University of Minnesota Crookston Softball coach Travis Owen recently welcomed six newcomers to his 2021 recruiting class. “First off it’s an exciting day for all of these athletes and I’d like to congratulate them all on their commitment here to UMC, not just for softball but for all UMC sports,” Coach Owen mentioned. “As for our 2021’s, I’ve been impressed with each one of them and know they have what it takes to help our program continue to make improvements. I am looking forward to having them on campus in the fall of 2021!”
The class features three from the state of Nebraska, two from the state of California and one from Minnesota.
Whitnee Curry- Lincoln NE
As a junior in 2019, Curry hit .413 in 65 PA for her Lincoln East HS squad with four doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI’s. During her senior year, she hit .571 in 27 plate appearances with 10 runs scored, one homerun and 12 RBI’s. She was named Class A honorable mention as a junior.
Curry comes from an athletic family. Her brother, Tyrone played football at Doane University (NE), while her father, Thomas played football for the University of Nebraska.
Whitnee plans to major in Elementary Education. She is the daughter of Thomas and Tammy Curry. She was born on Sept. 4, 2003. “Whitnee is a middle infielder who can also hit for power and puts in good work. She has great range and takes pride in her defense. We had her tryout on campus and knew she’d be a great fit.”
Brittney Mengel- Sullivan WI
Mengel will be the second native of “The Badger State” on the Golden Eagles, joining Hortonville, Wisconsin native, Alyssa Stillman. Mengel was first-team All-Conference and an honorable mention all-region pick on the diamond, as well as making her high school’s honor roll. She is the daughter of Chad and Carrie Mengel. Mengel was born on May 27, 2003. She plans to get a Bachelor of Science degree. “We saw Brittney at a camp and she stood out with her slap and her strong outfield arm. I really like Brittney’s focus and when we had her workout with the team, knew she would fit in well here.”
Nicole DeDen- Mission Viejo, CA
DeDen will add to the pitching depth for the University of Minnesota Crookston. The 5 foot 7 pitcher from Mission Vlejo HS earned a varsity letter as a freshman in softball and pitched a no-hitter at the Las Vegas Showcase earlier this month.
DeDen is undecided on her major. She was born on April 3, 2003 to Matt and Tammy Dean. Her sister, Taylor is currently a sophomore softball player at Seattle University. “Nicole comes from a softball family and believe it or not is our only Californian in the 2021 class. She has a great attitude and is a solid competitor, we are excited to have her join as one of two pitchers in this class.”
Evie Stuck- Papillion, NE
Stuck was one of the best players on her Papillion-La Vista South HS team. Stuck skipped a grade in elementary school, so she was able to graduate early.
Stuck plans to major in Medical Laboratory Sciences. She was born on Jan. 1, 2004. Daughter of Aaron and Heidi Stuck. “Once I got to know Evie and knew how much drive she has to continually improve at her craft I was sold on her. She will be one of two pitchers in our 2021 class and also can swing the bat a bit.”
Emerson Thompson- Lincoln NE
Thompson is one of three Nebraska natives in this signing class and the second from the state capital of Lincoln. As a senior, Thompson hit .369, leading her team with nine homeruns and 36 RBI’s. Thompson also got it done in the classroom, being named to a number of lists: HAC Academic All-Conference, Academic All-State and the Highest Distinction Scholar-Athlete award.
Thompson will major in Exercise Science. She is the daughter of Ian and Nicci Thompson and was born on Aug. 9, 2003. “Emerson is a power hitting C/1B with some big pop and great love for the game. We saw her at a camp and knew we had to get her to campus.”
Sydney Huwe- Chaska, MN
Huwe brings a number of accolades to the Golden Eagles in the fall of 2021. As a sophomore, Huwe was named Honorable Mention and earned an All-Section award as a sophomore at Chaska HS. Huwe was a captain her senior year. Huwe has also played on the Minnesota A’s (club team) since her 8th-grade year and hit .431 with an on-base percentage of .471 in 2020.
Huwe is undecided on her major. She was born on July 24, 2003 and is the daughter of Vance and Jill Huwe. “Sydney is a versatile utility player who can also catch which is a big advantage for our program. She swings a good bat and when she came to work out on campus, we could tell is an all-around solid athlete.”
