UNI softball signs eight on early signing day

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The UNI softball team announced its early signing class on Wednesday. The class includes eight athletes, with seven coming to UNI from within the state of Iowa.

"We're thrilled to welcome eight outstanding student-athletes to our 2026 Softball Signing Class," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "It is one of the most talented groups we've brought in to date! This dynamic class features top-tier talent from across Iowa and the Midwest, each player bringing a unique blend of skill, competitiveness, and character that perfectly aligns with our program's culture and values. From power hitters to lockdown defenders, this group is stacked with athleticism, versatility, and a competitive edge that will elevate our team for years to come. Compared to last year, this is a significantly larger class — a testament to the strength of our recruiting efforts and the bright future of our program. A special thank-you to our incredible coaching staff for their tireless dedication, countless hours, and unwavering commitment throughout the recruiting process. Their passion and effort made this class possible, and we're grateful for the culture they continue to build every day. Recruiting such a talented and large class wouldn't be possible without the exceptional efforts of Coach Wright, Coach Adams, and Coach Alstott. I truly enjoy working with them on the recruiting trail to bring in the best prospects for our program."

Addison Rotz

An infielder from Mt. Zion, Illinois, Addison Rotz attends Mt. Zion High School where she is a member of the softball, volleyball, and basketball teams. An accomplished infielder, Rotz's list of achievements is impressive. Heading into her senior season, she has already been recognized as a three-time First Team All-State and All-Conference selection, as well as a three-time All-Academic Team honoree and Summa Cum Laude student. As a junior, she was named Herald & Review Player of the Year and Boom Town Offensive Player of the Year, highlighting her dominance both at the plate and in the field. Rotz has helped lead the Lady Braves to multiple team championships, including three consecutive Regional titles, two Sectional championships, and three Apollo Conference championships in softball. She was also part of Regional Championship basketball teams as a freshman and sophomore. Through the first quarter of her senior year, Rotz continues to excel academically - earning Summa Cum Laude honors once again - and was recently recognized as Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month and captain of the volleyball team.

"Addison is a highly skilled left-handed hitter with exceptional bat-to-ball ability and promising power potential," said head co. "Her experience against high-level competition positions her to transition seamlessly into our lineup. Defensively, she brings versatility across multiple positions, giving us valuable flexibility to keep her impactful bat in the lineup."

Madison Nagel

An outfielder from Urbandale, Iowa, Madison Nagel attends Dowling Catholic High School, where she is a member of the softball and track and field teams. A dynamic multi-sport athlete, Nagel has excelled in both arenas, earning recognition for her athleticism, academic excellence, and leadership. An accomplished outfielder, Nagel's résumé reflects her consistency and drive. Heading into her senior season, she has been a multi-year varsity letterwinner in both softball and track, as well as a CIML All-Academic Award recipient in both sports each year of her high school career. She has also earned repeated placement on the Presidential Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. On the field, Nagel has distinguished herself as both a competitor and a teammate. In softball, she earned Third Team All-Conference honors as a freshman and Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition as a sophomore, all while balancing a demanding club softball schedule. On the track, she has helped lead Dowling Catholic to numerous team and relay successes, including a third-place finish at the State Track and Field Championships her freshman year, Conference Championship honors, and District Meet titles in each of her first three seasons. She is also a multi-time State and Drake Relays qualifier and medalist in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 events. Through her senior year, Nagel continues to exemplify excellence both athletically and academically, maintaining her standing on the Presidential Honor Roll while contributing to Dowling's ongoing success in track and softball.

"Madison is an intense, quick-twitch athlete with elite speed and explosive energy," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "A left-handed hitter with excellent hand-eye coordination, she combines speed and emerging power to create scoring opportunities in multiple ways. Defensively, her range and instincts allow her to cover significant ground in the outfield."

