Ferris State Softball Welcomes Seven New Dawgs To 2025 Signing Class
Bulldogs add top-tier talent from Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa to bolster future roster
BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — The Ferris State University softball program is excited to announce the signing of its newest recruiting class, set to join the Bulldogs for the 2026–27 season. All seven officially inked with the Bulldogs this week during the fall signing period.
"This class fills our needs for the upcoming seasons," said head coach Jake Schumann. "We've expanded our recruiting efforts beyond Michigan to include talented players from the great states of Indiana and Iowa. This group adds strong pitching depth, speed up the middle, and two power bats. It's truly a complete class that embodies our core values of Drive, Integrity, Respect, and Trust. Today, we officially get to call them Dawgs and we couldn't be more excited.
"Each of these young women brings something special to Ferris State Softball. They're talented, driven, and already great representatives of what it means to be a Bulldog. We can't wait to get them on campus," he added.
Last spring, Schumann led the Bulldogs to the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 2013. The Bulldogs' 28 wins this past year represented the program's most in a decade. A strong roster returns for 2026 with the Bulldogs slated to begin the year in February.
Ferris State Softball Signees
Olivia Tilley | Flat Rock, Mich. | Airport High School
"Liv is a three-time All-Stater, and we anticipate she'll earn that honor again this spring. She has the speed to steal bases and is expected to surpass the 200-hit mark for her high school career. Liv brings experience, leadership, and the competitiveness to push for a starting spot right away. She's a Dawg in every sense of the word!"
Accolades:
• 3x First Team All-State
• School record holder in stolen bases
• Enrolled in college courses toward a nursing degree and CNA certification
• Maintains a GPA above 3.0
Lainey McDaniel | LHP | Muskegon, Mich. | Reeths-Puffer High School
"Lainey is one of the top pitchers in West Michigan. A lefty who can reach 60 mph with elite spin, she brings a different look to our staff and will make an immediate impact. Her calm, composed demeanor will serve her well at the college level."
Accolades:
• 2x All-Region, 3x All-District
• All-Conference (Track)
• Marsh Field Female Athlete of the Year
• 3x Academic All-State
• Member of Student Leadership, Student-Athlete Leadership, and PALS (Peer Assistant Leaders)
• Enrolled in multiple AP courses
Leah Shappell | RHP | Leo, Ind. | Leo High School
"Leah is a tall, athletic pitcher who commands the zone with both spin and velocity. From the first time she attended our camp, we knew she was a perfect fit for our program. She's a competitor with great leadership qualities."
Accolades:
• First Team All-State (Softball)
• Principal's Honor Roll
• National Honor Society
• Team Captain in Volleyball and Basketball
• Basketball: First Team All-Conference, Top 100 IBCA Showcase Invitee
• Volleyball: Second Team All-Conference, Academic All-State
• Yearbook Editor
Kiley Weinberg | 2B/OF | Edwardsburg, Mich. | St. Joseph High School (South Bend, Ind.)
"Kiley first caught our eye at camp. She's quick, has excellent bat control, and can be a true triple threat from the left side. Kiley will compete for the second base position and adds valuable versatility as an outfielder. We love her game and are thrilled to have her join the Dawgs!"
Accolades:
• 4-Year Varsity Letterwinner, Team Captain
• Division 4A Sectional Champion
• All-Conference Honorable Mention
• National Honor Society
• STHS Highest Honor Award recipient
• Departmental Awards in Spanish, Math, English, and History
• Yearbook Editor
Kyrah Gray | P/MI | Evart, Mich. | Evart High School
"Kyrah is a state champion and one of the top athletes in the area. In the circle, she can reach 63+ mph with tremendous spin, and she's equally strong defensively in
the middle infield. She's a true triple threat—arm, glove, and bat—and will make an immediate impact in our push for GLIAC and national championships."
Accolades:
• Softball: Pioneer & Cadillac News Player of the Year, 1st Team All-State, 2x All-Region
• Volleyball: 1st Team All-Conference
• Basketball: 1st Team All-State, 3x Pioneer & Cadillac News 1st Team, 2x Player of the Year
Brianne Borgman | RHP | Fremont, Mich. | Grand Haven High School
"Bri is a Division I-caliber talent who chose to stay close to home and be a Dawg. She's a hard-throwing righty with serious power at the plate. Bri helped lead her Turning 2 club team to a Top 5 finish at Alliance Nationals—the highest level of club softball in the country. She's mature beyond her years and will be a key part of our rotation from day one."
Accolades:
• First Team All-State
• Grand Haven HS single-season and career home run record holder
Tatum Johnson | C | Urbandale, Iowa | Urbandale High School
"From the moment we saw Tatum swing, we knew she had to be a Dawg. She's a D1-level hitter with tremendous power and consistency at the plate. Competing at a high level in a state loaded with elite pitching talent, Tatum has proven she's one of the best."
Accolades:
• 2x 5A All-State
• 4x All-Conference
• School record holder for single-season and career home runs
• 4x Academic All-Conference
• National Honor Society
• Top Gun Power 50 Prospect & Exit Velocity Leader