 12:09:00 PM | Softball
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown University softball will welcome eight incoming freshmen to the program for the 2021 season as part of its Class of 2024, head coach Kate Refsnyder announced on Wednesday.
The group includes three newcomers from the state of Illinois, two from California, two from Texas, and one from Iowa. The cohort provides the Bears with a versatile group of student-athletes who collectively can play in the battery, infield, and outfield.
The Brown Class of 2024 includes pitcher Jodie Aguirre (Alvin, Texas), pitcher/first base Jaiden Ditimus (Temecula, Calif.), utility Dara English (Redondo Beach, Calif.), utility Jayme Gross (Orland Park, Ill.), pitcher/outfield Hayleigh Juenger (O'Fallon, Ill.), catcher/utility Moe Kastens (Edwardsville, Ill.), utility Layla Lynch (Katy, Texas), and utility Brianna Rodriguez (Des Moines, Iowa).
Jodie Aguirre
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5-foot-1 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Alvin, Texas
High School: Alvin
Club Team: Aces Express Gold
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-Greater Houston and Second Team TSWA All-State honors … Selected as a 2019 Maxpreps National High School Underclassmen All-American … Garnered BSN Sports & Under Armour Women of Will Student-Athlete of the Year accolades … Helped team win three district titles … Gained District MVP honors … Posted a 0.92 ERA, 149 strikeouts, and a 20-1 record in 2020 … Notched a 1.13 ERA, 343 strikeouts, and a 34-5 record in 2019; set single-season program records for strikeouts and wins … Played for coaches David McCorkle and Tiffany Neal … Competed on the club level for Aces Express Gold … Graduated as Alvin's valedictorian.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because the entire vibe of Brown is so uplifting, the campus is beautiful, and the people are so encouraging. Also, the Brown softball coaches are amazing, and on my official visit I got to know most of the team and found out I had a lot in common with them. The team has such a special bond that I am so excited to be a part of. The best part is that I get to receive one of the best educations while playing the game I love at a DI level."
Jaiden Ditimus
Position: Pitcher/First Base
Height: 5-6 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Temecula, Calif.
High School: Temecula Valley
Club Team: Breakers Labs
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-League honors in 2019 … Gained Team MVP and Office Player of the Year accolades in 2019 … Captained team as a senior … Helped team make the second round of the CIF tournament in 2019 … Played for head coach Christy Latteri … Played on the club level for Breakers Labs (2016-20) and Athletics Mercado (2014-16) … Also competed in tennis for head coach Brandon Herman … Gained the Student-Athlete award three times … Principal's Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because I wanted to receive a topnotch education, while competing at the Division I level, along with the aspiring opportunities of a Brown degree."
Dara English
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-5 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Redondo Beach, Calif.
High School: Redondo Union
Club Teams: So Cal A's National Team, Marucci Patriots, Ohana Tigers, Firecrackers
Prep Accolades: Gained Second Team All-Bay League honors in both 2017 and 2018 … Earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 … Started at shortstop all four years for Redondo Union … Captained team as a senior … Served as Redondo Union Athletic Alliance Representative as a sophomore … Helped team reach CIF Southern Section Quarterfinals in 2019 … Hit .357 as a sophomore and .341 as a junior … Competed on the club level for So Cal A's National Team (18U), Marucci Patriots (16U), Ohana Tigers (14U/16U), and Firecrackers (14U); played for Team USA member Sahvanna Jaquish with the Marucci Patriots … Principal's Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "From the moment I stepped on campus, Brown felt like home. I've always wanted to play competitive softball, while getting a top-level education, and for those reasons, Brown is the perfect fit. The open curriculum offers me a chance to explore many different areas of study, which is perfect for me because I'm not completely sure what I want to concentrate in."
Jayme Gross
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-7 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Orland Park, Ill.
High School: Carl Sandburg
Club Team: Nationals Fastpitch
Prep Accolades: Helped team win a regional championship as a varsity starter … Played for coaches James Fabianski, Amanda Allison, and Lauren Meister … Qualified for the state championships three times in tennis, gaining All-State accolades in doubles in 2018 and 2019 … Served as a captain in tennis and basketball … Played on the club level for Nationals Fastpitch … Also competed in tennis and basketball … Earned Honorable Mention IHSA All-State Academic Team honors … Graduated in the top one percent of her class … National Merit Commended Scholar, National Honor Society, and AP Scholar with Distinction student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because it provides me with the opportunity to play softball at the highest level (Division I) and to receive an excellent education. I also love the open curriculum which will allow me to explore all of my passions without restriction."
Hayleigh Juenger
Position: Pitcher/Outfield
Height: 5-foot-6 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: O'Fallon, Ill.
High School: O'Fallon Township
Club Team: Extreme Elite Softball
Prep Accolades: Garnered BND 3A-4A Softball Player of the Year honors as a junior … Earned First Team All-Conference honors as a junior … Gained Second Team All-Conference accolades as a freshman and sophomore … Played for head coach Lauren Muniz … Competed on the club level for Extreme Elite Softball … National Honor Society student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons was because I wanted the opportunity to play Division I softball but still be able to prioritize my education. Another reason was because I absolutely love the diversity that Brown offers."
