EVANSTON, Ill. – Head coach Kate Drohan announced the addition of five signees to Northwestern softball's class of 2031 on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.
The Wildcats' incoming class is ranked No. 28 in the nation in D1 Softball's Signing Class Rankings.
More information on Northwestern's Class of 2031 is below:
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Position: C / IF
Bats: R
Throws: R
Carlsbad, CA | Sage Creek High School
High School: Played varsity all four years at Sage Creek High School in Carlsbad, California … Recorded a .507 average her junior year with 38 hits, 35 RBI, and 19 runs … Has led the league in batting average during each year of her career … Named first-team all-league in each of her first three seasons … Earned team MVP honors in her junior season … Led her team to the CIF Division 3 championship game and a league championship in her freshman year … Played four years of travel ball for Breakers Labs … Father, Duane, played football at the University of Hawaii and in the NFL for the Denver Broncos … Anticipated major at Northwestern is Learning and Organizational Change.
Drohan on Coleman: “Kaimana is a dynamic athlete with an exciting combination of power and versatility. She has a quiet confidence and a thoughtful approach to everything she does. She values family, and her commitment to the game will make her a great fit in our program.”
Coleman on Choosing Northwestern: “I chose Northwestern because of the family-oriented community and push for excellence both on the field and in the classroom. This environment was a place I knew I could create everlasting connections, compete at the highest level, and challenge myself academically.”
Position: IF
Bats: R
Throws: R
Tinley Park, IL | Marist High School
High School: Played varsity all four years … Posted a .950 fielding percentage at shortstop her junior year and won the team Gold Glove award … Led her team to a third-place finish in Illinois and a 37-2 record in her junior year … Played four years of travel ball for the Beverly Bandits with fellow Northwestern commit Kaylee Heberer … Won the 2026 16u Premier PGF National Championship … National Honor Society and AP Scholar with Distinction … Attended Marist High School, where Northwestern Softball’s Angela Zedak and Isabel Cunnea also attended … Father, P. Jay, played football and mother, Jenny, played basketball at the University of Chicago … Brother, Joey, is a senior at Yale playing football … Anticipated major at Northwestern is economics.
Drohan on Fortner: “Mary is a versatile infielder who knows how to win. She plays a Chicago brand of softball that we love, with a passion for learning, high softball IQ and grittiness.”
Fortner on Choosing Northwestern: “I chose Northwestern because it is a place where I can compete at the highest level athletically and gain the highest-level education. The community is like no other, and I felt at home the minute I stepped on campus.”
Position: IF
Bats: L
Throws: R
Markesan, WI | Markesan High School
High School: Recorded a .762 average her junior year with an .833 OBP, 35 RBI, and nine home runs … Earned first-team All-State honors her junior year … Named to All-Conference and All-District teams in her freshman and junior years … Played 13 years of travel ball with the Beverly Bandits … Led her team to back-to-back Scenic City Top 25 Tournament championships … Also played varsity basketball during her freshman and sophomore years and played varsity volleyball her freshman year … National Honor Society member … Daughter of Jeff and Nicole Heberer … Great-uncle, Jim Gantner, played 17 years for the Milwaukee Brewers … Anticipated major at Northwestern is Learning and Organizational Change.
Drohan on Heberer: “Kaylee is a tough, hardworking ballplayer who has a genuine love for the game. Growing up on her family’s farm has given her a strong sense of responsibility and a work ethic that shows up in how she trains and competes.”
Heberer on Choosing Northwestern: “I chose Northwestern because of the high-level academics and athletics. To add on, the coaching staff is one of a kind that truly makes me feel like home.”
Position: RHP
Bats: R
Throws: R
O’ Fallon, MO | Francis Howell High School
High School: Played varsity all four years at Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, MO … Served as team captain for sophomore, junior, and senior seasons … Recorded 12 wins and 14 complete games with a 0.86 ERA during her senior year while holding opponents to a .186 average … Tossed 87.0 innings with a 1.60 ERA and 1.09 WHIP during her junior year … Named to All-State, All-Region, All-Conference and All-District first teams in her senior year … Named to All-Conference and All-District first teams in her junior year … Earned Academic All-State honors all four years … Won a state championship her freshman year and district championships in her freshman, sophomore, and senior years … Played 11 years of travel ball for St. Louis Chaos National … National Honor Society … Daughter of Adam Lohse and Sarah Lawrence-Lohse.
Drohan on Lohse: “Harper has great tools and is playing her best softball right now. She continues to grow in her command, ability to take control of ball games, and create swings and misses. We are excited for what she will bring to the bullpen from day one.”
Lohse on Choosing Northwestern: “At Northwestern, I can see the best version of my future self. The mix of academics, athletics, and culture is second to none. I’m so proud to call it home!”
Position: C / IF
Bats: R
Throws: R
Arlington Heights, IL | Buffalo Grove High School
High School: Played varsity all four years at Buffalo Grove High School … Posted a .506 average her junior year with a 1.719 OPS, 41 hits, 29 RBI and 13 home runs … Set her team’s single-season and career home run records … Earned first-team All-State honors her junior year … Named to All-Conference and All-Area teams in 2025 and 2026 … 2025 PGF Sophomore All-American … 2025 USA Softball U16 HPP Top Performer … Played in the PGF Futures All-American Game … Played 10 years of travel ball and five for Illinois Chill … Led her team to a top-10 finish at the 18U PGF Premier Nationals … National Honor Society and Honor Roll all four years … Daughter of Pat and Jackie Ryan … Sister, Kate, plays softball at Coastal Carolina … Anticipated major at Northwestern is engineering.
Drohan on Ryan: “Erin is a smart catcher who has great composure behind the plate, bringing out the best in every pitcher she works with. She plays a very explosive, physical brand of softball with great power and a cannon for an arm. It’s been fun watching her mature through our camp system.”
Ryan on Choosing Northwestern: “I chose Northwestern because I am able to earn an incredible degree and compete for championships while being close to home. The community feels like a second family, and I know Northwestern is a place where I will be both challenged and supported on the field and in the classroom.”