GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota softball head coach Jordan Stevens announced the signing of six student-athletes on National Signing Day, Wednesday.
 
Stevens welcomes a talented group of newcomers from across the country, including local pitching standout Whitney Mitchell from Casselton, N.D.
 
"We are extremely excited to welcome these six individuals to the UND Softball program. What stands out about this group isn't just their great athletic ability, but their competitive mindset, work ethic, and the way they approach the game," said Stevens. "We wanted people who embrace challenges, compete with confidence, and are committed to something bigger than themselves. This class brings a combination of talent, toughness, and personality that will make our program better. Most importantly, they are understanding of the standards we have here and are excited to be a part of UND Softball"
 
Jordan Brannon | Utility | 5-2 | West Richland, Wash. | Richland HS
Brannon is a three-year varsity player who has compiled a .494 batting average over three seasons, totaling 132 hits, 89 RBIs, 26 doubles, 27 triples and eight home runs … She owns a .548 on-base percentage and an .884 slugging percentage. As a junior, Brannon hit .542 with 58 hits, 26 RBIs, 16 doubles and 13 triples … She also plays club softball for Washington Angels 18U Benson.
 
Tia Hernandez | Infielder | 5-8 | Cypress, Calif. | Cypress HS
Is a three-year varsity player who has compiled .395 batting average in two seasons … totaled 32 hits, 22 RBIs, six doubles, and 10 home runs during her junior campaign … recorded an .471 on base percentage and a .907 slugging percentage in 2026 … named Cypress HS softball Offensive Player of the Year … named Century Conference First-Team All-Conference for two consecutive years … played club softball for Firecracker Vines 18U.
 
Whitney Mitchell | Pitcher | 5-5 | Casselton, N.D. | Central Cass HS
Mitchell is a three-year varsity player and three-time All-State selection … She helped lead Central Cass to back-to-back North Dakota Class B State Championships in 2025 and 2026. During her junior season, Mitchell posted an 18-2 record in the circle with 171 strikeouts and a 2.21 ERA … She also made an impact at the plate, hitting .477 with 41 hits, 52 RBIs and eight home runs.
 
Dana Motroni | Infielder | 5-9 | San Bruno, Calif. | Capuchino HS
Motroni is a three-year varsity player at Capuchino High School … She has compiled a career .335 batting average with 84 hits, 52 RBIs and 22 doubles … As a junior, Motroni hit .343 with 25 hits and 16 RBIs … She owns a career .466 slugging percentage and a .385 on-base percentage.
 
Kayleigh Niles | Outfield | 5-7 | Eureka, Mo. | Eureka Senior HS
Niles earned first-team All-Conference honors as an outfielder during her junior season … While playing for St. Louis Chaos 18U Gentile during the summer of 2026, Niles posted a .487 batting average with 57 hits, 24 stolen bases and five home runs.
 
Bella Tipton | Infielder | 5-8 | Boyd, Texas | Boyd HS
Tipton is a three-year varsity player and Academic All-Conference selection … During her junior season, she hit .416 with 37 hits, 32 RBIs and nine doubles … She also recorded a .491 on-base percentage and a .674 slugging percentage during the 2026 season … Tipton plays club softball for Texas Royalty National-Soliz.
 
For more information on North Dakota softball, follow on social media @UNDsoftball or visit FightingHawks.com.