WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue softball has announced the addition of two incoming freshmen set to join the program in the fall of 2018. The pair of Indiana natives complete the incoming freshman class featuring 11 total student-athletes.
Purdue head coach Boo De Oliveria announced that Kaeley Hallada and Kasey Wilhoit will join Rachel Becker, Kendall Chase, Alex Echazarreta, Becca Jones, Rylee Platusic, Sydney Preston, Shyanne Sheffield, Nicole Siess and Brenna Smith as part of next year's freshman class.
"We are excited to welcome two Indiana natives into our Purdue softball family," De Oliveira said. "They understand what an honor it is to be a Boilermaker and they'll not only make an impact on the ball field, but also on our team culture. They understand the traditions of Purdue University and will help our team take pride in representing the Old Gold and Black."
Name: Kaeley Hallada
Height: 5-9
Hometown: West Lafayette, Indiana
High School: Harrison High School
Club: Indy Crush
Major: Education
Kaeley Hallada will join former high school teammate Kaitlynn Moody for her senior season at Purdue. The NCC Champion hit .300 or better in each of her first three years of high school ball including her junior season in which she hit .437. Following her breakthrough junior campaign, Hallada was named First Team All-Conference and All-Area.
What They're Saying
Boo De Oliveira: "Kaeley bleeds Old Gold and Black. Her love for Purdue is evident every time she steps on the ball field. She is a passionate player who pushes everyone to be their best. She is a solid receiver behind the plate and will be a nice addition to our bullpen staff and our Purdue softball family."
Kaeley Hallada:"I'm so excited to be following in my father's footsteps at Purdue! I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to grow as a person and player under the coaching staff here at Purdue. Boiler up! #GFDF"
Name: Kasey Wilhoit
Height: 5-7
Hometown: Trafalgar, Indiana
High School: Indian Creek High School
Club: Indiana Prospects
Major: Agribusiness Management
Three-time all-conference and all-county selection, Kasey Wilhoit joins Purdue with a career batting average above .500 mark at Indian Creek High School. She led her team to a Western Indiana Conference Championship in 2017. That year she hit .549 with a .595 on-base percentage. She's hit over .500 in both her sophomore and junior seasons with 60 runs scored between the two campaigns.
What They're Saying
Boo De Oliveira: "Kasey is a versatile athlete who will compete in the outfield and infield for us. She is a speedy lefty-hitter who has gap power. She competes very hard and will fit into our GFDF team culture nicely."
Kasey Wilhoit: "I chose Purdue because I truly believe that it will provide me with the best opportunities not only as an athlete, but most importantly as a student. I am so excited to continue my career in my home state that offers the best agriculture schooling in the country. I love the direction that the coaches are taking with the current team and the culture they are building. I can't wait to be a part of a team with such a positive and passionate atmosphere. I am honored to be a Boilermaker and to be able to contribute to this amazing program."
