Softball Announces Class Of 2029 Signing Class

NEWARK, Del. – University of Delaware softball announced the addition of six signees on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day. The six student-athletes will join the Blue Hens as members of the Delaware Class of 2029.

"I'm incredibly excited about this class of athletes," head coach Jen Steele said. "Our coaching staff dedicated a lot of time to finding the right fit, and we're confident that we've brought in a group that excels both in talent and character. Each of these athletes comes from a strong family background and is deeply committed to representing Delaware at a championship level. This is the most talented class we've ever recruited, and we can't wait to welcome them to campus."

Maddie Diamond
Corner Infield / Utility
Johnson City, Tenn. / Science Hill High School

"Maddie is an elite hitter, playing against some of the best competition in the country, with the potential for significant offensive success. Expect her to make an immediate impact at third base."

At Science Hill High School, Diamond is a two-time All-Conference selection and was named Rookie of the Year. She was also named to the Kansas City Invitational All-Tournament Team and is a two-time East Tennessee Classic All-Tournament selection. In the summer of 2024, Diamond hit .405 with 15 home runs. She also helped her team to two ACFL Showcase Qualifier Championships.

Caylin Blazys
Middle Infield / Third Base
Tolland, Conn. / Tolland High School

"Caylin is a dynamic middle infielder with a diverse skill set. Her speed and athleticism will be key assets in our offensive identity."

At Tolland High School, Blazys is a three-time All-CCC selection and helped her team to conference championships in 2023 and 2024. Her team slo made the semifinals of the 2024 state tournament. Blazys was named the top player in the CIAC conference tournament, and went 404 with five RBIs in the second round. She also ranked in the top 20 in the state in home runs, slugging percentage, and RBIs. In 2024, she hit .447 with a 1.013 slugging percentage and 37 hits, 29 runs scored, 36 RBIs, 11 doubles, five triples, and 10 home runs. Blazys was also was named MVP of the USSSA Southeast Nationals Tournament and ranked #158 for the 2025 class L&L. She was also a 2023 USA National Selection Invitee. She is planning to major in criminal justice.

Allie Nankivell
Outfield
Livingston, N.J. / Livingston High School

"Allie is an incredibly athletic player whose speed can quickly change the outcome of the game. Look for her to be a key contributor, scoring plenty of runs for our offense."

At Livingston High School, Nankivell was named First-Team All-Conference, County, and All-Group 4 in 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also earned Third-Team All-State honors in 2021 and 2022 and was a First-Team All-State selection in 2024. She helped her team to the North 1 Group 4 State Sectional Championship. Nankivell already holds the school team record of 106 stolen bases, and has scored 105 career runs, 131 hits, and a batting average of .508. She is planning to major in health behavior science.

Karli Challburg
Pitcher / Outfield
Houston, Texas / Langham Creek High School, Kingwood High School

"Karli is a highly skilled pitcher with the ability to generate plenty of swings and misses. With an ace mentality, she'll be a workhorse on the mound, logging a lot of innings for us."

Challburg is a two-time First-Team All-District and Academic All-District selection. She has earned Offensive Player of the Year honors at Langham Creek High School as a junior and was Defensive Player of the Year at Kingwood High School as a sophomore. Challburg was Houston Chronicle Athlete of the Week in 2024. She has earned All-Tournament honors at the CFL Top Club National Championship, Top 10 National Performers, Top Club National Fall Invitational TFL Fall Championship, 2023 Colorado Sparklers Tournament, Texas TFL Summer Championship Tournament, and Pitcher of the Tournament at the College Classic and Texas TCS Southwest Summer Nationals in 2022. Challburg was selected to the PGF 2025 All-American national watchlist and has been ranked 88th overall and 71st as a pitcher for national high school class of 2025 by Extra Inning Softball. In high school, She has helped her team to the Texas 6A State Playoffs in all three seasons, and finished as district champions in 2022. This past season, she pitched in 127.1 innings and had an ERA of 1.92 with 162 strikeouts and held opponents to a .191 BAA. She is planning to major in sports management.

Morgan Chambers
Catcher
West Deptford, N.J. / Paul VI High School

"Morgan is a well-rounded player who excels on both offense and defense. She has great chemistry with the pitching staff and is exceptional at controlling the run game."

Chambers is a three-time All-Conference selection, including First-Team honors in 2023 and 2024. She helped her team to Olympic Conference Champions in her first three years, and has reached 100 career hits. Chambers had batting average of .361 in 2022, .468 in 2023, and .433 with in 2024, and added six home runs during her junior season. She also plays for Rhode Island Thunder National 18u. She is planning to major in business.

Gabriella Pudimott
Catcher
Townsend, Del. / Odessa High School

"Gabby is a natural leader behind the plate. She sees the field well and her softball IQ sets her apart from her peers."

Pudimott is a three-time All-Conference selection, including First-Team selections as a sophomore in junior. She has also been an Academic All-Conference selection all three years. In 2023, Pudimott helped her team to the Blue Hen Flight-B Championship. She is planning to major in business.

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