Softball Signs No. 16 Class

EUGENE, Ore. – Oregon head coach Melyssa Lombardi has signed the nation's No. 16 recruiting class, according to Extra Inning Softball, with the signing of seven student-athletes to the class of 2024.

It is the second straight year the Ducks have landed a top-20 class. Oregon inked the No. 13 class last fall.

Among those signing Wednesday were three top-20 players – No. 6 Kaylynn Jones, an infielder from Lantana, Texas, No. 15 Rylee McCoy, an infielder from Agoura Hills, Calif., and No. 16 Elyse Kresho, an outfielder from Jasper, Ga.

Also signing a National Letter of Intent with the Ducks on Wednesday were catcher Emma Cox (Thornton, Colo.), catcher/utility player Presley Lawton (Medford, Ore.), infielder Stefini Ma'ake (San Diego, Calif.) and pitcher Rowan Thompson (Salem, Ore.)

"I like the versatility in this class," said Lombardi. "We have speed, power, strength and athleticism. It's a very well-rounded class and I think our fans are really going to like the competitiveness of these incoming freshmen.

"This class has won at the highest levels in club ball and will have the ability to come in and contribute right away," said Lombardi.

Emma Cox, C (B-R/T-R), Thornton, Colo. (Flatirons Academy)
Cox is a three-sport star for Flatirons Academy. In club ball, Cox plays for the Corona Angels. That club has produced current Ducks Paige Sinicki, Ayanna Shaw and Taylour Spencer, as well as another Oregon signee, Stefini Ma'ake. The Angels finished seventh nationally in 2023. Away from the diamond, Cox was a two-time all-state first team selection and a three-time all-conference honoree in basketball. She led Flatirons to the state girl's basketball title in 2021 and 2022. Cox was also an all-conference selection in volleyball (2021). Both the volleyball and girl's basketball teams won conference titles during her time at Flatirons. The National Honor Society student comes from an athletic family. Her parents, Darron and Karen, played baseball and softball, respectively, at Oklahoma. All three brothers played baseball collegiately, two at Oral Roberts (Joshua and Jonah) and one at Pittsburg State (Caleb).

Emma Cox on Oregon
"The coaching staff genuinely cares about the program, the players, and the people around them. Also, while Oregon is a major university, it has a small town feel, and a community-like environment."

Coach Lombardi on Emma Cox
"Emma grew up around the game of softball with both parents playing and coaching. She has a great rapport with pitchers and is strong on defense. She's outstanding behind the plate and can change the momentum of an inning with her ability to throw out runners. Emma also has a very high ceiling as a hitter with the potential to hit for both power and average."

Kaylynn Jones, INF (B-L/T-R), Lantana, Texas (Denton Guyer HS)
Jones is ranked sixth nationally in her class by Extra Inning Softball and is fourth nationally among infielders. Jones was named the Dallas Morning News 2023 state softball player of the year after batting .540 with 24 extra-base hits, 49 RBIs, 65 runs and 24 stolen bases as a junior. Denton Guyer High School won its first 35 games of the 2023 season and achieved its deepest state tournament run in program history. Guyer made the Class 6A state final before falling 4-2 to Pearland and was ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation by MaxPreps during its run. Jones was a two-time all-league selection her first two years in high school and was named all-state as a sophomore. She blossomed as a junior, earning first team all-state and all-district honors after breaking Guyer's record for batting average (.540), runs (65), and triples (12). Guyer won the 2023 district crown.

Jones plays club ball with Athletics Mercado, a program led by Dave Mercado who is the father of former Duck All-American Danica Mercado. She was named to the all-tournament teams at the TCS Nationals, Colorado Fireworks/PowerPool event and the Team-1 Elite Club Invite. Her club teams won the Colorado IDT and TCS Nationals in 2021, the Team-1 Elite and Colorado Fireworks/PowerPool titles in 2022 and the Colorado Fireworks/TV Bracket, Colorado Fireworks/PowerPool championship in 2023. Prior to Athletics Mercado, Jones played softball at the highest club level in Japan. She started playing softball in Japan at age nine. With her father Brad Jones being a fire chief for the military and government, she has lived in Italy, Japan, California and Texas.

