WINONA, Minn. – Winona State head softball coach Greg Jones has announced today the signings of Katie Schlegel and Lani Van Zyl to the 2015-16 softball roster.

"I couldn't be happier about our recruiting class this year," said Jones. "Lani and Katie are great softball players and even better people. They truly make our softball program better the moment they put on the Warrior Uniform."  

Schlegel (P/1B, R/R, New Berlin, Wis.) is both an explosive power hitter and top-tier pitcher for New Berlin High School. Last season, she hit .465 with 47 RBI, nine doubles and a .979 slugging percentage. Her 13 home runs led the state of Wisconsin and she set a state record by hitting a homer in seven consecutive games. She was equally as successful on the mound, compiling a 17-2 record in 2014 with 125 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched. She threw two no-hitters while pitching her team to the 2014 State Tournament.

Schlegel received numerous 2014 accolades, including First Team All-State, All-District, All-Area and All-Suburban. She's been named First Team All-Conference (Woodland) in 2013 and 2014 and was an honorable mention selection for All-Suburban and All-Area in 2013.

Coach Jones' Comments on Schlegel:     "We are incredibly excited to have a player of Katie's caliber join the softball family here at Winona State. Katie's offensive production will make an immediate impact in the middle of our lineup as she is unquestionably one of the premier hitters in the state of Wisconsin. One of Katie's many gifts is her tremendous athleticism. She is an elite level pitcher who pitched her team to the State Tournament, but her ability to play anywhere on the field is something we truly covet. We feel her talents, abilities and Championship drive will make her an immediate asset to our program next fall."  

Van Zyl (SS, L/R, Fort Dodge, Iowa) has put together a fantastic career at Fort Dodge High School. She's been named First Team All-Conference (CIML) and All-District in back-to-back seasons, while earning Second Team All-State honors in 2014 and Third Team All-State accolades in 2013. She's also been named team captain twice (2014 and 2015). Her honors extend beyond the field and into the classroom, finding herself on the Fort Dodge Honor Roll from 2011-2014 and has been named Academic All-Conference in three straight seasons (2012-2014).

Van Zyl hit .397 in 2014 with a .514 on-base percentage while accumulating 23 stolen bases, five doubles and five triples.

Coach Jones' Comments on Van Zyl:  "We are thrilled to have someone of Lani's skill and ability join the softball family at Winona State. Lani is an amazing talent that truly has the ability to tilt the field.  She is a five tool player that can change the game with her speed, her bat and her glove. Lani will make an immediate and major impact on our team as soon as she puts on the Warrior Uniform next fall. She plays the game with respect and with tremendous passion and heart. As strong as she is on the field, Lani is equally dedicated in the classroom and well respected by all of her peers. Lani is a wonderful young lady who will become a great ambassador to our softball program and our University."

Winona State had another impressive season in 2014, racking up a 48-9 record while winning the NSIC Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Regional Tournament for the eighth consecutive year.