Head Coach Christina Sutcliffe of the Northern Illinois University softball program added three more signatures to the 2024 softball roster, the program announced Tuesday (Dec. 13).
Sutcliffe added two transfer student-athletes in Jenna Tuner and Maddy Carlson. No strangers to fierce competition, the pair helped guide Rock Valley College to its eighth consecutive NJCAA DIII national championship last season.
Along with Turner and Carlson, Sutcliffe inked one of Wisconsin’s strongest high school arms to the roster in Hannah Bolly.
“We couldn’t be happier to finish our 2023 class with these three local players,” said Sutcliffe. “Jenna [Turner] and Maddy [Carlson] have grown and developed under one of the best coaching staffs in the country at Rock Valley. Their leadership will instantly make an impact on our program. Hannah’s [Bolly] love of the game and our program will also add to our family culture and move our needle of success forward,”
Jenna Turner will join NIU with two years of colligate experience under her belt. Through the 56 Rock Valley games the middle infielder appeared in last season, Turner garnered 69 hits (49 singles, 14 doubles and six triples) and 44 RBI.Prior to her time at Rock Valley, Turner played softball at Marengo High School in Marengo, Illinois under the direction of head coach Dwain Nance.
Her sophomore season, the Indian’s finished with a 24-16 mark and were crowned both regional and sectional champions. That same year, Turner batted .358 and posted 48 hits. On defense, she racked up 42 putouts and 103 assists with a near-perfect fielding percentage of .935.
After breaking Marengo’s career assists record her senior year, Turner was tabbed a Third Team All-State and First Team All-Conference selection.
She is the daughter of John and Jennifer Turner and plans to major in physical education at NIU.
“There are few athletes that have competition at their core like Jenna. Her energy is contagious, and she will elevate our level of play on a daily basis. We’ll look for Jenna to bring her national championship pedigree from Rock Valley to NIU. Jenna will immediately compete to break the lineup in the middle infield. She also brings a craft on the bases offensively that’ll increase our run production,”
Also joining NIU after a two-year stint at Rock Valley is Maddy Carlson. Carlson is efficient both in the circle and in the batter’s box as she can pitch and bat.
At Rock Valley in 2022, Carlson pitched 133.1 innings in 26 appearances for an ERA of 2.21. The South Beloit, Illinois native posted a 17-7 record, pitched 13 complete games, fanned 115 batters, and allowed just 42 walks.
On offense, Carlson totaled 12 runs and 27 hits through her 66 plate appearances. Six of her hits went for extra bases and she homered on two separate occasions. She ended the campaign with 23 RBI and a .409 batting average.
Before her time in the collegiate ranks, Carlson was a four-year starter for South Beloit High School where she garnered All-State and All-Conference accolades upon completion of her senior and sophomore seasons.
She is the daughter of Rick and Amber Carlson and plans to major in kinesiology at NIU.
“Maddy [Carlson] is another player who has been on our radar for several years after coming to camp many years ago. Watching her focus and control on the mound, there is no doubt of her impact on helping Rock Valley win a national championship. During her time at RV, she developed into a leader who thrives under the pressure of competition. We are excited to bring her experience to our staff,”
The Huskie’ third addition is Hannah Bolly, another two-way player coming from Parker High School in Janesville, Wisconsin. Bolly’s successes as a pitcher and batter helped her land Second Team All-Conference plaudits her sophomore and junior year.
A fierce competitor in the classroom as well, Bolly is a three-time Outstanding Honor Roll and Rotary Club Academic award nominee.
In club play, Bolly competes with Stateline Fury where she was named team MVP in 2019 and 2020.
When not playing softball, Bolly enjoys spending her time volunteering with youth softball organizations as well as reading and playing the trumpet.
She’s the daughter of Debbie and Ron Bolly and plans to major in engineering at NIU.
“Hannah [Bolly] brings a love for the Huskies that is tough to find. She has developed through our camps over the years and has flourished over the last year with the Stateline Fury. Hannah will provide depth in the circle and at first base while looking to break into the offensive lineup. She has worked hard to develop her craft since getting on our radar and we look forward to watching her grow further,”
Sutcliffe’s three additions put a stamp on the 2023 recruiting class. The group will look to make a positive impact NIU’s softball program immediately and help it reach new heights.
“These three are a perfect blend with the other five. All eight complement each other and will fill into our program nicely. We can’t wait to watch them succeed in the future!”
The Huskies open the 2023 slate at the San Diego State Tournament Feb. 10-12, 2023.