Kaylynn Jones on Oregon
"One remarkable feature that left a lasting impression was the electric atmosphere on game days. Whether it's a football game, softball game, track meet, or any other sporting event, the game day experiences are simply unparalleled. The unity and excitement that fills the crowd as they come together to support our teams are truly incredible. Furthermore, it's not just the games; it's the sense of community and togetherness that characterizes the entire university. The University of Oregon offers a vibrant and tight-knit community that goes beyond sports and extends into daily campus life. This sense of unity and the endless array of activities available both on and off the campus were undeniably impressive and played a significant role in my decision to choose the University of Oregon."

Coach Lombardi on Kaylynn Jones
"Kaylynn is a gritty, fearless competitor. She knows how to handle pressure and perform in the biggest moments. Her softball IQ is off the charts. She has the ability to hit the ball for power and drive in runs. With her speed, she has the ability to turn singles into doubles. Her athleticism gives her the ability to play up the middle and in the outfield and she will be a fan favorite at The Jane."

Elyse Kresho, OF (B-R/T-L), Jasper, Ga. (Cherokee HS)
Kresho is ranked No. 16 in the Extra Inning Softball Elite 100 and is the No. 11 overall outfielder nationally. She set Cherokee High School's career records for hits (162), home runs (24), walks (67), slugging percentage (.798) and on-base percentage (.565). Kresho is a two-time all-state first team selection and was named the region's player and pitcher of the year. She was selected to play in the 2024 all-state game. Cherokee advanced to the round of 16 at the state tournament all four seasons during Kresho's time and played in the semifinals in 2021. In club ball, Kresho plays for the Atlanta Vipers and was twice named to both the Extra Inning Softball all-summer teams and the Colorado Sparkler Future Stars game. The Vipers won the 2023 PGF – Platinum national championship as Kresho hit .440 with an on-base percentage of .506. In addition, she posted 70 hits, 51 RBIs, and eight home runs overall in summer ball. Kresho's father Thad (baseball) and brother Bryce (wrestling) earned varsity letters at Franklin and Marshall College. Her favorite professional athlete is former Duck Haley Cruse. Off the field, Kresho plays flute in the high school band.

Elyse Kresho on Oregon
"I chose to attend the University of Oregon not only for the athletic opportunities but for the well-known academic pathways. I am confident that continuing my athletics and academics at the University of Oregon will provide me with the most opportunities throughout my life. I was overwhelmingly impressed by the coaching staff and their attention to detail. The facilities available to the athletes are beyond amazing and the continued success throughout the athletic department is very impressive."

Coach Lombardi on Elyse Kresho
"Elyse is a winner with a lot of really good tools. She puts the team first before herself and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Her athleticism is really impressive and she has tremendous range in the outfield. Elyse has excellent plate discipline and hits for a high average. She is a real threat on the bases with her speed. She is another player with a really high ceiling."

Presley Lawton, C/UTIL (B-L/T-R) Medford, Ore. (North Medford HS)
The two-time first team all-conference catcher led North Medford High School to the 2021 conference championship. Lawton was ranked as the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Oregon and first at her position by Softball Northwest. She was named to the all-Southwest Conference first team as both a sophomore (2022) and a junior (2023). During her junior year, North Medford advanced to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Lawton's club team, NW Bullets, was ranked fifth nationally by Extra Inning Softball. Her grandfather, Donald VonMoos, played football at Washington

Presley Lawton on Oregon
"I was looking to stay close to home and have a positive, fun environment. The University of Oregon checked off all of my boxes.
The players, coaches, facility and the field are all very impressive. There is a very positive feel to the program and I cannot wait to be a part of it."

Coach Lombardi on Presley Lawton
"We are thrilled to be able to keep Presley home playing in front of our great fans at The Jane. She has impressed me with her versatility and her leadership behind the plate. She's also another player who brings in a ton of experience playing at a high club level."

Stefini Ma'ake, INF (B-R/T-R), San Diego, Calif. (Academy of Our Lady Peace)
Ma'ake led the San Diego region in home runs, RBI and batting average. She has been ranked as high as No. 12 nationally by Extra Inning Softball during her high school career. Ma'ake was named all-state in 2023. Our Lady Peace finished third at the state tournament each of the last three years and won the league in 2021. Ma'ake hit .453 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs and scored 34 runs as a sophomore in 2022. In the circle, she was 9-4 with a 2.26 ERA in 82.1 innings, allowing 26 walks while striking out 126. Opposing batters hit just .188 against her. Ma'ake hit .569 with 11 homers and 35 RBIs to lead her team as a freshman in 2021. In club ball, Ma'ake plays for the Corona Angels where she teamed with current Ducks Paige Sinicki, Ayanna Shaw and Taylour Spencer, as well as another Oregon signee, Emma Cox. The Angels finished seventh nationally in 2023. Ma'ake was chosen to play in the all-star game in Colorado and was the home run derby champion two years in a row. The Angels won the PGF Shootout and the Alliance Championship.

