ABILENE – Abilene Christian softball added five freshmen for the 2024-25 roster on Signing Day on Wednesday.
Joining the team next fall will be Edmond Memorial High School (Okla.) outfielder Ari Maxwell, Hyde Park Baptist High School (Austin) infielder Taylor Haywood, Ponderosa High School (Calif.) pitcher Chase Mueller, Brookstone High School (Alabama) catcher Caitlyn Hall and Abilene High School pitcher Amyah Starks.
"This signing class is well-rounded and very cohesive," said ACU Head Coach
Abigail Farler. "They are coming to Abilene to grow academically and spiritually while competing for championships on the field. I am excited about the focus, drive and competitiveness of this group."
Hall is an All-Region, All-Area and honorable mention All-State from Phenix City, Alabama. She led her team in hitting.
"Cait is a great addition to our program," Farler said. "She brings tremendous energy and command of the field from behind the plate. Cait is a great receiver with a strong arm. She is a competitor in all areas of the game and life. I can't wait to see the impact she has on our program."
A member of the National Honor and English National Honor Societies, Hall is a Headmaster's Honor Roll student and volunteers at Church of the Highlands Kid's Ministry. She said she picked ACU because "I love the coaching staff, and I really appreciate how much the college invests in their athletics. The school is absolutely beautiful and the academics are great. I also really liked the small class sizes, so you really get to know your professors."
An All-League selection from Shingle Springs, Calif., Mueller was League MVP, second-team All-State, first-team All-Metro and MaxPreps All-Section. She also is a four-year honor roll student.
"I am so excited to bring Chase on board," Farler said. "Chase will be a great asset for us in the circle. She brings a unique look for us as a lefty and has pitches that will keep offenses off balance. Chase comes from a very strong club with a history of success."
"I chose ACU because I have always wanted to attend a Christian college while playing for a great softball program. I felt like God purposely opened this door for me," said Mueller, who volunteers and attends Vintage Grace Church.
Starks is a two-time All-District selection and earned Offensive MVP.
"Keeping Myah at home here in Abilene was a big win for us," said Farler. "She brings a very strong, aggressive bat to our lineup and great defense at first base. I'm grateful that she will continue her career here in Abilene in front of the hometown crowd."
Starks is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers at GV Daniels Recreation Center and attends Beltway Church South. She said she selected ACU because "I wanted to stay close to my family."
Maxwell set the school home run record while at Bishop McGuinness High School in Oklahoma City and is a two-time All-District and Big All-City selection. She also is an All-State honoree in the 4x400 relay.
"Ari is a huge pickup for our program," Farler said. "Ari is a tremendous outfielder with all of the tools on defense and offense. I am excited to see what her speed can do both on offense and defense. Ari has an extremely high ceiling and will have the opportunity to keep developing here in Abilene."
"I chose ACU because the second I stepped on campus Coach Farler and Coach Reeves were so inviting, it felt like home from day one," Maxwell said.
Haywood earned TAPPS D2 All-State MVP and All-State honors, as well as Co-District MVP for State runner-up Hyde Park. She also is on the Academic A-Honor Roll.
" Taylor will be a versatile addition to our roster," Farler said. "She will be able to compete in multiple areas in the infield and she brings a solid bat. Taylor fits the culture and vision for the program extremely well."
