Young Inks Top-25 Recruiting Class on National Signing Day

DURHAM – Duke softball head coach Marissa Young announced the signing of four new additions to the Blue Devil program on Wednesday during National Signing Day, with the class checking in at No. 20 in the nation, according to Extra Innings Softball.

"I am thrilled about the four women we have added to the Duke tradition of excellence," Young said. "They come in as the 20th-ranked recruiting class in the country. This 2024 class is going to be an impactful, dynamic group to watch. They have been battle-tested against the best teams in the country and are excited to contribute to a top-10 program and chase championships. We know that success starts in the circle and this class brings three quality arms to add to our staff, in addition to speed and athleticism."

The 2024 class marks the fifth top-25 recruiting class in the program's seven-year history. Joining the Blue Devils next season will be Ava Bradshaw, Gabriella Mike, Hailey Shuler and Brooklinn Thomas.

Ava Bradshaw
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: 12
Extra Innings Position Ranking: 7
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5'9"
Hometown/High School: South Lyon, Mich. / South Lyon High School
Career Highlights/Honors:

2022 Gatorade Michigan Softball Player of the Year
2022 Extra Inning Softball First Team High School All-American
2021 Total Sports Player of the Year
2021 Extra Innings Player of the Year Top-10 Finalist
2021 Metro Detroit Player of the Year

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Ava is nationally ranked the No. 5 pitcher in the 2024 class and racks up strikeouts as a power pitcher. She has experience of finding success at a high level in big moments and that will make her a great addition to our bullpen. Ava's fiery, competitive presence is contagious and she thrives when challenged. She's invested in continually looking for ways to learn and get better. We look forward to Ava making big impact in the circle."

Why Ava chose Duke: "I chose Duke because it has the best combination of academics and athletics and truly feels like home."

Brooklinn Thomas
Position: Utility
Height: 5'9"
Hometown/High School: Durham, N.C. / Panther Creek High School
Career Highlights/Honors:

Two-time SCHSL State Champion
Two-time All-State and All-Region selection
Named District Defensive Player of the Year in South Carolina
Three-year member of National Honor Society

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Brooklinn is a defensive playmaker, her speed, range and great hands allow her to make difficult plays with ease. She will provide us depth in both the middle infield and outfield. At the plate, she fits our offensive system as another player who can drive the ball into the gaps, while utilizing her speed with the short game. Brooklinn brings a competitive spirit, passion for the game and blue collar work mentality to our program."

Why Brooklinn chose Duke: "I chose Duke because it's a great academic institution with a strong softball program, along with a beautiful campus and a supportive fan base."

Hailey Shuler
Position: Pitcher/Infield
Height: 5'8"
Hometown/High School: Lake Balboa, Calif. / Sierra Canyon School
Career Highlights/Honors:

2023 Mission Most Valuable Player – Pitcher
Sierra Canyon Trailblazer Award for Student-Athletes
2022 Gold Coast Most Valuable Player

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Hailey is a rare two-way player that can pitch, hit and play the field at an elite level. She is known for her quickness, smooth hands, and high-level softball IQ. Hailey's versatility provides us depth at several positions. She has been battle-tested against tough competition and has experienced great individual and team success on the travel ball circuit, which has prepared her to compete in the ACC on day one. Hailey embodies valuable intangibles, such as resiliency, work ethic and the passion to compete at a high level."

Why Hailey chose Duke: "I chose Duke for the excellent academics as well as the high-level softball that I will be playing there. Duke has an amazing community and that is something that I'm excited to be a part of."

Gabriella Mike
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: 25
Extra Innings Position Ranking: 7
Position: Pitcher/Utility
Height: 5'7"
Hometown/High School: Altamonte Springs, Fla. / Lake Mary High School
Career Highlights/Honors:

2023 Florida Softball Gatorade Player of the Year Nominee
2023 Pitcher of the Year
All-State and first team all-conference selection
Four-year letterwinner
Member of National Honor Society
All-State and all-conference academic team

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Gabby, ranked 25th nationally in the 2024 class, is another dynamic two-way player that can pitch, hit and play the field at an elite level. Gabby's versatility and athleticism enhances our team in three different facets of the game, all in elite ways. She is known for her competitive passion in how she approaches every game."

Why Gabby chose Duke: "When I first came to Duke, I loved how warm everyone was. There was such a family vibe and feeling of home. The kindness of the staff, history, academic excellence and student support was impressive."

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Young Inks Top-25 Recruiting Class on National Signing Day

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