ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Head Softball Coach Joe DiPietro is excited to announce five additions for the 2023 season.
 
"The student-athletes that we signed in the fall, along with these additions are going to make our team very strong in my opinion," DiPietro said. "We'll have a very large roster but that was by design. I believe that competition for positions at this level is crucial if we are to achieve our initial goal of winning the league championship next spring!"
 
Anna Fridell is a 5-foot-9 catcher and infielder from Kirkland, Washington and Lake Washington High School. She played travel ball for the Washington Ladyhawks. Fridell joins the Wildcats from Edmonds College. She posted an average of .416 in 2022, driving in 26 runs and scoring 31. Fridell hit five big flies and stole six bases for Edmonds. She earned First Team All-North Conference honors. She finished the season with a fielding percentage of .982, throwing out nine would-be base stealers.
 
Fridell on CWU: "I chose CWU because the community and school environment felt like a place I could call home. I love the campus, academic programs for my major, and celebration of athletics at CWU. It has also given me the opportunity to continue my softball career at a high level, surrounded by a great team and coaching staff."
 
DiPietro on Fridell: "Anna will give us much needed catching depth coming from Edmonds College. Anna has a very high motor and is always moving and communicating. She does a good job behind the plate working with her pitchers. Anna was a first team all-region selection last fall."
 
Heidi Heytvelt is a 5-foot-6 outfielder from Pomeroy, Washington and Pomery Jr/Sr High School. She played for the LC Ice before joining Walla Walla Community College. Heytvelt appeared in 50 games for Walla Walla in 2022 and posted an average of .436. She drove in 41 runs and scored 56. Heytvelt hit six home runs, 14 doubles, and one triple. She earned Second Team All-NWAC honors.
 
Heytvelt on CWU: "I chose CWU because it has a great athletic program and it's close to home."
 
DiPietro on Heytvelt: "Heidi also comes to us from Walla Walla where she played the outfield. Heidi is a very well-rounded athlete that has power as well as a very strong arm. With the addition of Heidi our outfield depth will be the best in the GNAC."
 
Kate Hopkins is a 5-foot-2 outfielder from Seattle, Washington and Nathan Hale High School. Hopkins played for the Seattle Spice outside of high school. She joins the Crimson and Black from Walla Walla CC. The right-handed hitting outfielder slashed .590/.611/.956 for Walla Walla in 2022. Hopkins scored 85 runs and drove in 103 in 50 games. She clubbed 11 home runs, 26 doubles, and four triples. Hopkins was named the NWAC BADEN Player of the Year for her efforts. She led the NWAC in average and hits, finished second in plate appearances and at-bats, and finished top four in runs, doubles, RBI, total bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
 
DiPietro on Hopkins: "Kate is a great addition to our program as she comes to us highly decorated. Kate is a two time All American as well as the NWAC Softball Player of the Year this past season For Walla Walla CC as well as First Team All-Region. Kate will give us more outfield depth and provide us with another power bat."
 
Delaney Kaysner is a 5-foot-9 infielder from Snohomish, Washington and Snohomish High School. Kaysner also played for Shock Axelerate Gold. She joins the Wildcats from Skagit Valley College. She posted a .463 average in 2022, driving in 20 runs and scoring 44. Kaysner hit one home run and swiped 27 bases. She earned a pair of athlete of the year honors at Skagit and was named to the All-NWAC First Team twice.
 
Kaysner on CWU: "I love what the program stood for and I knew the coaching staff would push me to be the best athlete and person I could be."
 
DiPietro on Kaysner: "Delaney comes to us from Skagit Valley where she was the starting shortstop and their leadoff hitter.  Laney is a switch hitter that handles the bat very well. She has an extremely strong arm and covers a lot of ground. She has good speed and is a leader on the field. Really excited for her to compete with our infielders."
 
Raquel (Rocky) Reising is a 5-foot-4 utility player from Lake Tapps, Washington and Auburn Riverside High School. She earned a pair of league MVP awards for the Ravens and captained her squad for two seasons. A multi-sport athlete, Reising qualified for the state tournament in golf. In the classroom, Reising was a member of the Honors Society, graduated with high honors, and received the CTE Award.
 
Reising on CWU: "CWU is very convenient for me as we have a cabin in Cle Elum. I love the are and all the outdoor activities you can do around there. It is far enough away from home, but also close enough if I need to go back."
 
DiPietro on Reising: "Rocky is a middle infielder with good range, a good arm, and a very good awareness of the game. Rocky is a slapper but can also swing away for power. She is very versatile with good speed and will be a plus for us."