The new Montana softball head coach, Stef Ewing, who was appointed in late June, quickly set her vision for her inaugural team, a noticeable difference to anyone who attended the exhibition games at Grizzly Softball Field this fall. However, even before the first fall practice kicked off in early September, it seems Ewing was already […]
The new Montana softball head coach, Stef Ewing, who was appointed in late June, quickly set her vision for her inaugural team, a noticeable difference to anyone who attended the exhibition games at Grizzly Softball Field this fall.
However, even before the first fall practice kicked off in early September, it seems Ewing was already strategizing for the future of Montana’s teams, probably just minutes after accepting the role.
This groundwork has recently borne fruit as 12 high school athletes signed scholarship agreements with the University of Montana and are poised to join the Grizzlies next fall.
Indeed, twelve is a significant number for a team that consists of 21 players this season and is projected to be limited to 25 by the NCAA in the coming years, but it was all a part of her strategy.
“This is a truly large class, no doubt about it, but it allows us to effectively instill our system and let this group, alongside the returning players, redefine who we are and enhance our system and brand of softball,” Ewing stated.
“We will have players who can set the table, speedsters on base, hitters who can swing for power as well as those who hit for average, and we aim to have strong defensive skills. It was essential to bolster our pitching options.”
Half of Montana’s new additions will arrive from the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, while Ewing, a former coach at Cal State San Marcos, has also brought in four players from California, along with one from Arizona and one from Wyoming, marking a first for the Grizzlies.
From Idaho, Ewing signed Jenna Barney (corner infielder; Lewiston, Idaho; Lewiston HS), Layla Gugino (infielder; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Lake City HS), Kaci Kiblen (outfielder/first baseman; Moscow, Idaho; Moscow HS) and Makinzie Nelson (pitcher; Hailey, Idaho; Wood River HS).
From Washington and Oregon, the Grizzlies will welcome Ava Puttler (outfielder; Puyallup, Wash.; Emerald Ridge HS) and Mya Ward (middle infielder; Salem, Ore.; West Salem HS).
The quartet from California consists of Jessica Cherms (outfielder; Placentia, Calif.; El Dorado HS), Gracyn Graviette (catcher; Acampo, Calif.; Liberty Ranch HS), Brianna Gutierrez (middle infielder/utility; Fontana, Calif.; Etiwanda HS) and Kailee Mejia (middle infielder; Whittier, Calif.; St. Paul HS).
Additionally, Audriana Elias (pitcher; Tucson, Ariz.; Salpointe Catholic HS) and Kodi Allred (catcher/shortstop; Mountain View, Wyo.; Mountain View HS/Green River HS) also signed on.
It’s a substantial influx of talent that presents the potential for a strong class reminiscent of the 15 freshmen from Montana’s inaugural team in 2015, who made it to the NCAA tournament by their third year.
“I can’t wait to have them here and observe how much more athletic we’ll become during our first practice and the options available to us,” Ewing noted.
“These are wonderful culture kids who will work hard. They are passionate about the University of Montana and our values. Plus, they’re skilled athletes.
“I advised each of them to come in prepared to compete for a position. That’s the competitive spirit we need. Step up, embrace your moment, and let’s see who will persist and rise above. We’re aiming for a new style of softball that differs from our past. This marks just the beginning of a new chapter.”
If Ewing had taken over a decade ago in late June, she would have faced a daunting recruiting landscape for high school players.
However, the dynamics of the sport and coaching profession have evolved, as college coaches have begun delaying their recruitment, prioritizing the late-spring transfer market while considering upcoming roster limits.
This shift has resulted in more rising seniors remaining uncommitted during the summer before their final high school year, presenting an advantageous scenario for Ewing. This fall was entirely focused on coaching the current team and hosting official visits during football weekends.
Each day was dedicated to constructing the Grizzlies according to her vision for both this season and the future.
“Firstly, I needed to familiarize myself with our roster and understand the senior class along with the impending graduations. We’ll be losing an exceptional group of young women,” Ewing remarked.
This senior group consists of six players, but Ewing wasn’t just looking to replace those six with identical numbers. She aims for depth, versatile depth, and overall athleticism, along with a pitching staff that could potentially include six to eight players.
That’s why she filled her recruiting plan to capacity. Strong beginnings often come from having many quality options.
“Our goal is to build a roster that enhances our pitching depth, versatility, athleticism, and speed. These were our primary requirements to evolve our style of softball,” she explained.
“This entails bringing in players who can handle multiple positions, who can steal bases, advance from first to third, pitchers who also hit, and pitchers with different skills than those we have currently, which will provide us with greater flexibility.”
Montana hasn’t recorded a roster with even 20 players since 2018 and has never exceeded 21 players in its history. The changing times are apparent. Ewing anticipates having a complete team of 25 next year.
“I think that was my strength at San Marcos, identifying athletes who fit well within my system and developing them to succeed at the collegiate level,” she said. “Finding athletes who may have been overlooked but are ideal for our needs—these are the kids capable of making significant contributions.
“In college softball, you’re just one or two injuries away from facing a challenging situation. These athletes possess a great deal of versatility, which will enhance our roster depth.”
The transformation of the Montana softball program is well in progress. And consider this: Ewing has only been on the job for less than five and a half months. She is just getting warmed up, and the same applies to the Grizzlies.
