UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State softball program bolstered its team with five additions on National Signing Day this Wednesday. Outfielder/utility Michela Barbanente (Itasca, Ill.), third baseman Brooke Klosowicz (Johnsburg, Ill.), shortstop Jiselle Hernandez (Burbank, Calif.), catcher Audree Mendoza (San Diego, Calif.) and first baseman/pitcher Bridget Nemeth (Glendora, Calif.), will join the Nittany Lions in fall 2023.
"It is with great pleasure that I announce the signing of our 2023 recruiting class," head coach Clarisa Crowell said. "I am very excited about this talented group of student-athletes, and I know that they will be a significant part of our team for the next four years."
An outfielder and utility, Barbanente signs with the Nittany Lions out of Itasca, Illinois and currently plays with the Beverly Bandits Conroy. Last summer, the Beverly Bandits were Easton Rawlings Champions, IDT Champions, and Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Nationals Runners Up. As a member of the Lake Park High School, Barbanente earned all-state first team, all-conference first team and all-academic team each of the last two years. In addition, she has also been the conference player of the year twice. Michela is also an all-conference performer in both basketball and volleyball.
"Michela is a dynamic player who plays the game with a ton of energy and enthusiasm," Crowell said. "Defensively, Michela is a versatile player, and she has the ability to play multiple positions. Offensively, she will be a great addition to our lineup, bringing both power and speed. Michela plays for the Beverly Bandits, which is one of the premier organizations in the country, and she knows what it takes to win at the highest level. Michela is passionate about the game, and I know she will be a great leader for our program."
A third baseman from Johnsburg, Illinois, Klosowicz has played with the Illinois Chill Gold travel club for the last four years. She led her team to a ninth-place finish in the 18U Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship. Her squad also placed seventh in the Alliance National Championship Series. With Johnsburg High School, Klosowicz earned all-conference, all-area and all-state honors twice. She helped the team to the 2021 conference and regional titles.
"Brooke is a fiery player who is known to be one of the hardest workers on her team," Crowell said. "Brooke plays for the Illinois Chill, which is a top-notch program in the country, and she has played at the highest level for several years. Defensively, Brooke is a solid third baseman because of her quickness and ability to defend the short game. Offensively, she is someone who will bring power to our lineup. Brooke loves to work hard in the weight room and on the field, and we are looking forward to her joining our team next fall."
Hernandez is a shortstop from Burbank, California. Hernandez has been a member of several national championship travel ball teams and recently helped her high school to the 2022 CIF-SS Semi-Finalist and STU Penter Tournament Championship. Her travel team Corona Angels placed third at Triple Crown Nationals and the Alliance National Championship. She has numerous individual accolades including, USA Elite Future All-American and 2023 PGF All-American Game nominee.
"Jiselle is a highly competitive and savvy player, and she plays the game with a lot of confidence," says Crowell. "Overall, she is a very good shortstop and a solid offensive player. I believe Jiselle will provide us with versatility on defense because of her athleticism and defensive skillset. Jiselle has played high caliber softball her entire career, and she is currently on the Corona Angels, which is a one of the best organizations in the country. She knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and I know that she will be a great addition to our program."
As a catcher from San Diego, California, Mendoza played alongside Hernandez on the Corona Angels. The Angels placed third at 2022 Triple Crown Nationals and 2022 Alliance National Championship. She is a three-year starter for Rancho Bernardo High entering her senior year. She has helped her squad to a Division I runner-up finish and earned first-team All-Palomar league designation in 2021. She has also been an athlete of the year nominee and was named team MVP.
"Audree is an energetic player, and she plays the game with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm," Crowell said. "As a catcher, she has a strong defensive skillset, but her ability to communicate with her pitchers and defense is what separates her from most. Audree is also a good hitter, and she is someone who we will look to contribute both offensively and defensively. Audree has also competed at the highest level with the Corona Angels with her fellow incoming Penn State teammates, Jiselle and Bridget. She is a team player and a strong vocal leader, and I know Audree will be a great fit for our program."
From Glendora, California, Nemeth is expected to see time as a pitcher and first baseman. She is also a member of the Corona Angels who placed third at the Alliance National Championship with fellow signees Hernandez and Mendoza. In the Alliance National Championship, she earned all-tournament team accolades. Playing for Glendora High School, Nemeth has been honored with first-team all-league, All-Tribune Team, first-team CIF and second-team all-state recognition. In 2022, she was named team MVP.
"Bridget is a very talented player, and she will bring a unique skillset to our program next year," says Crowell. "Bridget is someone who we will expect to have an impact for us on defense, in the circle and on offense. Defensively, Bridget is a strong right-handed pitcher, and she will also see time at first base. Offensively, she is a left-handed power hitter who will add depth to our lineup. Bridget is a very good player, but most importantly, she is a hard worker and a great teammate. She is currently teammates with Audree and Jiselle, and she has also competed against some of the best teams in the country. Bridget will be a great addition to our team, and we are looking forward to her arrival next fall."
"Our program places an emphasis on comprehensive excellence, and I know this group will work hard both on the field and in the classroom, and most importantly, they will be great representatives of Penn State Softball," said Crowell. "We are very happy to welcome Michela Barbanente, Brooke Klosowicz, Jiselle Hernandez, Audree Mendoza and Bridget Nemeth to our Penn State Family. We Are!"