Moe Kastens
Position: Catcher/Utility
Height: 5-foot-4 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Edwardsville, Ill.
High School: Edwardsville
Club Team: Extreme Elite Softball
Prep Accolades: Earned Third Team All-State accolades … Gained Third Team All-Southwest Conference honors … Posted a .438 batting average and .471 on-base percentage as a sophomore and .398 batting average and .485 on-base percentage as a junior … Played for coaches Lori Blade, Ron Schmittling, and Alexa Potts … Competed on the club level for Extreme Elite Softball … National Honor Society and high honor roll student … Earned All-Academic Athlete laurels.
Why Brown? "Brown provides an opportunity for me to grow in all directions. I am able to continue my athletic career and pursue academic interests at the highest level."
Layla Lynch
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-2 | B/T: L/R
Hometown: Katy, Texas
High School: Cypress Lakes
Club Team: Texas Elite 18U Gold-Fobian
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-District honors three times; twice as an outfielder (2017, 2018) and once as an infielder (2019) … Earned All-Greater Houston accolades as an outfielder twice … Garnered TWSA Third Team All-State laurels in 2018 … Gained a spot on the District 17-6A All-Academic Team three times … Earned Cypress Lakes Offensive MVP in 2018 … Hit .412 or above in all four seasons, including hitting .552 as a sophomore and .453 as a senior … Played for head coach Meghan Taylor … Competed on the club level for Texas Elite 18U Gold-Fobian and coaches Mark Fobian and Tim Swanson … Distinguished Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "Brown allows me to receive one of the best educations, while also competing for softball at the highest level. I felt at home when I visited the campus and loved the supportive and collaborative atmosphere. I also love the open curriculum and the fact that they get to see all four seasons!"
Brianna Rodriguez
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-7 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
High School: Dowling Catholic
Club Team: Iowa Premier
Prep Accolades: Earned All-Conference honors … Selected as Iowa Preps' top third baseman in 2020 … Helped team win conference and qualify for state championships in 2017 … Played for head coach Matt Murillo … Competed on the club level for Iowa Premier and head coach Greg Dickle; helped team earn a top-25 club team ranking … Won a Platinum Division Championship in 2019 … Competed with the USSSA Elite Select Central Region and Top Gun Elite Select … Also played basketball for head coach Kirstin Meyer … Earned Scholar Athlete honors … Presidential Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because it's a place where I can not only play the sport I love but also excel in academics and receive a good degree as well."
Gallery: (5-13-2020) Softball Class of 2024
The group includes three newcomers from the state of Illinois, two from California, two from Texas, and one from Iowa. The cohort provides the Bears with a versatile group of student-athletes who collectively can play in the battery, infield, and outfield.
The Brown Class of 2024 includes pitcher Jodie Aguirre (Alvin, Texas), pitcher/first base Jaiden Ditimus (Temecula, Calif.), utility Dara English (Redondo Beach, Calif.), utility Jayme Gross (Orland Park, Ill.), pitcher/outfield Hayleigh Juenger (O'Fallon, Ill.), catcher/utility Moe Kastens (Edwardsville, Ill.), utility Layla Lynch (Katy, Texas), and utility Brianna Rodriguez (Des Moines, Iowa).
Jodie Aguirre
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5-foot-1 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Alvin, Texas
High School: Alvin
Club Team: Aces Express Gold
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-Greater Houston and Second Team TSWA All-State honors … Selected as a 2019 Maxpreps National High School Underclassmen All-American … Garnered BSN Sports & Under Armour Women of Will Student-Athlete of the Year accolades … Helped team win three district titles … Gained District MVP honors … Posted a 0.92 ERA, 149 strikeouts, and a 20-1 record in 2020 … Notched a 1.13 ERA, 343 strikeouts, and a 34-5 record in 2019; set single-season program records for strikeouts and wins … Played for coaches David McCorkle and Tiffany Neal … Competed on the club level for Aces Express Gold … Graduated as Alvin's valedictorian.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because the entire vibe of Brown is so uplifting, the campus is beautiful, and the people are so encouraging. Also, the Brown softball coaches are amazing, and on my official visit I got to know most of the team and found out I had a lot in common with them. The team has such a special bond that I am so excited to be a part of. The best part is that I get to receive one of the best educations while playing the game I love at a DI level."
Jaiden Ditimus
Position: Pitcher/First Base
Height: 5-6 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Temecula, Calif.
High School: Temecula Valley
Club Team: Breakers Labs
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-League honors in 2019 … Gained Team MVP and Office Player of the Year accolades in 2019 … Captained team as a senior … Helped team make the second round of the CIF tournament in 2019 … Played for head coach Christy Latteri … Played on the club level for Breakers Labs (2016-20) and Athletics Mercado (2014-16) … Also competed in tennis for head coach Brandon Herman … Gained the Student-Athlete award three times … Principal's Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because I wanted to receive a topnotch education, while competing at the Division I level, along with the aspiring opportunities of a Brown degree."
