Haley Harrison
ISU Sports Information
The Idaho State softball team has announced the signing of seven future Bengals for the 2020-21 season: Aspen Frey, Emma Montoya, Katie Machado, Jillian Martinez, Brooklynne Esquibel, Skyler Sethman, and JJ Nguyen.
“We are so proud of the athletes that will be joining us next year,” said Head Coach Cristal Brown. “This group is made up of quality young women with positive energy who have their priorities in order. Not only will their athletic abilities and experiences make an immediate impact on the field but their commitment to academic success and pursuing excellence in all they do will help solidify the culture of the program.”
Aspen Frey
Frey joins Pocatello from her hometown of Palmdale, Calif. where she will graduate from Paraclete High School. The 5’6 outfielder was a two-time Female Athlete of the Year her sophomore and junior years. She also received All-Conference honors during the 2018-19 season.
“I chose Idaho State because the school is beautiful,” Frey said. “The town feels like home to me and I think I can have a positive impact on the softball team.”
“Aspen is a quick and strong natural lefty outfielder that can slap but also has a great power swing,” said Brown. “More than her athleticism, she is outgoing and is a tone setter with her personality.”
Emma Montoya
Montoya will graduate this spring from Valencia High School in Valencia, Calif. The 5’8 pitcher excelles both off and on the field earning a three-time Scholar Athlete Award, Foothill Pitcher of the Year Finalist, and TCS Sparkler Junior All-American honors in 2017. During her 2018-19 season, Montoya threw five shutouts.
“I chose ISU because of the excellent coaches, great education, and competitive softball program,” Montoya said.
Montoya will major in Biology at Idaho State.
“Emma has extensive experience throwing against elite level hitters which is invaluable,” Brown said. “Her efficient mechanics will allow her to throw lots of innings. She has good velocity already but it’s her spins that are most impressive.”
Katie Machado
Machado will join Idaho State from her hometown of Petaluma, Calif. She attends Casa Grande High School where she will graduate this spring. As a 5’6 pitcher, Machado is a two-time NCL All-League member for her performances during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons. During the 2018-19 season, Machado earned WAL first team All-League as the 2019 Casa Grande MVP.
Machado led her team to a first place league finish and an appearance in the NCS playoffs in 2017.
“I chose ISU because of the softball program, beautiful campus, and the many health related majors,” Machado stated.
Machado will major in Health Science at Idaho State.
“We are excited about the tools Katie brings to the circle,” Brown said. “She has great movement and change of speeds that will keep batters off balance and compliment the rest of our staff well. Her coachability and competitive spirit will take her a long way.”
Jillian Martinez
Martinez, a West Covina, Calif. native, will join the Idaho State softball team after graduating from St. Lucy’s Priory High School this spring. Martinez is a catcher and utility player.
“We are excited for Jill to come in and make an immediate impact behind the plate catching,” said Brown. “She is a great athlete with speed and a good arm. Her work ethic and attitude are a coach’s dream.”
Martinez will major in Medical Lab Science at Idaho State.
Brooklynne Esquibel
Esquibel hails from Eastvale, Calif. where she will graduate from Eleanor Roosevelt High School this spring. She is a 5’6 middle infielder and will be majoring in Elementary Education at Idaho State.
“I chose Idaho State because of the location and the softball coaches are amazing,” Esquibel said.
“Brooklynne’s athleticism allows her to play multiple positions in the infield but she can also play outfield quite well,” Brown stated. “We love her power from the left side and will look for her to surprise quite a few defenses. Brooklynne has a great team first spirit that will help us continue to build our culture.”
Skyler Sethman
Sethman will join ISU from Whittier, CA after graduating from La Serna High School this spring. The 5’6 shortstop/utility made great strides both academically and athletically during her high school career. She was Top 25 in her class three consecutive years while contributing to the National Honors Society for High School Scholars.
Sethman is a two-time first team All-League member and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, earning the awards in both her freshman and junior years. In 2018, she was named second team All-League and went on to earn first team All-Area INF in 2019.
She is a three-time Del Rio League Champion, helping her team to victory in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
“I chose Idaho State because it felt like home,” Sethman said. “I loved the peaceful and simple atmosphere around the campus as well as the beauty of the campus itself. But my main reason for choosing ISU was the amazing softball coaches, players, and incoming recruits, all of whom I felt like family with.”
Sethman will major in History at Idaho State.
“Skyler is so athletic that she could probably play any position on the field,” said Brown. “Her bat and quickness should make her an immediate impact. Her passion for the game and competing is contagious.”
JJ Nguyen
Nguyen will join Idaho State from Aliso Viejo, Calif. where she will graduate from Aliso Niguel High School this spring. The 5’7 outfielder earned a scholar athlete award in both her sophomore and junior years.
“JJ is a game changer type of player who performs in big moments,” Brown commented. “She will make a difference in the outfield as she takes pride in her craft and will also provide some good power in our lineup. Her energy and enthusiasm in the dugout will be very impactful.”
Nguyen will major in communications at Idaho State.
