Eight Softball Student-Athletes Sign Athletic Aid Agreements For 2025-26 Academic Year

PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Eight student-athletes have signed athletic aid agreements during the November signing period to attend Providence College as a member of the softball team beginning in the Fall of 2025. Head Coach Kelsey Christensen's incoming class will be Addyson Frye (New Castle, Pa.), Brooke Aldrich (Taunton, Mass.), Emmerson Buckley (Methuen, Mass.), Hailey Frantz (Danville, Calif.), Grace Brooks (Meridian, Idaho), Nikki Gallardo (Lexington, S.C.), Olivia Petrillo (Wrentham, Mass.) and Sofia Lieto (Monroe, Conn.)

"To say we are excited about the 2029 class is a massive understatement," Christensen said. "This gritty group is made up of young women from near and far that we are extremely proud to now officially welcome to Friartown! They embody what it means to be a Friar not only in the way they play the game of softball, but who they are off the field as well. We are thrilled to have such depth in all aspects of the game in this class and cannot wait to see all they accomplish in the black and white and the legacy they build here in Friartown!"

Frye, a pitcher at Neshannock High School and a player for the Beverly Bandits, recorded an impressive 212 strikeouts while only allowing nine runs, and 12 walks for a 0.588 ERA. She achiebed a perfect 26-0 record in her junior year (2024). Throughout her high school career, Frye has amassed 300 strikeouts, 100 RBIs, and 100 hits. Her achievements include being named the 2024 Overall All-State Pitcher of the Year, an All-American Second Team member, MaxPreps PA Player of the Year, and 2A Player of the Year. Frye has also been instrumental in leading her team to the 2022 and 2024 Softball State Championships, along with securing the WPIAL Championship title each of the past three years.

"Addy is an absolute powerhouse of an athlete that will make an immediate impact not only in the circle but in the box in the Big East Conference," Christensen said. "She was named the Pennsylvania State Pitcher of the year for a reason, as she is a dominate force to be reckoned. Addy's quiet confidence and natural maturity makes her an extremely special person and player. We are so proud to official bring her home to Friartown!"

Brooks, a pitcher and infielder (third and first base) for Owyhee High School and Idaho Crossfire Dwyer, made school history as the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter at Owyhee. At the plate, she held a .451 batting average with 10 home runs in 82 at-bats in her junior year (2024). Brooks was named to the 2023 All-Conference Second Team as a pitcher. She also received All-Conference Second Team honors in 2024, and was also an All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2024. She has been instrumental in Owyhee's success, contributing to their 2022 District Championship title, 2022 State Runner-up finish, 2023 State Championship, 2024 District Championship title, and 2024 State Runner-up finish.

"Grace is an athlete who makes everyone around her want to get better and be great," Christensen stated. "Her level-headed demeanor is not one that can be taught, its innately within her and something that will positively impact this program for years to come. She is an all around athlete who is not only a stud pitcher but has a big bat and a smooth infielder as well. Everyone who has ever played with her says Grace is the ultimate teammate and we cannot wait to see her shine under the lights here in Friartown!"

Frantz, a catcher and infielder at Monte Vista High School and a player for the Cal Nuggets, demonstrated consistent performance across multiple seasons. In the 2022-2023 high school season, she recorded 27 hits, 14 RBI, seven doubles, two triples, and one home run, contributing to a league record of 9-4. Frantz was named team captain in both 2024 and 2025 seasons. With the Cal Nuggets she achieved a .413 batting average across 24 games with a 13-8-2 record her sophomore season in 2023. Frantz also earned league honorable mention honors in both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons.

"Hailey is a natural born leader who can swing it with the best of them, and has the clutch gene in her that you just can't teach," Christensen said. "Her ability to call and control a game is incredible and we cannot wait to see her natural ability to work with pitchers and expand the strike zone! Hailey is an absolute asset to this program in many ways and we are so excited to welcome her into our Friar Family!"

Lieto, an outfielder for Masuk High School and Rhode Island Thunder Gold National, has contributed to three state championships and two conference titles in her freshman, sophomore. and junior years. Her achievements include All-Division honors as a freshman and sophomore. As a junior, she was named to the All-Conference Team and First Team All-State. At the plate, Lieto posted a .391 average as a freshman (2022), .338 as a sophomore (2023), and an impressive .404 as a junior where she drove in 29 RBIs and scored 31 runs in her most recent season (2024).