Dara English
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-5 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Redondo Beach, Calif.
High School: Redondo Union
Club Teams: So Cal A's National Team, Marucci Patriots, Ohana Tigers, Firecrackers
Prep Accolades: Gained Second Team All-Bay League honors in both 2017 and 2018 … Earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 … Started at shortstop all four years for Redondo Union … Captained team as a senior … Served as Redondo Union Athletic Alliance Representative as a sophomore … Helped team reach CIF Southern Section Quarterfinals in 2019 … Hit .357 as a sophomore and .341 as a junior … Competed on the club level for So Cal A's National Team (18U), Marucci Patriots (16U), Ohana Tigers (14U/16U), and Firecrackers (14U); played for Team USA member Sahvanna Jaquish with the Marucci Patriots … Principal's Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "From the moment I stepped on campus, Brown felt like home. I've always wanted to play competitive softball, while getting a top-level education, and for those reasons, Brown is the perfect fit. The open curriculum offers me a chance to explore many different areas of study, which is perfect for me because I'm not completely sure what I want to concentrate in."
Jayme Gross
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-7 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Orland Park, Ill.
High School: Carl Sandburg
Club Team: Nationals Fastpitch
Prep Accolades: Helped team win a regional championship as a varsity starter … Played for coaches James Fabianski, Amanda Allison, and Lauren Meister … Qualified for the state championships three times in tennis, gaining All-State accolades in doubles in 2018 and 2019 … Served as a captain in tennis and basketball … Played on the club level for Nationals Fastpitch … Also competed in tennis and basketball … Earned Honorable Mention IHSA All-State Academic Team honors … Graduated in the top one percent of her class … National Merit Commended Scholar, National Honor Society, and AP Scholar with Distinction student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because it provides me with the opportunity to play softball at the highest level (Division I) and to receive an excellent education. I also love the open curriculum which will allow me to explore all of my passions without restriction."
Hayleigh Juenger
Position: Pitcher/Outfield
Height: 5-foot-6 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: O'Fallon, Ill.
High School: O'Fallon Township
Club Team: Extreme Elite Softball
Prep Accolades: Garnered BND 3A-4A Softball Player of the Year honors as a junior … Earned First Team All-Conference honors as a junior … Gained Second Team All-Conference accolades as a freshman and sophomore … Played for head coach Lauren Muniz … Competed on the club level for Extreme Elite Softball … National Honor Society student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons was because I wanted the opportunity to play Division I softball but still be able to prioritize my education. Another reason was because I absolutely love the diversity that Brown offers."
Moe Kastens
Position: Catcher/Utility
Height: 5-foot-4 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Edwardsville, Ill.
High School: Edwardsville
Club Team: Extreme Elite Softball
Prep Accolades: Earned Third Team All-State accolades … Gained Third Team All-Southwest Conference honors … Posted a .438 batting average and .471 on-base percentage as a sophomore and .398 batting average and .485 on-base percentage as a junior … Played for coaches Lori Blade, Ron Schmittling, and Alexa Potts … Competed on the club level for Extreme Elite Softball … National Honor Society and high honor roll student … Earned All-Academic Athlete laurels.
Why Brown? "Brown provides an opportunity for me to grow in all directions. I am able to continue my athletic career and pursue academic interests at the highest level."
Layla Lynch
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-2 | B/T: L/R
Hometown: Katy, Texas
High School: Cypress Lakes
Club Team: Texas Elite 18U Gold-Fobian
Prep Accolades: Earned First Team All-District honors three times; twice as an outfielder (2017, 2018) and once as an infielder (2019) … Earned All-Greater Houston accolades as an outfielder twice … Garnered TWSA Third Team All-State laurels in 2018 … Gained a spot on the District 17-6A All-Academic Team three times … Earned Cypress Lakes Offensive MVP in 2018 … Hit .412 or above in all four seasons, including hitting .552 as a sophomore and .453 as a senior … Played for head coach Meghan Taylor … Competed on the club level for Texas Elite 18U Gold-Fobian and coaches Mark Fobian and Tim Swanson … Distinguished Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "Brown allows me to receive one of the best educations, while also competing for softball at the highest level. I felt at home when I visited the campus and loved the supportive and collaborative atmosphere. I also love the open curriculum and the fact that they get to see all four seasons!"
Brianna Rodriguez
Position: Utility
Height: 5-foot-7 | B/T: R/R
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
High School: Dowling Catholic
Club Team: Iowa Premier
Prep Accolades: Earned All-Conference honors … Selected as Iowa Preps' top third baseman in 2020 … Helped team win conference and qualify for state championships in 2017 … Played for head coach Matt Murillo … Competed on the club level for Iowa Premier and head coach Greg Dickle; helped team earn a top-25 club team ranking … Won a Platinum Division Championship in 2019 … Competed with the USSSA Elite Select Central Region and Top Gun Elite Select … Also played basketball for head coach Kirstin Meyer … Earned Scholar Athlete honors … Presidential Honor Roll student.
Why Brown? "I chose Brown because it's a place where I can not only play the sport I love but also excel in academics and receive a good degree as well."
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