REDDING, Calif. Today proved to be a monumental day for five young ladies as they signed their letter of intent for the 2026-27 school year.
The five future Red Hawks in attendance included Jessica Wilmes, Avery Kragh, Cassidy Ashford, Kimberlee Cortez, and Cadynce Gippner.
Jessica Wilmes is a middle infielder from Rohnert Park, CA, who looks to provide versatility for the Simpson infield.
Wilmes states her excitement in her upcoming educational experience as she develops new friends, "I am most excited to succeed in my education and make new friends."
Her parents are equally excited to see their daughter's dreams come true. "It has always been a dream of hers to come play in college. So she's super motivated and followed her dreams. Now we are here and we can't wait to see her play, succeed, and become her own person."
Kimberlee Cortez is an incoming outfielder from Tulare, CA, who currently attends Mission Oaks High School.
Cortez is excited for her new journey and cannot wait to develop new friendships. "I want to be able to explore new friendships and a new environment while being able to play softball at the collegiate level."
Cortez's parents are looking forward to the growth their daughter makes during this next chapter in her life. "I am excited she is a drive away, that she can grow on her own in a new environment. Simpson will be a great fit for her."
Cadynce Gippner is a local athlete, a second baseman out of West Valley High School.
Gippner is looking forward to the collegiate level of play while pursuing a future job in the athletic training field. "I'm excited to play at a higher level with new competition while focusing my education on what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Her parents are grateful for the opportunity for their daughter to become a future Red Hawk. "Her dreams came through with hard work. We are excited she made it here to Simpson and will be a part of the softball program. We are happy she chose this school with its strong academics and Christian affiliation."
Avery Kragh is an incoming outfielder who attends Clovis North High School.
Kragh is excited to be a part of the Simpson community to help her pursue her degree in nursing and strengthen her faith while playing softball at the collegiate level. "It's a good community, and I am excited to get to know all of the softball players. I am excited to find my passion, whether it's nursing, but I love to help. Overall, I wanted to strengthen my relationship with God as Simpson provided the best opportunity."
Cassidy Ashford is a pitcher and an outfielder who attends Redwood High School in Visalia, CA.
Ashford is most excited to live out her dream of being a collegiate athlete. "It was always my dream to play in college. I am most excited about making new friends and traveling for away games."
Ashford's dad emphasized the family feel of the Simpson community and the importance of a Christian education: "We are excited about the overall family atmosphere we have seen between the girls and the coaches. We like the focal point of the religious affiliation, and that they make it a focal point to attend chapel."
The rest of the 2026-27 signing class includes corner infielders Lilyann Lee (Feather River College), Angela Marfull (Sacramento City College), and Naiema Garcia, who is from Yuba City, CA. Right-handed pitchers Kaydin Bradeen, who is from Mead, WA and Samantha Saia, who is from Lancaster, CA, round out the incoming class of future Red Hawks.
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