COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to further their academic and athletic careers as members of the Ohio State softball program, head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly announced today. The newest Buckeyes are Hannah Church, a catcher/first base from Land O’ Lakes, Fla., Julia Miller, a pitcher from New Philadelphia, Ohio and Lexi Paulsen, a pitcher from Carroll, Ohio.
“We are thrilled to welcome three tremendous student-athletes to Buckeye Nation,” said Schoenly. “We addressed our needs on the mound and behind the plate with three strong, highly experienced players. One word that would describe this group as a whole would be powerful. Hannah Church, Julia Miller, and Lexi Paulsen all have played at the high level in travel ball and will bring that competitive experience to Columbus.”
Hannah Church • C/1B • Land O’ Lakes, Fla. / Berkeley Prep
Kovach Schoenly on Church: “From very early in her high school career, Hannah stood out from her peers at the plate. She can drive the long ball to all fields with ease and consistency, as is the tradition with our Buckeye hitters of the past and present. Defensively, Hannah will share time behind the plate and at first base. She has a high softball IQ and a standout arm. We expect Hannah to have an immediate impact within our lineup. Can’t wait to see her develop to the next level here.”
Julia Miller • RHP • New Philadelphia, Ohio / New Philadelphia
Kovach Schoenly on Miller: “Julia is an elite right handed pitcher that has a unique combination of speed, movement, and creativity with her pitches. Her strength is her high ratio of swing and misses from the mound. She is a workhorse and wants the ball in big moments. In addition, Julia hits for power from the plate. But probably the most attractive quality about Julia as a recruit was her unwavering love for Ohio State. She wants, more than anything, to lead this team on the mound wearing the Scarlet and Gray.”
Lexi Paulsen • RHP • Carroll, Ohio / Bloom Carroll
Kovach Schoenly on Paulsen: “Lexi is a power pitcher from the right hand side that has the potential to dominate on any given day. We sustained a recruiting battle for Lexi for almost 4 years, through new legislation and COVID, and ultimately her heart, family, and faith led her to Ohio State. Lexi has challenged herself through her high school career, always playing at the highest level possible, so she comes to us battle-tested and big game ready. Lexi has the opportunity to be the next hometown kid to do amazing things in Columbus.”