MACOMB, IL. – Western Illinois Softball added seven standout student-athletes to its 2025 signing class, officially welcoming a talented group of future Leathernecks who will join the program next season. The class includes Kaedence Becker (Gardner, KS), Hallie Gibson (Carlinville, IL), Alexis Jokisch (Shelbyville, IL), Kaydi Miller (Havana, IL), Makenzie Mowery (Johnston City, IL), Mackenzie Turney (Blue Springs, MO), Ava Wagner (Red Bud, IL)

Each brings an impressive combination of athletic success, leadership, and championship experience from their high school and travel programs.

Ava Wagner, an outfielder from Red Bud High School and member of Illinois Force National, was a three-time ISCA 2A All-State selection and earned numerous All-Conference and All-Metro honors. She also excelled academically as a consistent Superintendent's Honor Roll recipient. Wagner said she chose Western because of "the team atmosphere and coaches—it feels like a place I can see myself grow."

Kaydi Miller, a versatile center fielder from Havana High School, joins Western following a decorated multi-sport career. Miller earned multiple All-Conference and All-State honors, helping her teams capture regional and sectional titles in both softball and basketball. She holds her school's home run record and is a two-time Senior League World Series champion. "Western felt like another home," Miller said. "The coaches were so welcoming and it's close to family."

Kaedence Becker, an outfielder from Gardner Edgerton High School in Kansas, has been a consistent offensive threat and earned All-State and All-League recognition. A member of the Aces travel organization, Becker said she was drawn to Western for its "smaller class sizes and supportive coaching staff."

Alexis Jokisch, a catcher and corner infielder from Shelbyville High School, has been named First Team All-Conference all four years and earned All-Tournament honors at Alliance Nationals with the Illinois Force. She described her most memorable moment as "making the Elite Eight at Nationals," and chose WIU because it felt like the right place to grow "as a student and a softball player, especially with the amazing coaching staff."

Makenzie Mowery, a shortstop and utility player from Johnston City High School, joins the Leathernecks after a decorated prep career that includes All-Conference, All-South, All-State, and All-County honors, as well as being named All-County Co-Player of the Year. A member of the Illinois Force, Mowery also competed in basketball, earning All-Conference honors. She said her inspiration comes from Geri Ann Glasco, who taught her that "success isn't just about talent—it's about hard work, attitude, and love for the sport." Mowery chose Western for its "hometown feel" and the support she felt from the coaching staff, adding, "From the first time I talked with Coach Goler and Collin, they showed genuine interest in me as both a person and an athlete. It felt like home."

Mackenzie Turney, a pitcher and first baseman from Blue Springs High School in Missouri, brings a strong combination of power and leadership to the incoming class. A member of Aces Fastpitch, Turney has been recognized as an Academic All-State honoree three times and earned NFCA All-American Academic honors. On the field, she's a 2nd Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-Conference pitcher who helped her team place third at Alliance Nationals. She comes from an athletic family, with both parents competing collegiately. Turney said she chose Western "because of the culture and atmosphere," adding, "I absolutely loved the coaches and their mentality on hard work, but also knowing we are all human. I saw an atmosphere where I could develop into the best player and person I can be."

Hallie Gibson, a right-handed pitcher from Carlinville, IL, joins Western after a decorated career at Carlinville High School. Gibson earned First Team and Third Team All-Conference honors as well as Second Team All-State recognition. One of her most memorable moments came when her teammates celebrated her 500th career strikeout on the field with her. Both of her parents, former student-athletes at Blackburn College, influenced her passion for sports. Gibson said she chose Western because "I really liked the small town feel and the coaches seem like a real support system for success."

Reflecting on the incoming players, Western Illinois softball coach Alisa Goler emphasized the exceptional nature of this signing class:

"This signing class is phenomenal. It may be the best overall class we have added in our time here. All of these young women are quality human beings, talented softball players, and excel academically in the classroom. We know that they'll immediately add to our culture & improve our depth. We can't wait to have them next August!"

Western Illinois' 2025 recruiting class is set to build on the foundation of the current team, adding talented student-athletes who can contribute immediately and help the program continue its growth.

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