Lucas Gebhart
Sports Editor
Going into her first season, ISU softball head coach Candi Letts took the Bengals to a 34-18 record and will look to build with her first recruiting class.
This is an exciting class,” Letts said. “I am thrilled to welcome them to the Bengal family. They will all make an impact for us on the field and in the classroom.”
Letts has branched outside the state of Idaho, landing three players from California and one from Washington, all of which will be joining the Bengals in the upcoming season.
Here is an in-depth look at the new recruits.
Genesis Zamora: Infielder
Sanger, California – Immanuel High School
Zamora was named first team all-league as a sophomore and junior. Playing on varsity for all four years at Immanuel High School, Zamora was named team captain and led her team in batting average and was also a standout in the classroom with a 4.0 GPA or better. Zamora was named to the Fresno Bee Spring All Star Honorable Mention team and qualified for the Premier Girls Fastpitch, (PGF), one of the largest tournaments in youth softball. In addition to softball, Zamora also played water polo and volleyball and was an active community service member by volunteering at the Palm Village retirement home.
“Genesis has a high softball IQ and really competes on the field. She has the tools to be an impact player in our program,” Letts said.
Frankie Tago: Infielder
Dana Point, California – Dana Hills High School
Tago lettered in all four years and led her team to the California Interscholastic Federation, (CIF), semi-finals in 2013 and a quarterfinals appearance in 2014. In addition, Tago was named team captain in 2015 and 2016. Her team placed third in the PGF in 201, and top five in 2015. Tago was named All-South Coast League first-team and tabbed as the Defensive Player of the Year. Tago is also a member of the Corona Angles since 2010, one of the top travel teams in the country, and is a three-year academic achiever in the health and medical occupation.
“Frankie will provide power to our lineup. She has the ability to change a game with one swing of the bat,” Letts said.
Kelsey Breer: Infielder
Puyallup, Washington – John R. Rogers High School
A two sport letter winner in softball and volleyball, Breer was named defensive MVP as a junior and first-team all-league infield as a freshman and junior. Breer also has speed as she led her team in stolen bases as a freshmen. Breer is a standout in the classroom and in the community as she was the Junior Female Math Student of the Year in 2014-15 school year. She was a two year varsity letter in community service and received the Presidents Academic Award. In addition, Breer also received the Corinthian Masonic Junior Achievement Award in 2015.
“Kelsey is a gifted athlete that will provide versatility to our team. She is a complete player who wants to make a difference on the field,” Letts said.
Jamie Gilbert: Infield
Garden Grove, California – Pacifica High School
As a freshmen, Gilbert was named Offensive Player of the year. She finished seventeenth in the Platinum PGF as a freshman and was pulled up to varsity for the CIF playoffs. Gilbert helped her team finish third in her freshmen season while she led her travel team to a second place finish in the PGF qualifier in Portland last year. Gilbert was also named to the Principal Honor Roll each year during high school.
“Jamie is an outstanding athlete. She has great awareness and can play anywhere on the field,” Letts said.
