Softball hosts nine-player signing day Monday
By: Joe Kraus, Sports Information Director | jkraus@niagaracc.suny.edu
SANBORN, N.Y. — SUNY Niagara softball introduced its incoming Freshman class at a signing event on campus Monday. The nine student-athletes signed their NJCAA National Letters of Intent and met the program’s coaching staff and returning players.
Joining the Thunderwolves in the 2026-27 academic year:
Elizabeth Frisbie — Outfield/Utility, Mount St. Mary’s High School
Mackenzie Hardy — Infield/Pitcher, Wilson High School
Sarah Hartline — Infield, Severance High School (Colorado)
Amyah Macknail — Infield, West Genesee High School
Charlotte Oates — Outfield/Pitcher, Tonawanda High School
Talia Simone — Catcher/Infield, Grand Island High School
Avery Smith — Pitcher/Outfield, Grand Island High School
Kaitlyn Sonntag — Infield/Utility, Lewiston-Porter High School
Lexi Zurek — Catcher/Utility, North Tonawanda High School
“I am incredibly excited to welcome this class to our SUNY Niagara family,” SUNY Niagara softball head coach Jenna Koch said. “I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know each of them throughout the recruiting process and I couldn’t be more proud to welcome them home.
This class brings a unique blend of determination, commitment, and character that aligns perfectly with the culture we’re continuing to build. They are talented student-athletes and I know they will make a positive impact both on the field and throughout our campus community.
The future of SUNY Niagara Softball is bright, and I can’t wait to get to work with this group.”
SUNY Niagara finished 14-20 overall last season and advanced to the NJCAA Region III Division II B sub-regionals, its first postseason appearance since 2023 (26-16). This was the Thunderwolves’ fourth season with double-digit wins this decade and their 12-10 finish in regular-season regional play was their best since 2023 (25-4).
Current D’Youville commit Quinn Manth (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) and soon-to-be SUNY Niagara sophomore Gianna Simone (Grand Island, N.Y.) received all-NJCAA Region III second-team honors.
The Thunderwolves also had six players earn All-WNYAC honors. Manth (also the Senior Female Athlete of the Year), Miranda Shingleton (North Tonawanda, N.Y.), and Molly Syposs (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) were first-team honorees. Caitlyn Hanley (West Seneca, N.Y.), Mia Herman (Barker, N.Y.) and Lauren Kisloski (Tonawanda, N.Y.) were second-team selections in their final season with the blue-and-gold.