The University of Minnesota Crookston softball program announced the signing of four student-athletes for their 2020 class. The Golden Eagles have added Rachel Jones (UT, 5-7, Fort Collins, Colo./Fort Collins H.S.), Samantha Gutierrez (C, 5-5, Riverside, Calif./Patriot H.S.), Hailey Hatfield (UT, 5-3, Olathe, Kan./Olathe North H.S.), and Sarah Velasquez (OF, 5-2, Chino, Calif./Don Lugo H.S.). “Our 2020 class will add some good defensive versatility to the team,” said Head Coach Travis Owen. “I like what they add as far as competitiveness and each also has the ability to hit well at our level. I am excited for these student-athletes to join us next fall!”
The Golden Eagles are looking to build on their best mark in school history as they achieved 13 wins during the 2019 slate in Coach Owen’s first season.
Samantha Gutierrez (C, 5-5, Riverside, Calif./Patriot H.S.)
Gutierrez caught two runners stealing as a junior catcher. She tallied 15 defensive assists. Her best season at the plate came as a freshman as she hit .357 with 11 runs scored, 12 RBI’s, and one double. Gutierrez has 12 runs scored and four RBI’s as a sophomore. Gutierrez also competed in tennis for Patriot H.S.
“Sammy swings a strong bat and hits in the middle of the order with some power,” Owen said. “She is actually a good tennis player which speaks to her coordination and athletic ability. We see her competing at catcher and/or first base.”
Hailey Hatfield (UT, 5-3, Olathe, Kan./Olathe North H.S.)
Hatfield was named her team’s Most Valuable Player as a sophomore. She hit .730 during the fall slate. Hatfield was a NFCA Scholar-Athlete for 2019. For her junior season, she hit .422 with a .500 on-base percentage. Hatfield had 13 runs scored, 10 RBI’s, four doubles, and one home run. As a sophomore, she hit .444 with eight runs scored, eight RBI’s, a double, a triple, and a home run. “Hailey is a competitor with a good arm and has power at the plate,” Owen said. “She hits the ball hard and competes. Her agility and defensive strengths allow her to play both infield or outfield for us. We see her mostly competing as second base, shortstop, third base or in the outfield.”
Hatfield was born on June 7, 2002. She plans to major in animal science. Hatfield is the daughter of Tiffany Filliman. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Animal Health 21st century program graduating with high honors.
Rachel Jones (UT, 5-7, Fort Collins, Colo./Fort Collins H.S.)
Jones was an All-State Honorable Mention pick for Fort Collins H.S. She was also selected as All-Front Range Conference First Team. Jones is a four-year softball letter winner, and a four-year varsity starter. She was named Colorado Coaches of Girl’s Sports (CCGS) All-State as a senior. She has been twice named Academic All-State. Jones earned two letters in girl’s basketball. She has a .406 career batting average. Last season, Jones posted a .508 batting average and a .559 on-base percentage. She tallied four home runs, three triples, and 13 stolen bases. Jones played club softball for the Colorado Stars 18 Gold Sakamoto. “Rachel is a flat out athlete who can play anywhere necessary,” Owen said. “She has a good glove and is quick to the ball. She hits lefty with pop in her bat and can be scrappy at the plate. We see her primarily competing anywhere in the infield.”
She is the daughter of Greg and Rebecca Jones. Jones was born Nov. 1, 2001. She plans to major in sports and rec management.
Sarah Velasquez (OF, 5-2, Chino, Calif./Don Lugo H.S.)
Velasquez was a Second Team All-Mt. Baldy League pick in both tennis and softball. She has earned the Sportsmanship Award, Coaches Award, and Rookie of the Year honors for Don Lugo H.S. Velasquez was a four-year varsity softball and tennis competitor. She is a two-time Most Valuable Player winner for the tennis team. Velasquez was named to the Principal’s honor roll and also earned the Scholar-Athlete Award. She hit .290 as a junior with 10 runs scored, four doubles, one triple, and one RBI. As a sophomore, Velasquez batted .298 with 19 runs scored, 14 RBI’s, four doubles, two triples, and one home run. “Sarah is a smooth athlete all-around and gets good defensive reads on the ball,” Owen said. “She is a solid right-handed hitter with a focused approach at the plate and can barrel up hard line drives. We see her competing in the outfield for us.”
She is the daughter of Antonio and Maria Velasquez. Velasquez was born Aug. 26, 2001. She plans to major in criminal justice. Her sister Amanda Velasquez played four years of softball at Lindenwood University.
