Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Blue Raider Softball Inks Three on National Signing Day
11/14/2018 11:00:00 AM | Softball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Middle Tennessee softball program announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA Early Signing Period.
The Blue Raiders landed a trio of prep standouts from California and Tennessee.
Becoming members of the MT softball program are Kelci Hill, an outfielder from Murrieta, Calif.; Sydney Hughes, a utility player from Brentwood, Tenn.; and Kaylee Richetto, a power hitter from Mount Juliet, Tenn.
"This class is a continuation of the last three years of quality recruiting classes," Head Coach Jeff Breeden explained. "We answered depth issues as well as filled gaps with hitting, versatility, and speed. This class will be expected to continue the footprint that was left from our last year's conference title team. Each member of this signing class is not only a quality softball player, but also a great high character person and very good student. We have high expectations of this class of young ladies and are extremely excited to welcome each of these players to the Blue Raider family."
Kelci Hill | OF | 5-foot-9 | Murrieta, Calif./Murrieta Mesa HS
Hill is a California native that played travel softball with the Athletics Mercado-Tidd. In her freshman season, Hill was a team captain, batted .700 and earned South Valley League MVP, Pitcher of the Year and Small Schools All-State Team before transferring to Murrieta Mesa. At MMHS, Hill helped the squad to a 2017 CIF D3 Championship. As a junior, she was awarded Offensive Player of the Year and Southwestern All-League Team while batting .463.
Hill is looking to become a physician's assistant while at MT. Kelci is the oldest in her family, with two younger sisters, Kalyn and Kylee.
"Kelci is a legitimate high level outfielder," Breeden shared. "She is a five tool player from California that plays with the travel team Athletics – Mercado, which is ranked in the top 10 in the country. She led her 2017 high school team to the CIF State Championship and was named the State Offensive Player of the Year. We expect her to come in and compete for a starting centerfield position immediately. She will come in and not only be an impact player on our team but an impact in the entire conference. We are looking forward to having Kelci join our team and continuing a tradition of having quality outfielders at Middle Tennessee."
Sydney Hughes | UT | 5-foot-4 | Brentwood, Tenn./Ravenwood HS
Hughes is a Middle Tennessee local from over in Brentwood. The utility player is a member of the Tennessee Elite travel ball team. As a part of Ravenwood, she was awarded All-Tournament team honors, All-District honors and was named Rookie of the Year.
Hughes is looking to major in Psychology while at Middle Tennessee.
"Sydney is a product of Ravenwood High School in nearby Brentwood," said Breeden. "She is a middle infielder with good range, a strong arm and speed. Sydney can also play in the outfield and catches. Her versatility makes her a very key component for us in years to come. Sydney played on the same travel organization, the TN Elite coached Roger Herold, as current Blue Raiders Keely McGee, Gracie Kirby, and Corrina Dodd. Sydney is a two time all-district player and we look forward to getting her on campus and competing at a high level."
Kaylee Richetto | UT | 5-foot-7 | Mt. Juliet, Tenn./Wilson Central HS
Richetto is another local product out of Mt Juliet. She is also a utility player and is a member of the travel ball team, Tennessee Illusions. Richetto is a three year varsity letter-winner at Wilson Central and is also a three time All-District honoree. This past season she was also named All-District MVP, Wilson County Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-State honors.
Richetto's major is undecided. Kaylee has one younger sister, Sydnee, who also plays softball. Her father, Bryan, was a basketball and baseball standout during his time at Ashland University.
"Kaylee is a very good utility player from Wilson Central High School," Breeden said. "She is a three time all-district player and was the Wilson County Player of the Year in 2018. She plays shortstop on her travel ball team as well as at her high school and is a complete top level hitter. We expect her to come in and hit well while competing for playing time from day one. Her strength is her versatility and she brings with her a high softball IQ. Kaylee is a young lady of great character and will fit the mold of our current team."
