SMITHFIELD, RI – Head coach Nick French of the Bryant University softball team announced the seven-member class of 2026 this afternoon. Coach French is delighted to add this class, which brings a lot to the team.

“I’m really proud of these kids, who sadly went through the brunt of the Covid recruiting period. Their persistence in finding the right home for them says a lot about who they are as people, and I m ‘expect them to bring that desire to accomplish their goals on the softball field and in Bryant’s classroom, ”French said.“ I’m really excited about this class. They bring a lot of versatility on the court and power at home, and I look forward to seeing them grow and realize their potential within our program and beyond. “

Grace Bishop – C / 3B | Fayetteville, NY | Lycée Fayetteville-Manlius | (Original TC Tremors)

Before Bryant: Winner of a four-year letter to the Hornets at Fayetteville-Manlius High School … Named to the league’s second all-star team in the 2018 season … Played for the club team Original TC Tremors from 2019 to 2022 … Member of the National Honor Society.

Staff: Daughter of Karin and Joseph Bishop … Has a sister.

Hannah Cochran – 1B / 3B | Littleton, Massachusetts | Littleton High School | (Polar crush)

Before Bryant: Four-year varsity newbie in the infield at Littleton High School … Led team to two league championships … Was named All-Star in freshman and freshman … Assisted his team to produce a 20-1 record in 2019, and a 15-1 record in 2020 … Member of the Polar Crush club team (2016-2021) … Member of the National Honor’s Society.

Staff: Ron and Katie Cochran’s daughter … Has a sister.

Ashley Kaiser – Outfield | North Kingstown, RI | Prout’s school

Before Bryant: Played four years in varsity softball … Named to the division’s third all-star team in her junior year … Hit three home runs as a junior.

Staff: Meghan and Ames Kaiser’s daughter … has a brother and a sister

Ava Paganis – SS / 3B | La Grange, Illinois | Canton of Lyon | (Extreme Elite National)

Before Bryant: Four-year letter winner … Helped his team reach a 13-9 record in junior year … Hit .400 with seven home runs, 25 RBIs, .514 OBP, 1.347 OPS and a SLG% of .833 as a junior … All-Conference honorable mention and named team captain … Member of the National Honors Society … Played for the National Extreme Elite club team in 2021.

Staff: Daughter of Frank and Jessica Paganis … Has four brothers.

Ashley Pierce – SS / 3B / 1B | Hicksville, New York State | Hicksville High School | (New Jersey Intensity)

Before Bryant: Four-year-old varsity player at Hicksville High School … From 2018 to 2019 she reached .579 with 29 RBIs and 45 points … As a junior Pierce recorded a batting average of .476 with five homers … A two-time winner of the All-County team … Was twice named one of Long Island’s Top 100 players … Won the team’s MVP title and was named seventh State team team in 2021 … Competed for the intensity of the New Jersey club team (2019-2022).

Staff: Dawn and Randy Pierce’s daughter … Has a brother.

Alexa Powell – Pitcher | Murrieta, Cali. | Vista Murrieta High School | (athletics market)

Before Bryant: Winner of a four-year letter … Was a starting pitcher when her team won the league championship … A three-time recipient of a student-athlete award … Student on the honor roll … Played for the Mercado Track and Field club team. Won triple crown, IDT Colorado and Alliance Birth in Arizona as a member of his club’s team.

Staff: Daughter of Sara and Walter Powell … Sister of Morgan Powell, former student of Bryant Softball.

Brooke Tracy – Pitcher | Glastonbury, Connecticut | Glastonbury High School | (Rhode Island Thunder)

Before Bryant: Four year old varsity rookie at Glastonbury High School … Helped her team to a career-high 27-15 … In the 2020 season she produced a 1.6 ERA … Named to the conference and all-state team as a junior … Member of the National Honor Society … Played for the Rhode Island Thunder club in 2021.

Staff: Daughter of Tiffany and Jefferey Tracy … Has a sister.