STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford Softball has signed seven to the squad, Paul A. Violich Director of Softball Jessica Allister announced today. The strong class was ranked fifth in the NCAA by D1 Softball, and seventh by Softball America/Rivals.
The incoming class of 2031 features Abby Atkinson (Azle, Texas), Ivy Burnham (Huntington Beach, Calif.), Reese Hilliard (La Mirada, Calif.), Vivan Knott (Darien, Conn.), Shea Staley, Peyton Tsao (Sunnyvale, Calif.) and Dani Villareal (The Woodlands, Texas).
“I chose Stanford because I wanted to be part of a community that would challenge me both academically and athletically while pushing me to reach my fullest potential. I was drawn to the opportunity to compete at the highest level while surrounding myself with driven, curious and inspiring individuals who motivate me to grow,” said Atkinson. “Beyond athletics, Stanford’s world-renowned academics and leading medical research programs align with my aspirations of pursuing medicine and neuroscience. Ultimately, I saw Stanford as a place where I could challenge myself, contribute to something bigger than myself and grow both as a student-athlete and as an individual.”
“Abby is a right-handed power pitcher with the ability to throw it past hitters,” Allister said of Atkinson.
“I chose Stanford because it has an amazing softball program with great coaches and players,” said Burnham, “as well as world class academics.”
“Ivy is a physical outfielder with exceptional speed and power who has the ability to change the game on both sides of the ball,” Allister said of Burnham.
“I chose Stanford because I felt surrounded by like-minded people,” said Hilliard. “The environment created by the coaches and players is nothing like I have ever felt before. On top of that, I will be receiving an education from one of the top universities in the country.”
“Reese is a versatile defender with the skill set to play both middle infield positions and third base as well as significant power,” Allister said of Hilliard.
“I chose Stanford because of the opportunity to receive a world-class education and play softball at the highest level,” said Knott. “All while being surrounded by driven and like-minded people.”
“Vivian is an elite left-handed pitcher with swing and miss stuff. Her rise/change combo is special and will translate well to the college game,” Allister said of Knott.
“I chose Stanford for the opportunity to compete at the highest level of college softball while receiving a world-class education,” said Staley. “The unmatched coaching staff and welcoming community made Stanford feel like home.”
“Shea is a professional hitter with an elite level arm in the outfield,” Allister said of Staley.
“I chose Stanford because it truly offered everything I was looking for: elite academics, a nationally-ranked softball program, an amazing team culture, and proximity to home,” said Tsao. “The entire coaching staff and both the current and future members of the Stanford softball community make it an even more special place.”
“Peyton is a smooth middle infielder and a right handed hitter with plus power,” Allister said of Tsao.
“I chose Stanford because it has been a dream of mine since I was little,” said Villarreal. “It offers the best of both worlds, allowing me to compete at the highest level athletically while receiving an incredible education.”
“Dani is a dynamic defensive catcher and first baseman with middle of the order power,” Allister said of Villarreal.