"Sofia has a quiet confidence about her that helps and elevates everyone around her," Christensen said. "The ultimate teammate, she is the type of player and person every coach wants in their program, and we are lucky to have her here in Friartown! No stranger to success, this three time State- Champion knows what it takes to be great and her dedication and work to better her craft is contagious. Sofia's athleticism and tools both at the plate and in the field will continue to bring her success during her career here at Providence!"

Aldrich, a senior and a captain at Taunton High School, plays for the Mass Dynamites. She has contributed to four consecutive Division I State Championships in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Aldrich was named 2024 Boston Herald All-Scholastic Athlete, Taunton Gazette First Team and Hock Mock League Player of the Week (2024). Aldrich is the sister of Hanna who is a senior and current member of the Friar softball team.

"Brooke is no stranger to the world of PCSB, being the second Aldrich to come through Friartown," Christensen said. "Her fire and passion when she plays is not only fun to watch, but it sparks the flame of those around her to elevate and better themselves. She is a true asset anywhere on the field as a utility player who hits for major power at the plate. Her level of athleticism and softball IQ is a rare blend that elevates her to be a stand-out player in the Northeast and the country. We cannot wait to see the damage she does in the Big East Conference as she makes her own name for herself here in Friartown!"

Buckley, both an infielder and outfielder at Phillips Academy Andover and Polar Crush Softball, led her team to the 2024 Big East Championship with standout performances. Named a 2024 NEPSAC and Eagle Tribune All-Star, she topped the team in batting average, hits, RBIs, and runs. In 2023 junior year, her clutch home run in the semifinals secured a spot in the championship. Across her high school career, Buckley has played 62 games, recording a career batting average of .394, with an impressive .561 average in her junior year. Defensively, she committed only three errors across 59 chances.

"Emerson is not only a joy to watch play, but a joy to be around," Christensen stated. "The way she plays the game of softball is the fun light-heartedness that everyone gravitates to on the field. She has an incredible IQ for the game, mixed with a strong arm and athletic range that makes her a true threat in the field. She has an incredible eye for pitch selection and a powerful bat to match. We are excited to bring in someone to Friartown with as much energy and love for the game as Emerson brings to the diamond each and every day!"

Gallardo, an infielder for White Knoll High School and Stars National Coleman, helped secure the Lower District Championship in her freshman year in 2022 and was named All-Region as a sophomore in 2023. In 2023, she hit seven home runs and drove in 26 RBI, while finishing with a .310 batting average and a .379 on-base percentage.

"Nikki brings a spark to every field she touches," Christensen said. "Her ability to play any position in the infield, while also being a menace at the plate, is what has set her a part in the recruiting process. Her versatility and ability to connect and communicate with her teammates is something we will greatly benefit from here in Friartown. We cannot wait to get her here and see her flourish in the black and white!"

Petrillo, an infielder, four-year starter, and team captain at King Philip Regional High School, has made an impact throughout her high school and travel ball career with KP Pride. She contributed to her team's final-eight finish with only two losses her freshman season in 2022. In her sophomore year, she hit over .350 with eight home runs and 36 RBIs, achieving a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage and earning Hockomock and Sun Chronicle All-Star honors. In 2023, she ranked third in the state for home runs. During her junior season in 2024, Petrillo batted over .380 with 32 RBI, leading her team to the state championship and securing another honorable mention from Hockomock Sports. She also hit two home runs in a single inning to finish with a three-home-run game during the IDT in Colorado.

"Liv is the type of leader you want all your athletes to be," Christensen stated. "She carries herself with a natural athleticism and presence that makes her stand out in the field defensively and every time she approaches the plate. She hits for power, while also being a threat on the base paths with her vast softball IQ. We cannot wait to get her here and watch her thrive in Friartown, as she is someone whose leadership and athleticism will help set her a part in the Big East!"

Completed Event: Softball versus DePaul on March 20, 2026 , Win , 7, to, 6

Completed Event: Softball versus DePaul on March 21, 2026 , Win , 11, to, 0 , (5 innings)

Completed Event: Softball versus Bryant on March 25, 2026 , Win , 6, to, 5

Completed Event: Softball at Seton Hall on March 27, 2026 , Win , 9, to, 6

Completed Event: Softball at Seton Hall on March 28, 2026 , Win , 11, to, 2 , (6 innings)

Upcoming Event: Softball at Seton Hall on March 29, 2026 at 12:00 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Boston College on March 31, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Softball at Bryant on April 1, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Dayton on April 2, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.

Upcoming Event: Softball versus Holy Cross on April 7, 2026 at 4:00 P.M.

Providence College Athletics

Eight Softball Student-Athletes Sign Athletic Aid Agreements For 2025-26 Academic Year

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