Grace Nagel

A pitcher from Urbandale, Iowa, Grace Nagel attends Dowling Catholic High School, where she has demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom. A versatile and composed competitor, Nagel has balanced a demanding athletic schedule with consistent academic achievement, earning recognition for her intelligence, work ethic, and leadership. An accomplished pitcher and all-around athlete, Nagel's résumé reflects her steady growth and competitive spirit. Heading into her senior season, she is a multi-year varsity letterwinner in softball and a member of the National Honor Society, maintaining a perfect record on the Presidential Honor Roll throughout all four years of high school. Nagel's athletic background is wide-ranging. As a freshman, she competed in volleyball, basketball, and track, showcasing her athletic versatility before focusing her efforts on softball, where she quickly established herself as a reliable presence in the circle. Her academic and athletic consistency have made her a standout representative of Dowling Catholic's student-athlete tradition.

"Grace is a highly intelligent pitcher who approaches the game with a deep understanding of both mechanics and strategy," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "She's driven to explore the nuances of pitching and constantly seeks ways to refine her skills. With an impressive blend of speed and spin, she excels at keeping hitters off-balance. It's exciting to imagine what her eagerness to learn, paired with Coach Wright's proven ability to develop elite pitchers, will lead to."

Kylie Matejski

An infielder from Des Moines, Iowa, Kylie Matejski attends Dowling Catholic High School, where she has built a reputation as a highly athletic, versatile, and driven competitor. A standout performer both academically and athletically, Matejski has earned recognition for her leadership, consistency, and impact across multiple levels of play. An accomplished student-athlete, Matejski's résumé reflects her commitment to excellence. She is a multi-year member of the Presidential Honor Roll, recipient of Academic Recognition and Academic Excellence Honor Roll distinctions, and a Varsity Academic Letter honoree. Her ability to balance academic success with elite athletic performance has made her a model of Dowling Catholic's student-athlete tradition. On the field, Matejski has been a key contributor to Dowling's softball program, earning Second Team All-Conference, Third Team All-State, and the Dowling Silver Slugger Award as a sophomore. As a junior, she served as team captain, was named Third Team All-Conference again, and received the Dowling Energy Award for her leadership and competitiveness. Her efforts have helped the program achieve notable team success, including a 2025 Class 5A State Tournament appearance, and strong finishes at major national events such as Triple Crown Nationals (Top 5), Sparkler National Power Pool (Top 25), and Alliance Nationals (Top 25).

"Kylie is an exceptionally athletic player with a strong approach at the plate," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "Her passion for the game and competitive spirit shine through in her commitment to playing both high school and travel ball during the summer. She and her family are deeply dedicated to softball. We've seen her excel across all infield positions and even contribute in the outfield, showcasing her versatility. We're confident she'll quickly earn a spot in our lineup."

Kylie Sieverding

A center fielder from Dubuque, Iowa, Kylie Sieverding attends Wahlert Catholic High School, where she has established herself as one of eastern Iowa's most versatile and competitive multi-sport athletes. A standout in softball, basketball, and track and field, Sieverding's athleticism, leadership, and determination have set her apart as a consistent contributor in all three programs. An accomplished student-athlete, Sieverding has earned numerous honors across her high school career. In softball, she is a four-time State Qualifier, earning All-Conference recognition each season, including First Team as a sophomore, Second Team honors as a freshman, junior, and senior, Third Team All-State as a junior, and a spot on the All-State Tournament Team (Class 3A) as a senior. In addition to her softball success, she is a three-time relay champion and multi-time track qualifier, as well as a two-time basketball state qualifier, excelling as a point guard for the Golden Eagles. Sieverding's success across multiple sports is matched by her competitive drive and leadership - qualities that have made her a key figure in Wahlert Catholic's athletic tradition. Her relentless work ethic, speed, and defensive range in center field have drawn consistent attention from coaches and opponents alike.

"Kylie was born to be a UNI Panther," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "With both parents as Panther athletics alums, she was likely sporting purple and gold from day one. While size and strength may not top her evaluation profile, they're exactly what first caught our attention. What truly sets Kylie apart is her competitive fire. Despite her smaller frame, she consistently makes incredible defensive plays, steals bases, and surprises opponents with the power in her swing. Panther pride is the key ingredient in the recipe for success at UNI—and Kylie embodies it fully."

