"This is an exciting day for our program and for all six of these hardworking and talented ladies," Coach Tudor shared. "We are very blessed to add them to our team."
RANDI DRINNON | WHITE PINE, TENN. | MORRISTOWN HAMBLEM H.S. EAST | CATCHER/THIRD BASE | R/R
Randi Drinnon comes to The Hill from White Pine, Tenn., where she played her prep ball at Morristown Hamblem High School East. As a freshman with the Hurricanes she was tabbed the Conference Newcomer of the Year, All Conference, All-Tournament and to the All-Lakeway Team. As a sophomore, Drinnon again earned All-Conference, All-Tournament and All-Lakeway Team distinctions along with her conference's Offensive Player of the Year. Due to COVID-19, Drinnon didn't get a chance to play her junior campaign while her senior season will take place in spring 2021.
The righty was also recognized for her work on the volleyball court, earning Conference Libero of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. Drinnon collected All-Conference and All-Tournament Team honors across her junior and senior volleyball seasons as well.
Outside of athletics, Drinnon owns a 3.98 GPA and is the women's choir president.
COACH TUDOR ON DRINNON: "Roo is a dedicated and strong defensive catcher who swings for power. She checks all the boxes when it comes to catching. She is a joy to be around and I know she will make our staff stronger."
SAVANNAH FIERKE | JOLIET, ILL. | JOLIET WEST H.S. | PITCHER | RHP
Savannah Fierke joins WKU Softball from Joliet West High School in Joliet, Ill. The right-handed pitcher is a first team All-State selection in addition to being tabbed the Herald News Player of the Year.
COACH TUDOR ON FIERKE: "Fierke is a competitor; she is exciting to watch and I can't wait to coach her and call her game. She is talented, hardworking and humble. She has competed at the highest level and we are excited to add her to our staff."
ABBY NEWMAN | OWENSBORO, KY. | DAVIESS COUNTY H.S. | MIDDLE INFIELD | L/R
Abby Newman will arrive at WKU following her prep career at Daviess County High School. As a freshman in 2018, the Owensboro, Ky., native landed on the All-District Team in addition to being named the All-Area Team shortstop and earning the Highest Batting Average of the Year award.
As a sophomore, the middle infielder was recognized to the All-Region Team, All-County First Team, All-Area Team at shortstop and as the Defensive Player of the Year. That season, she was also named to D1Softball's Class of 2021 Extra Elite 100 at No. 96.
After COVID-19 canceled her junior season, Newman has already been listed on D1Softball's Class of 2021 Extra Elite 100, coming in at No. 78.
In the classroom, Newman was a two-time Academic All-State honoree with a 4.0 GPA.
COACH TUDOR ON NEWMAN: "Abby is a middle infielder who hits and slaps. She is calm, smooth and has the ability to play short stop and/or second base. We are excited for her versatility at the plate and for her skills as a middle infielder."
KASIA PARKS | LEXINGTON, KY. | FREDERICK DOUGLASS H.S. | OUTFIELD | S/R
Kasia Parks comes to WKU from Lexington, Ky., after concluding her prep career at Frederick Douglass H.S. The outfielder is a two-time All-District selection and three-time All-City honoree.
COACH TUDOR ON PARKS: "Kasia is all-out and super athletic. The first time we saw Kasia, these qualities caught our eye. She is fast and can hit from both sides of the plate. We look forward to adding her speed to our outfield and hitting lineup."
MADDIE POSCHKE | MURFREESBORO, TENN. | OAKLAND H.S. | CATCHER/FIRST BASE | R/R
Maddie Poschke joins WKU Softball from Murfreesboro, Tenn., where she played her prep ball at Oakland High School. The righty was a four-year starter for the Patriots and led the team as a captain during both her junior and senior seasons.
COACH TUDOR ON POSCHKE: "We have watched Maddie hit the ball with authority. Maddie is a strong right-handed hitter who excels behind the plate and at first base. She will add more power to our lineup and brings a great work ethic."
NANI VALENCIA | GEORGETOWN, KY. | GREAT CROSSING H.S. | THIRD BASE/FIRST BASE | R/R
Nani Valencia comes to The Hill from Georgetown, Ky., where she played her prep ball at Great Crossing High School. Valencia helped the Warhawks to KHSAA Softball State Championships in 2016 and 2018. In 2019, the righty was named to the 42nd All-District Tournament Team in addition to pitching a perfect game. She is the sister of current Hilltopper junior Princess Valencia.
COACH TUDOR ON VALENCIA: "Nani is a strong right-handed hitter who has a great presence on the field. She is a great communicator, talented and a hard worker. She can play both first and third base, and her power will aid our hitting lineup."
How to Follow the Hilltoppers: For complete information on WKU Softball, follow the team on Twitter at @WKUSoftball, Instagram @WKU_Softball and Facebook /WKUSoftball.
