Stony Brook Softball Announces Six Additions as Part of National Signing Day

1/17/2025 11:45:00 AM

STONY BROOK, N.Y. — Stony Brook softball announced the addition of six talented student-athletes to the program, with each bringing an impressive combination of skills, achievements and academic excellence to the program.

"We are excited to welcome this talented class and their families to our Seawolves family! These young women are committed to excellence in the classroom, on the playing field and in the community," head coach Megan T. Bryant said. "We have added power, speed, pitching and defensive athleticism. This is going to be a fun group to work with and to watch compete."

Melissa "Sparky" Reed, a pitcher and first baseman from Laguna Niguel, California, showcased her versatility during her junior season. In the circle, she led her team in wins with a 3.04 earned run average, recording 77 strikeouts across 92 innings. At the plate, she hit .389 with a .441 on-base percentage. Her efforts earned her recognition as First Team All-League, Defensive Player of the Year and team MVP. A two-time team captain, Reed also stood out academically, earning recognition as a scholar athlete, AP Scholar of Distinction and the "Pillars of Excellence" Award at Dana Hills High School.

Elena Gonzalez, an infielder from Chicago, Illinois, played a key role during her junior season, hitting .515 with seven home runs, 40 runs batted in, a .579 on-base percentage, a .942 slugging percentage and a 1.520 OPS. Her strong performance helped lead her team to a 27-9 record. Gonzalez received All-State and All-City honors and was named her team's MVP. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honor Society.

Josie Alfano, a catcher from Mount Sinai, New York, delivered both offensively and defensively in her junior season. The Long Islander hit .509 with four home runs, 27 runs batted in, a .594 on-base percentage and an .895 slugging percentage. She excelled defensively behind the plate, throwing out 55 percent of would-be base stealers. Alfano's performance earned her All-League, All-County and All-Long Island honors, and she was named one of Long Island's Top 100 Softball Players.

Emily Valentine, an outfielder from Bristol, Connecticut, provided speed and power as a junior. She hit .517 with four home runs, 34 runs batted in, 29 stolen bases and 36 runs scored, while posting a .643 on-base percentage, a .917 slugging percentage and a 1.560 OPS. Valentine earned All-Conference and All-State (Class L) honors for the second consecutive year. She also served as her team's captain, demonstrating leadership on and off the field.

Aubrey Jepson, a designated player and pitcher from Lincolnshire, Illinois, displayed dual-threat abilities during her junior campaign. At the plate, she hit .389 with seven home runs, 28 runs batted in, a .423 on-base percentage, a .733 slugging percentage and a 1.156 OPS. In the circle, she threw 69 innings, striking out 56 batters while maintaining a 3.40 earned run average. She posted a 12-5 record on the mound. Jepson earned North Suburban All-Conference and All-Area honors and was recognized academically with the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award.

Ashlyn Burgess, an infielder from Parker, Colorado, had a dominant senior season at the plate, hitting .644 with 14 home runs, 41 runs batted in, a .709 on-base percentage, a 1.233 slugging percentage, and an outstanding 1.943 OPS. Her performance earned her Continental League Player of the Year honors, as well as selections to the First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference squads. She was also named NFCA MaxPreps National Player of the Week in September 2024. In addition to her athletic achievements, Burgess excelled academically, earning Academic All-State First Team honors with a 4.09 GPA.

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