VERMILLION, S.D. – South Dakota head softball coach Robert Wagner is pleased to announce the addition of five student-athletes to the Coyotes' 2026 recruiting class. Joining the Coyotes next fall are Addie Wright (Grain Valley, Missouri), Carrigan Rich (St. Charles, Illinois), Sofia Westgaard (Rockford, Minnesota), Laini Michaelis (Omaha, Nebraska), and Emily Stipsits (Olathe, Kansas).

"We want to welcome our 2026 signing class into the University of South Dakota softball family," said Wagner. "It's a group of high character, elite athletes, who are great students and enjoy working for a shared vision. They are fierce competitors and amazing teammates who are excited for the opportunity to accomplish special things as Coyotes."
  Addie Wright | Infield | Grain Valley, Missouri | Grain Valley High School

A 5-foot-9 infielder from Grain Valley, Missouri, Addie Wright joins the Coyotes following an impressive prep career under coach Flip Courter. Wright earned first team all-conference, all-district, and all-region honors in 2024, along with second team NFCA recognition across Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and Oklahoma. She was also named academic all-state that same year. Wright batted .437 as a junior and followed with a .368 average during her senior season. She plans to major in exercise kinesiology at South Dakota. Carrigan Rich | Pitcher | St. Charles, Illinois | St. Charles North High School

Carrigan Rich, a 5-foot-7 right-handed pitcher from St. Charles North High School, brings championship experience to the Coyotes' circle. Under coach Tom Poulin, Rich helped lead the North Stars to DuKane Conference and Regional Championships in 2025. She was named Academic All-Conference and will pursue a degree in kinesiology at South Dakota. Sofia Westgaard | Catcher/Outfield | Rockford, Minnesota | Rockford High School

A versatile catcher and outfielder, Sofia Westgaard excelled in softball, basketball, and volleyball at Rockford High School. Westgaard was a three-time all-conference softball selection and earned all-section honors in 2025. She led Rockford with a .395 batting average, the most hits, and the most RBIs during her junior campaign. A multiple-time academic all-conference honoree, Westgaard plans to major in kinesiology and sports management: exercise science at South Dakota. Laini Michaelis | Catcher/First Base | Omaha, Nebraska | Skutt Catholic High School

Laini Michaelis, a 5-foot-8 catcher and first baseman from Omaha Skutt Catholic, is one of Nebraska's top prep athletes. A three-sport varsity letterwinner, she helped lead the Skyhawks to multiple Class B Girls Basketball State Tournament appearances, including a state championship in 2024. On the diamond, Michaelis hit .651 as a senior which led the state of Nebraska with a 1.000 fielding percentage on defense. Off the field, she is a National Honor Society member, NSAA Academic All-State selection, and holds a Certified Nursing Assistant license. She was also a recipient of the NSAA believers and achievers award that highlights future leaders in Nebraska. Michaelis intends to major in medical biology. Emily Stipsits | Outfield | Olathe, Kansas | Olathe North High School

A 5-foot-8 outfielder from Olathe North High School, Emily Stipsits helped her team to regional championships in 2023 and 2025. She is a two-time all-state selection in the Sunflower League and a two-time nominee for Outfielder of the Year at the Earl Awards. Stipsits led her team with five home runs as a sophomore and ranked among the top three hitters as a junior. A Scholar Athlete and Honor Roll student, Stipsits is currently undecided on her major.  
"Each of these young ladies are high achievers in the classroom and on the diamond." Said coach Wagner. "We are proud to have the opportunity to make an impact in these new Coyotes' lives. It is an exciting day for our program. We look forward to having our newest Coyotes on campus and in our community next fall. They will each bring something special into our pack."