JERSEY CITY, NJ - The Saint Peter's University softball team and head coach Chris Stelma are set to welcome the addition of five student-athletes to the program beginning in the fall of 2020. The new group features four freshmen and one transfer, with three players hailing from New York and two Garden State natives.
"We are adding five talented student-athletes in our 2020 class," said Stelma. "We are adding some talent up the middle with a catcher, two pitchers and two infielders. These players are extremely talented, but also a great fit for our culture and the future of the program. We welcome them all to the Peacock family and can't wait to get them on campus!"
Meet The Saint Peter's University Softball Class of 2024
Christina Colon | Pitcher | Verona, NJ | Verona High School / Bryant University
Before Saint Peter's: Prior to joining Saint Peter's, Colon spent her freshman year at Bryant, appearing in one game for the Bulldogs before the cancellation of the 2020 season. Before her time in the Ocean State, Colon was a four-year starter at Verona, earning multiple honors in her high school career including SEC First-Team, All-State Honorable Mention, Third Team All-Group 1, and American First Team. Colon also helped lead Verona to State Runner-Up honors her sophomore year.
Coach Stelma on Colon: "Christina is a big addition to our pitching staff and will really add depth to our rotation. She's a kid that we really liked out of high school, so when she became available as a transfer, we were really excited to have the opportunity to bring her home to New Jersey."
Miryah Paredes | Infield/Pitcher | Smithtown, NY | Smithtown High School West
Before Saint Peter's: Paredes arrives in Jersey City coming off a successful high school career at Smithtown West in nearby Long Island. Another impressive addition to the squad, Paredes earned glowing accolades out of high school, having been named to the All-County and All-Division teams her sophomore and junior year, respectively, as well as being named the team MVP following her sophomore season. Additionally, Paredes gained further experience playing travel ball for Team Long Island.
Coach Stelma on Paredes: "Miryah brings a top of the batting order skill set to us. She is a versatile hitter who can play small ball and get on base a lot. She is a skilled infielder and has great skills and knowledge for the game. Miryah is an outstanding athlete and brings the type of personality for the game that we are looking for!"
Kaitlynn Peters | Infield | Drums, PA | Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences
Before Saint Peter's: Peters will head to the Garden State next season to join the Peacocks following an impressive career on and off the field at Hazleton, consistently earning a spot on the school's honor roll and dominating on the field. Peters earned a slew of honors for her play throughout her high school career, including multiple MaxPreps Player of the Game awards. Peters played an integral role in her team's success, helping Hazleton to both district and state championships every year she was with the team, including three consecutive District 2 and Wyoming Valley Conference Championships from 2017-2019.
Coach Stelma on Peters: "Kaitlynn is a powerful bat who will come in and add depth to our infield. She is a hard-working player who will have the chance to step in and be an impact player for us."
Madison Simone | Infield | Lumberton, NJ | Valley Regional High School
Before Saint Peter's: Simone is another New Jersey native joining Saint Peter's for next season, as she prepares for the collegiate level following a strong career at Valley Regional. The freshman will bring valuable experience with her, having served as a three-year varsity starter for the Red Devils, along with time spent playing for the South Jersey Mystics travel team.
Coach Stelma on Simone: "Madison is an extremely athletic kid. She swings the bat very well and is sound defensively. She is extremely upbeat and it's fun to watch her play the game. We are excited to have her come in and compete for time in our infield."
Maiah Skakal | Catcher | Horseheads, NY | Horseheads High School
Before Saint Peter's: Skakal rounds out the quintet of newcomers as a versatile player who is expected to make an impact both at, and behind, the plate. During her time in high school, Skakal impressed on and off the field, earning a spot in the National Honors Society throughout her tenure at Horseheads. On the diamond, Skakal has experienced equal success, earning Fifth Team All-State honors in 2019 and being named an STAC West All-Star for three straight years from 2017-2019. Skakal also helped lead Horseheads to back-to-back Division West Championship victories in 2017 and 2018, as well as STAC and Section 4 championship titles in 2018.
Coach Stelma on Skakal: "Maiah is an extremely athletic catcher who does a great job receiving pitches as well as throwing out runners. She has a good bat with middle of the order type of skills. We expect her to be a big part of the future of our program."
--
For continuing coverage of Saint Peter's University Athletics, visit SaintPetersPeacocks.com and follow the Peacocks onTwitter, Instagram and Facebook.
