PISCATAWAY, N.J. (Jan. 14, 2019) – Head Rutgers softball coach
Kristen Butler has announced her first National Letter of Intent signees set to join the program for the 2019-20 season.
Ashley Hitchcock
Right-Hand Pitcher | Perrysburg, Ohio | Eastwood HS | Ohio Outlaws
- Three-time Pitcher of the Year and three-time All-State Second Team
- Already a school record holder with 968 career strikeouts and 75 victories in three seasons, with school season records in strikeouts (368), lowest ERA (0.88), wins (28), RBIs (51), home runs (8) and batting average (.568)
- Led Eastwood High School to two straight regional championship runner-up finishes, and three consecutive sectional and district championship seasons
- Participates in FFA, church group and People, Inc.
- Daughter of Kelly and Bill; Has a brother, Blake
- Proudest sports moment was hitting a grand slam to win the semifinals of a regional championships game after pitching 18 strikeouts in the circle
- Greatest sports influence is her father, Bill
Butler on Hitchcock: "Ashley adds tremendous depth to the circle with control and a dominant rise ball. She also hits for herself with power, so she'll be a complete softball player utilizing both offense and defense. With a year to play in high school, she's on track to be first or second all-time in the state of Ohio in strikeouts, which is an amazing accomplishment."
Hitchcock on choosing Rutgers: "Here, I believe there are tons of new and exciting opportunities to pursue with my academic and athletic careers."
Payton Lincavage
Infield | Parler, Colo. | Legend HS | Corona Angels
- First-team All-State and All-Conference at Legend High School in Colorado
- Named 2017-18 Legend Female Athlete of the Year
- Career .525 hitter with 136 hits, 89 RBIs, 82 runs and 15 home runs
- Holds single-season school records for hits, doubles and home runs; and the career record for batting average
- Led Legend to back-to-back Colorado 5A state championships and three Continental Conference titles
- Also a standout basketball player at Legend, earning Rookie of the Year in 2015 and two All-Conference honorable mention awards
- Three-time Academic All-State
- Honored at the National Girls and Women in Sports luncheon
- Daughter of Melissa and Robert; Has two siblings, Troy and Brady – Troy plays college baseball at Midland Junior College
- Proudest sports moment is winning back-to-back state championships
- Greatest sports influence is Corona Angels head coach Marty Tyson
Butler on Lincavage: "We're very excited about her stick, and her ability to play anywhere in the infield. She has won state championships and has played for one of the top travel teams in the country, so she's facing the best pitching in the nation every weekend. She's bringing a power bat to our infield."
Lincavage on choosing Rutgers: "I chose the Scarlet Knights because of the reputation and competitive atmosphere that will push me to become the best I can be. I am very excited about the direction of the program and to be able to compete for a Big Ten Championship!"
Jaden Vickers
Left-Hand Pitcher | Crystal River, Fla. | Crystal River HS | Tennessee Fury
- First-team All-State, Citrus County Chronicle Softball Player of the Year and Readers Choice Female Athlete of the Year in 2018
- Three-time All-County pitcher
- Career 1.36 ERA with 535 strikeouts through three seasons
- A three-sport athlete in high school, also competing in basketball and golf
- Participates in Interact Club, Student Government, Blue Sea, FCA and Key Club
- Daughter of Jenee and Michael; Relative Terrell Lewis played linebacker for Georgia Tech football
- Plans on majoring in sports management
- Proudest sports moments are striking out the OC Batbusters-Stith, being a force on the Crystal River high school team, making the regional championship game, and earning a No. 4 national ranking with the Tennessee Fury Platinum travel team
Butler on Vickers: "She will add a great dynamic pitching from the left side. She throws around 65 MPH and has played for a Top 5 program in the country with the Fury. She is a highly recruited talent and we're extremely fortunate to have her join the program. She'll be competing for a starting job as soon as she gets on campus."
Vickers on choosing Rutgers: "I chose to play for Coach Butler's program because the education is beyond amazing, the networking and opportunity to grow is exactly what I have been looking for, and I am excited to help the softball team be a major competitor in the Big Ten."
Courtney Wilde
Outfield | Nutley, N.J. | Nutley HS | NJ Intensity
- A First Team All-League player in basketball and softball at Nutley
- Led New Jersey Intensity to Top 15 finish out of 280 teams at the PGF Tournament in California
- Named to High Honor Roll at Nutley
- Also competed in soccer, cross country, volleyball in high school
- Participated in United Sports with Special Olympics
- Daughter of Mary and Bill; Father, Bill, played quarterback at Elizabeth City State University
- Greatest sports influence is her father, Bill
Butler on Wilde: "Courtney brings an impressive stick, a great arm and standout speed to the outfield. We are very excited about her and her power, and excited to get a New Jersey kid, one of the top talents in the state, to stay home and play for the Scarlet Knights."
Wilde on choosing Rutgers: ""I chose Rutgers because of the amazing coaching staff and the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten. I am a Jersey Girl and the idea of representing my State University is a dream come true!"
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