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Cardinal Signs Talented Trio

by gostanford.com
Nov 9, 2022

STANFORD, Calif. – Sixth-year head coach Jessica Allister and her staff announced the signing of three standout players to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, as Jade Berry (Queen Creek, Ariz.), Ava Gall (Lakeside, Calif.) and Alyssa Houston (Benton, Ark.) are set to arrive on The Farm in the fall of 2023.
 
"We are thrilled that Jade, Ava and Alyssa have chosen to spend their next four years playing softball on The Farm," Allister said. "Heading into the 2023 recruiting cycle, we knew we wanted to add some offensive power to the lineup and continue to build what we believe has become one of the best pitching staffs in the country. The addition of Jade, Ava and Alyssa to our roster accomplishes those objectives and is another important step towards our program's ultimate goal of winning a national championship."

JADE BERRY
INF | L/R | Queen Creek, Ariz. | Queen Creek HS | AZ Storm

  • MaxPreps All-American (2022)
  • Arizona All-Conference first team (2022)
  • Arizona Regional Defensive Player of the Year (2021)
  • Arizona Regional Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
  • Ranked No. 45 on Extra Inning Softball's 2023 Extra Elite 100 Players
  • Three-sport varsity athlete at Queen Creek High School (softball, basketball, track) 

Allister on Berry: "Jade is a versatile infielder who brings one of the best left-handed bats in the country, as well as a driven competitor who understands the correlation between hard work and success."
 
AVA GALL
C | L/R | Lakeside, Calif. | El Capitan HS | Firecrackers Brashear

  • Two-time All-CIF San Diego Section (2021-22)
  • Two-time All-East County (2021-22)
  • All-Grossmont Valley League (2021)
  • All-Grossmont Hills League (2022)
  • Ranked No. 23 on Extra Inning Softball's 2023 Extra Elite 100 Players

Allister on Gall: "Ava is a strong defensive catcher who brings a great presence and energy to the field. Ava is also a proven hitter who will add another powerful left-handed bat to our lineup."
 
ALYSSA HOUSTON
P/UTL | R/R | Benton, Ark. | Benton HS | Iowa Premier 18U National-Dickel

  • Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series 16U Tier 1 All-Tournament Team (2022)
  • MaxPreps All-American (2022)
  • Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year (2022)
  • Arkansas All Preps Softball Player of the Year (2022)
  • 5A Arkansas State Tournament MVP (2022)
  • 5A Arkansas All-Conference, All-State, All-State Tournament Team, and All-Star Team (2022)
  • Ranked No. 20 on Extra Inning Softball's 2023 Extra Elite 100 Players
  • 5A Arkansas All-Conference, All-State, and All-State Tournament Team (2021)
  • Guided her team to a pair of state championships (2021-22)

Allister on Houston: "Alyssa is a dynamic two-way player who we expect to contribute both in the circle and in the box. Alyssa is a swing-and-miss pitcher and a powerful right-handed offensive threat."

The class is rated the 31st-best in the nation according to Extra Inning Softball.

Stanford made its first NCAA Super Regional appearance since 2011 a year ago, finishing the year with a 39-22 overall record - its most victories since 2013. Stanford's late-season surge resulted in a top-20 final national ranking in three polls, making headlines thanks to a convincing performance in the Tuscaloosa Regional. The Cardinal finished 3-1 at the regional, with two shutout victories against host and sixth-seeded Alabama, while outscoring opponents 15-5.

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