TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Indiana State University head softball coach Windy Thees is excited to announce the commitments of five standout athletes who will join the Sycamores softball program as freshmen for the 2025 academic year. The incoming class includes Mallory Chavez, Emi Jeras, Bella Pusateri, Ireland Riley, and Addie Burns.

Mallory Chavez
Hometown: Westminster, Colorado
High School: Ralston Valley High School
Travel Team: Colorado Stars 18U National - DeThouars

Chavez is a four-time First Team All-Conference selection (2021-2024) and a four-time Honorable Mention All-State honoree. In addition to her athletic achievements, she has earned Academic Letters for four consecutive years and was named First Team Academic All-State (2023-2024). A multi-sport athlete with a passion for CrossFit, Mallory is the daughter of Chon and Julie Chavez.

Coach Thees on Chavez:
"Mallory is a power-hitting catcher from Colorado with one of the lowest pop times in her class. Her leadership and receiving skills are outstanding, and I look forward to seeing her send many balls to the train tracks here in Terre Haute."

Emi Jeras
Hometown: Concord, Ohio
High School: Riverside High School
Travel Team: Finesse 18U National

Jeras has been a four-year varsity starter and earned First Team All-Conference honors. She has also been recognized on the Principal's Honor Roll and as an Academic Student Athlete, demonstrating excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Emi enjoys cooking, art, and spending time with family. She is the daughter of Nick and Silvia Jeras and has three sisters: Natalia, Maya, and Olivia.

Coach Thees on Jeras:
"Emi is a versatile player who excels at both third base and catcher. Her arm strength and high softball IQ make her a standout, and she has the ability to drive the ball to all fields offensively."

Bella Pusateri
Hometown: Bourbonnais, Illinois
High School: Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School
Travel Team: Illinois Stars

Pusateri is a highly decorated athlete with multiple All-State, All-Conference, and All-Area honors throughout her career. A member of the National Honor Society, Bella has also maintained High Honor Roll status throughout high school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, shopping, and playing pickleball. Bella is the daughter of Tammy and Tony Pusateri and has one sister, Alyssa, and one brother, Dom.

Coach Thees on Pusateri:
"Bella is a quick, athletic outfielder who is a triple threat from the left side of the plate. Her speed and energy will be a great addition to our team, and I'm excited to watch her grow as a Sycamore."

Ireland Riley
Hometown: Guthrie, Oklahoma
High School: Bethany High School

Riley's impressive athletic career includes being a four-time All-District Team selection and earning numerous accolades such as Offensive Player of the Year, Prep Nation All-State Player, and the Prep Nation Slugger Award. She has also been recognized for her academic success with a 4.3 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society. Outside of softball, Ireland enjoys running, photography, and serving as the Boys Basketball Manager. She is the daughter of George and Brandy Belding and has one sister, Adyson.

Coach Thees on Riley:
"Ireland brings incredible speed and versatility. She fields well from both middle infield positions and has excellent range. Her speed at the plate will make her a tough out and a key contributor to our offense."

Addie Burns
Hometown: Cayuga, Indiana
High School: North Vermillion Jr. Sr. High School

Burns is a standout athlete in both softball and volleyball, earning multiple All-Conference selections in both sports. She has also been recognized for her academic excellence with high honors in mathematics and English. Addie enjoys painting, baking, and spending time on the water with family. She is the daughter of Carrie Starkey and has a brother, Owen, and a grandmother, Deb Smith.

Coach Thees on Burns:
"Addie is a left-handed first baseman with a powerful swing and the ability to hit to all fields. Her lefty power will be a strong addition to our lineup."

These five recruits will begin their collegiate careers at Indiana State University in the fall of 2025.

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