Submitted photos – Six of the 15 new CR players signed their letters of intent on Tuesday, alongside several of the team’s returning players.

By Ray Hamill — After seeing their season canceled this year, the College of the Redwoods women appear more eager than ever to get back to playing the game they love.

And that, coupled with a huge class of new recruits, could see the CR softball team return with a bang in 2026.

Head coach Micaela Harris, who took over from Megan Valente last summer, has yet to coach a game with the team after the local community college announced in January that injuries and medical clearance issues over the semester break left the program without enough players to field a full team for 2025.

However, Harris used the opportunity to work extensively with the eight players on the roster and that appears to be paying dividends heading into the new school year.

Harris has also added a remarkable 15 new players, giving CR one of its largest rosters in several years.

And just as important, the returning players are hungrier than ever.

“Not playing this spring, it really allowed them to feel super grateful for the game,” Harris said. “The girls that are coming back, they’re hungry and ready to get back out there.”

The returning sophomores include three former Hoopa Warriors — Bethany Masten (catcher/outfield), Diamond Bibancos-Knight (first base) and Jewely Bibancos-Knight (third base/catcher) — as well as Eureka’s Maeghan Hampton (utility), who was a first-team all-conference selection in 2024.

They will be joined by four players who committed to the team last summer, a group that includes Arcata’s Aria Soberanis (team manager) and South Fork’s Cloe McConnell (pitcher), along with Jordyn Hattery (infield) from Spanish Springs High School and Vonyea Pina (infielder), a transfer from Arizona Western College.

And it’s a group that took full advantage of the down time this spring.

“I’m really proud of our returners,” Harris said. “After losing our season, they stayed committed to coming back, and we used that time to dive into individual development, breaking down their mechanics and working one-on-one to help each of them elevate their game.

“I think people will really see that growth once we hit the field.”

Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Maeghan Hampton was an all-conference selection for the CR women in 2024.

Ands that’s not all.

The adversity they faced helped the players develop a bond.

“It gave us a unique opportunity to build the culture we’ve been striving for,” Harris added. “These returners have bought in fully, and they’re ready to lead the way and set the tone for our newcomers.”

The returning players will be joined by a large recruiting class of 15 players, including seven H-DNL players from four different high school programs.

After winning a third straight Big 5 championship this past spring, Del Norte’s Carlee Harper (catcher/utility), Audrey Phillips (second base/outfield) and Tsinte Steinruck (third base/outfield) will all join the team, along with Arcata’s Lily Cunningham (outfield) and Taylor Sutherland (first base/outfield), McKinleyville’s Bailee Box (catcher/outfield) and Fortuna’s Faith Helms (pitcher/catcher/third base).

All of those players bring plenty of experience at the high school level and will be expected to contribute immediately.

Harper was the 2024 Big 5 MVP and Humboldt Sports Player of the Year and Harris describes her as a “fierce competitor and true student of the game.”

“Her athleticism and championship mentality will be a huge piece  of our team’s identity,” the coach added. 

Phillips and Steinruck also bring a winning mentality to the program.

“Audrey knows how to win and plays with heart. Her versatility is a huge asset, and we’re looking forward to the spark she’ll bring to the field,” Harris said.

Likewise with Steinruck, a three-sport standout who was recently named the 2025 Humboldt Sports Big 5 Girls Athlete of the Year.

“Tsinte is a natural athlete who brings energy and versatility to the field,” the coach added. “We can’t wait to see her compete at the college level.”

Box is another athletic multi-sport athlete who enjoyed a stellar career playing for the Panthers, especially on the softball field, and she will be expected to play a big role for the CR women.

“Bailee is a true triple threat and a high-impact player,” Harris said. “Her athleticism and versatility give us a lot of options, and we see her being a key part of our success.”

The Arcata duo of Sutherland and Cunningham will also give the new head coach plenty of options.

“Lily is a quiet grinder who leads with her work ethic. Her speed and attitude are exactly what we look for in a player,” Harris said. “Taylor brings great energy to the team and is always willing to put in the work. We’re looking forward to helping her grow and develop at the collegiate level.”

The hard-hitting Helms, meanwhile, played a key leadership role for a resurgent Fortuna team this spring and helped lead the Huskies to this year’s Charles Lakin tournament championship.

“Faith plays with so much heart and determination,” Harris said. “Her growth this year has been inspiring and we’re excited to see her continue to rise.”

Harris has also been busy hitting the recruiting trails beyond the Redwood Curtain and has added eight newcomers from out of the area for the 2026 season.

That group includes Sidney Sherrod (catcher from College of the Desert), Alayna Phillips (pitcher/first baseman from Desert High School). Emily Gomez (catcher/infielder from Casa Roble High School), Grace Turgeon (outfielder from Ponderosa High School), Katelyn Saito (pitcher/outfielder from North Surrey High School), Mackenzie Dean (pitcher/first baseman from Bella Vista High School), Makayla Youngman (first baseman/third baseman from Sonora High School) and Kailey Wheelock (pitcher/first baseman from South Medford High School).

And all of them are also expected to have a big impact with their new team.

“(Sidney) brings experience, energy and leadership behind the plate,” said Harris, who described Alayna Phillips as a “force in the circle” and a player whose “command and presence on the mound are impressive.”

Harris described Gomez as “the full package.”

“She is gritty, vocal and unafraid to lead,” the coach said. “She’s a cornerstone-type player for us.”

Turgeon, according to the coach, “brings elite speed and athleticism to the field” and is “also a triple-threat,” and “her game-changing presence at the top of the lineup is something we’re really excited about.”

Saito will also be expected to make an immediate contribution in the circle.

“Katelyn brings international experience and impressive movement in the circle,” Harris said. “Her work ethic is unmatched and we’re grateful she chose CR.”

Dean, according to the coach, is “a powerful presence both in the circle and at the plate,” while Youngman will bring “big-time power to our lineup.”

And the coach is also excited to welcome Wheelock to the team.

“Kailey’s comeback story is one of resilience and strength,” Harris said. “We’re proud of her journey and excited to be part of this next chapter.”