Stefini Ma'ake on Oregon
"Some deciding factors that took place in choosing the University of Oregon were it was somewhere close to home and where I knew the team, coaches, and community would treat me like one of their own. I love the softball program and what it will grow to be in a couple of years. The athletic department at Oregon is unmatched! The facilities are crazy insane and I don't think it can get any better than Oregon."

Coach Lombardi on Stefini Ma'ake
"Stefini can change a game with one swing of the bat and she lives for those moments. She's a terrific athlete and a fearless competitor. She will hit for power but also for average and brings the element of speed to her game as well. Stefini is also a great leader on and off the field and connects with everybody. Our fans are going to love how much joy she has for playing the game."

Rylee McCoy, INF (B-R/T-R), Agoura Hills, Calif. (Oaks Christian School)
McCoy is the No. 2 player nationally at first base and 15^th overall according to Extra Inning Softball. She hit .514 with 11 home runs and 55 RBI as a junior for Oaks Christian in 2023 when she was named an NCSAA first team All-American. McCoy was also named to the all CIF state second team and the L.A. Times all-star team. She broke the Ventura County record with 10 RBI in one game and was named the Extra Inning Softball and Max Preps national high school player of the week. McCoy has been named to the Marmonte League first team all three years at Oaks Christian. She hit .367 with 10 home runs to lead Oaks Christian to the 2022 Division 1 state championship. McCoy also helped OC Batbusters win major club tournament championships at Oklahoma Top Gun, TCS Showcase, and the Alliance Super Cup. Her mother, Melissa McCoy played softball at Fresno State.

Rylee McCoy on Oregon
"The thing that impressed me the most with the University of Oregon was the community engagement. Not only is the campus itself the most beautiful campus in America, but everyone attending the University loves being a Duck. Their spirit displays true school pride, which contributes to the lively and dynamic culture at the University of Oregon. The University is also known to have spectacular facilities, amazing athletic programs, and shows great support for their female athletes. The school's reputation for fostering a sense of community and providing resources for student-athletes all heavily influenced my decision."

Coach Lombardi on Rylee McCoy
"Rylee is already playing at a high level that will allow her adapt quickly to the college game. She has a big, power bat and I'm impressed with her ability to play the corners. Her mother played college softball at Fresno State and Rylee grew up around the game. You can see that in her high softball IQ. She has won back-to-back Alliance national championships and she understands how to compete and win at the highest level."

Rowan Thompson, RHP (B-R/T-R), Salem, Ore. (South Salem HS)
Thompson was an all-state pitcher in 2023 after helping South Salem High School reach the quarterfinals of the state 6A tournament. She was also the Salem Statesman-Journal all-region player of the year and was the Central Valley Conference's pitcher of the year after striking out 236 batters in 123.2 innings with an ERA of 1.19. She is the No. 6 prospect in the state of Oregon according to Softball Northwest. In club ball, Thompson helped the NW Vandals win the 2023 Colorado Sparkler tournament as well as the Silver Division of the Triple Crown Nationals. She also played volleyball for South Salem.

Rowan Thompson on Oregon
"I wanted to stay close to my home and my family. The coaching staff, school environment, and support systems I will have available were all huge factors in my decision, but it's always been a dream of mine to play at The Jane for the Ducks. The school culture impressed me the most; the way that everyone works together and the school spirit is so high. I'm excited to join such a strong community on and off the field."

Coach Lombardi on Rowan Thompson
"Rowan is a competitor on the mound. I love her composure. She doesn't get rattled in stressful situations. She's a strikeout pitcher who rises to the occasion when she's in a jam and the defense will love playing behind her. With her vertical separation, she matches up well with hitters from both sides of the plate. Rowan is another Oregonian who is a Duck through and through and I'm really excited to see her representing the state of Oregon and competing at The Jane."

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