Reno, Nev. -  The Nevada head softball coach Linda Garza announced on Friday five newcomers for the 2022 class.

Haylee Engelbrecht, Madison Clark, Andrea Lira, Melia Croydon, and Maya Larsen will be joining the Pack next season. 

"I'm excited to sign my first Nevada recruiting class and get to work," says head coach Linda Garza. "It's a reflection of players and parents who buy into our future and want to be part of the Wolf Pack family. I've spent countless hours and days investing in these young women. Together we've engaged in true conversations, shared many topics with both players and parents. They understand my expectations, my style and program vision. This group will impact our success on and off the field immediately. We have incredible families and people joining our Pack. We will do things the Nevada way and have fun doing it. I can't wait for everyone to step foot on campus and begin this journey. It's going to be filled with great moments, hard work and success."

Haylee Engelbrecht

Folsom, Calif. | Del Oro HS

The Folsom, Calif. native, was a member of the California SunCats - Lopez. Engelbrecht was a First-Team All-league in Softball 2021, and also part of the team that won the 16u Elite Championship at Colorado Sparkler. Haylee was also a Track and Field (2017), and Volleyball (2017-2018) letter winner. Engelbrecht is a shortstop and can also play second base. 

"Haylee has the skill sets to do some incredible things while wearing the silver and blue." says head coach Linda Garza. "She is a four-tool player. Runs, hits, has incredible power, and plays solid defense. From day one I knew I wanted Haylee on my team to be part of the Wolf Pack family. Haylee flat out competes and came here to win and knows that is my mission."

Engelbrecht chose Nevada over Boise State, Fresno State, Utah State, LMU, Minnesota, Sacramento State, and the University of San Diego.

Madison Clark

San Andreas, Calif. | Calaveras HS 

Clark is a versatile player. During her high school career, the San Andreas, Calif. native, was a volleyball (2021), track (2019), basketball (2018-2021), and softball (2018-21) letter winner. Madison was part of the teams that won the Mother Lode league in softball (2019-2021), track (2019), and basketball (2018-2019).

"Madison is simply fun to watch," says head coach Garza. "She plays the game hard, fast, and with incredible energy. Maddie is versatile and came to Nevada to be part of a championship and is a natural leader. on and off the field in a championship way."

Madison also received individual awards as the Freshman Year Varsity Basketball by the Mother Lode League (MLL), Most Outstanding Player; All-Defensive Player; Number 17 in the nation for steals. As a softball player, Clark was nominated MLL First Team All-League; All-State Second Team for Outfielders, she received the Calaveras Enterprise Student-Athlete of the Year as a Freshman. As a sophomore, Clark was nominated MLL First Team All-League and All-Defensive Player for basketball. During her junior year, Clark was nominated first-team All-League, for basketball and most valuable player for softball.

Clark chose Nevada over Santa Clara, Stanford, Utah State, and Long Beach State. 

Andrea Lira

Stockton, Calif. | Saint Mary's HS

The Stockton, Calif. Native played in the Tri-City Athletic League. Lira was a softball letter winner in 2019, and 2021. Andrea was an honorable mention in 2019 and was had a top-three finish batting average in 2021 in the league. Lira could be playing infield or outfield for the Pack. 

"I've had the pleasure of recruiting Andrea twice. She is one of the purest hitters out there." says head coach Garza, "We recruited Dre to make an immediate impact offensively for the Pack. She plays a steady outfield and swings the bat at a high level. One of my favorite things about Andrea. She's cool, calm, and believes in my leadership style."

Lira chose Nevada over Fresno State, Sacramento State, University of the Pacific, and Boise State.

Melia Croydon

Milwaukie, Ore. | Warner Pacific University 

Croydon is a college transfer from Milwaukie, Ore. Having some college pitching experience, Melia will be joining the coach Demore squad for the spring 2022 season. At high school, Melia was a letter winner (2016-19), she was part of the softball team that placed second in the state championships. Croydon was also nominated co-pitcher of the year in 2019 by her league. 

"Melia brings college pitching experience and will help us immediately with depth in the circle," says head coach Garza. "Melia likes challenges and anyone willing to transfer midyear it is a "must-have" quality. Melia played for coach Ohta last season in 2021, had great success and we are excited she wants to be part of building Nevada Softball. "

Croydon is coming from Warner Pacific University, where she was coached by coach Ohta. 

Maya Larsen

Marysville, Calif. | Marysville HS

Larsen could be serving as a first base or a catcher for the Pack. The Marysville, Calif. native played for the Sorcerer Gold Gabales/Rodriguez team. 

During her junior season in high school, Larsen had a batting average of .515, an RBI of 29, and 34 hits, putting her in first place at the team's rankings. Maya had also six home runs, and 24 runs, putting her in second place at the team's rankings. 

"Maya bleeds Wolf Pack blue." says coach Garza, "She believes in me, our program vision and has been about Nevada Softball from day one. Larsen has incredible power and will help us in a variety of ways. We will look to Maya to add offensive depth and power to our offense."