Molly Carlson

A catcher from Iowa City, Iowa, Molly Carlson attends Iowa City High School, where she has built a reputation as one of the state's most competitive and multi-talented athletes. A three-sport standout in softball, volleyball, and wrestling, Carlson's combination of power, toughness, and leadership has made her an integral part of each program she's represented. An accomplished competitor, Carlson's achievements speak for themselves. In softball, she is a multi-year All-Conference and All-State selection, earning MVC Second Team honors as a freshman before being named MVC First Team, First Team All-District, and First Team All-State as a junior. Her defensive skill behind the plate, paired with her ability to hit for power, has made her one of eastern Iowa's most respected catchers. Equally impressive is Carlson's success in wrestling, where she has become one of the most decorated athletes in Iowa City High's program history. A three-time state qualifier, MVC Champion, and Academic All-State honoree, she has demonstrated exceptional discipline and athletic versatility. Carlson has also contributed to the Academic All-State Team in wrestling and earned recognition for her classroom excellence as an Academic All-MVC student-athlete.

"Molly is a fierce competitor who brings a strong sense of toughness to the UNI Softball Program," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "Her on-field leadership provides a solid foundation for a catcher poised to be the glue of a dynamic defense and pitching staff. With significant power-hitting potential, we're confident she will thrive in our system."

Ruth Tauber

An outfielder from Dubuque, Iowa, Ruth Tauber attends Wahlert Catholic High School, where she has emerged as one of the state's premier softball players and a standout multi-sport athlete. A competitor in softball, basketball, and track, Tauber's athleticism, versatility, and leadership have made her a cornerstone of Wahlert Catholic's athletic success. An accomplished outfielder, Tauber's record of achievement reflects both consistency and dominance at the highest levels of competition. She has earned First Team All-State honors twice and First Team All-Conference recognition in each of her first three seasons. As a sophomore, she was named to the 3A All-State Tournament Team, further cementing her reputation as one of Iowa's elite high school players. Her early success included Second Team All-State honors as a freshman. Tauber has also been a vital part of Wahlert Catholic's sustained team success, helping the Golden Eagles reach the Class 3A State Tournament four consecutive years. During her tenure, the program has finished as 2025 State Runner-Up, 2024 and 2023 State Semifinalists, and 2022 Quarterfinalists, underscoring her impact as both a leader and performer on championship-caliber teams.

"Ruth possesses exceptional raw softball instincts, an elite arm, and a well-rounded approach at the plate from the left side," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "She's a true five-tool player—able to run, throw, and hit for both average and power. What stands out most, however, is her attitude toward the game and her teammates. Her competitive spirit and love for winning are evident in everything she does, no matter the uniform she wears."

Emma Woltz

A utility player from Davenport, Iowa, Emma Woltz attends Bettendorf High School, where she has distinguished herself as a versatile and dependable contributor to the softball program. A consistent performer both athletically and academically, Woltz has earned recognition for her work ethic, adaptability, and leadership on and off the field. An accomplished student-athlete, Woltz has been a multi-year All-Academic Team honoree, a National Honor Society member, and a recipient of multiple Academic Letters while maintaining placement on the High Honor Roll throughout her high school career. Athletically, she has earned MAC Conference honors every year, including Second Team Utility as a freshman, Honorable Mention as a sophomore, and First Team Utility as a junior, reflecting her growth and consistent impact on the field. Woltz has also contributed to notable team success, including helping Bettendorf achieve MAC Conference Co-Championships in 2022 and 2023 and a 5th-place finish at the 2023 Iowa State Tournament, showcasing her ability to perform in high-stakes situations.

"Emma is a true Swiss Army knife on the softball field—versatile, reliable, and capable of contributing in countless ways," said head coach Ryan Jacobs. "We first noticed her while she was playing high school ball at Bettendorf, but it was her performance and attitude at a softball camp that truly stood out. Her consistent production and tireless work ethic continue to impress. When evaluating players for our program, we look for a blend of raw talent and a focused drive to improve—Emma embodies both. Her ongoing communication with our staff and commitment to the game make her a strong fit for success at UNI."

"These talented individuals bring exceptional skill and passion to our program, and we're eager to see them in action," said Jacobs. "Their dedication and work ethic have already made a strong impression, and we're excited for the impact they'll have on our team. Join us in welcoming the UNI Softball Class of 2026! Together, we'll pursue greatness and continue building a proud legacy of success."

UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.

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