(MSU Billings release)
BILLINGS – Montana State University Billings softball head coach Jessica Rayman has announced three student athletes have signed a national letter of intent to become members of the team in time for the 2019 season. The signings include second baseman and outfielder Shelby Marquardt, outfielder Rylee Waggoner, and third baseman and utility player Marin Penney. All three will be true freshman next season for the Yellowjackets and reside in Nevada, Colorado, and Oregon.
Shelby Marquardt
Sparks, Nevada
5-6, Second Base/Outfielder
Intended Major: Health and Human Performance
Shelby Marquardt joins the Yellowjackets as an accomplished high school softball player. At Edward C. Reed High School, Marquardt was a four-year letter winner and helped her team to an 83-22 career record. Along the way, her team won NIAA Division I Northern Region Championships in 2016 and 2017 and earned second place in the state championship in 2017. As a senior, Marquardt earned 4A Northern all-region second team as an outfielder. She hit .429 in conference play as a junior and was second in the league in doubles with 14. As a sophomore, she went 5-for-10 at the plate in the Nevada State Tournament. Marquardt is a good student and was named to the Nevada all-state academic team for 2017 and 2018.
Coach Rayman on Marquardt: “Shelby has a very strong work ethic and passion for the game. We believe she will be a consistent hitter and solid defensive player of us. Not only will Shelby contribute on the softball field, but will also stands out academically.”
Marquardt on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because I felt at home from the first time I stepped on campus. The softball coaches and players made me feel welcome and I was impressed by how the coaches drive the team to work hard and help manage their academics. The health and human performance program is exactly what I was looking for academically and the campus is beautiful with its brick buildings and phenomenal view of the rimrocks.”
Rylee Waggoner
Aurora, Colorado
5’3, Outfielder
Intended Major: Elementary Education
Rylee Waggoner will add speed the MSUB softball lineup in 2019. At Eaglecrest High School, Waggoner had a single season best 22 stolen bases and played outfield. She was named all-conference three seasons with the Raptors and was a Colorado Coaches of Girls sports all-state selection. Additionally, she served as team captain and helped her team go 77-21 over four seasons.
Coach Rayman on Waggoner: “We are excited about the depth Rylee will bring to our outfield. Her speed will not only be an asset to our defense, but also our lineup offensively. Rylee comes from a solid summer ball team in which she has grown tremendously, so we are excited to see her develop here at MSUB.”
Waggoner on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because of the beautiful campus and small class size. I loved the athletic training centers and areas of study available. It is a short distance from home and the softball field is right on campus. It is a great place to play softball and get my education and I am so happy to be a Yellowjacket!”
Marin Penney
Portland, Oregon
5-6, Third Base/Utility
Intended Major: Health and Human Performance
From the Beaver State, Marin Penney is a versatile player with four years of high school varsity experience. At Lake Oswego High School, Penney was team captain and an all-conference infielder in 2017. In 2018, she hit .435 with 42 hits, 5 home runs, and 29 runs batted in. She also scored 35 runs and held a .750 slugging percentage. Penny is an excellent student and maintained a nearly 4.0 GPA each year of high school which landed her on the honor roll four times.
Coach Rayman on Penney: “Marin is a solid corner with a strong bat. She has a lot of power potential and we are confident she will be a huge contributor to our offense. Her athletic ability stands out and we are excited to see what she does here at MSUB.”
Penney on choosing MSUB: “I chose MSUB because everyone was so welcoming and positive during my visit. I want to continue my softball career while studying and living at a great University. The Softball team travels a lot so I can visit home and that was something I was looking for. I love Montana and I can’t wait to spend the next step of my life here.”
The Yellowjackets 2019 season will begin on February 1, against the University of Mary when MSUB hosts their annual Desert Stinger in Las Vegas, Nevada.
