Softball Signs Two To National Letters of Intent
Nov 11 | Softball
Scarlet Knights Welcome Maddie Lawson & Calista Collins "To The Banks"
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers softball head coach Kristen Butler has announced the signing of infielders Calista Collins and Maddie Lawson to National Letters of Intent to join the Scarlet Knight program for the 2021-22 season.
MEET THE SIGNEES
Calista Collins
Utility/Third Base
5-9 * R/R
Kuttawa, Ky./Lyon County
PRIOR TO RUTGERS:
PERSONAL:
COLLINS ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because I have always dreamed of playing softball at a school that not only offers great athletic opportunities, but also emphasizes their academics."
HEAD COACH KRISTEN BUTLER ON COLLINS: "Calista is an offensive threat that will make an immediate impact to our lineup. Her plate presence will be contagious and help lead our offense. She will also add depth to our corner infield positions. Calista is very strong academically and embodies a true Rutgers student-athlete."
Maddie Lawson
Infield
5-6 * R/R
Mebane, N.C. * Eastern Alamance
PRIOR TO RUTGERS:
LAWSON ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because it felt like home from the atmosphere of their athletic and academic support. I am excited to be able to continue my softball career at such a high level and I can't wait for all the opportunities that will be offered by this amazing school."
HEAD COACH KRISTEN BUTLER ON LAWSON: "Maddie plays shortstop for a high-level club team and perfects her craft at that position. We are excited to add her talent to the middle of the infield. As a student in the classroom, she will be a great fit here at Rutgers and in the academically strong Big Ten."
Follow Rutgers softball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MEET THE SIGNEES
Calista Collins
Utility/Third Base
5-9 * R/R
Kuttawa, Ky./Lyon County
PRIOR TO RUTGERS:
- Nominated for Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year
- Three-time district champion (2019, 2017, 2016)
- Two-time All-A Region champions (2019, 2016)
- Regional runner-up (2019)
- Two-time Kentucky Softball Coaches Association All-State (2019, 2018)
- Three-time all-district (2019, 2017, 2018)
- Five-time academic all-district (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- Batted .566 with 15 home runs, 16 doubles, 44 runs scored, 54 RBIs and nine stolen bases as a sophomore
- Played for club team Louisville Lady Sluggers- Huecker
- All-district in basketball (2019)
PERSONAL:
- Daughter of Jason and Kimberly Collins
- Has two brothers, Cooper & Carson, and one sister, Courtney
- Member of the National Beta Club and 4H
- Major is undecided
COLLINS ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because I have always dreamed of playing softball at a school that not only offers great athletic opportunities, but also emphasizes their academics."
HEAD COACH KRISTEN BUTLER ON COLLINS: "Calista is an offensive threat that will make an immediate impact to our lineup. Her plate presence will be contagious and help lead our offense. She will also add depth to our corner infield positions. Calista is very strong academically and embodies a true Rutgers student-athlete."
Maddie Lawson
Infield
5-6 * R/R
Mebane, N.C. * Eastern Alamance
PRIOR TO RUTGERS:
- Ranked No. 54 by Extra Inning Softball
- Ranked No. 70 by FloSoftball
- 2020 JO Cup National Championship with Lady Lightning Demarini Platinum Squad- Corn
- 2019 NCHSAA 3A Softball State Champion
- Region 5 3A Pitcher of the Year
- Two-time all-region
- Two-time all-state
- Batted .444 with 14 doubles and 23 RBI as a sophomore
- Hit .522 with 12 doubles and 20 RBI as a freshman
- Pitched 97 innings and struck out 127 batters with a 1.08 ERA as a freshman
- Two-time all-conference in volleyball
- Daughter of Caleb and Tracy Lawson
- Has two sisters, Morgan and Molly
- Older sister Morgan plays club softball at UNC Chapel Hill
- Plans to major in exercise science
LAWSON ON CHOOSING RUTGERS: "I chose Rutgers because it felt like home from the atmosphere of their athletic and academic support. I am excited to be able to continue my softball career at such a high level and I can't wait for all the opportunities that will be offered by this amazing school."
HEAD COACH KRISTEN BUTLER ON LAWSON: "Maddie plays shortstop for a high-level club team and perfects her craft at that position. We are excited to add her talent to the middle of the infield. As a student in the classroom, she will be a great fit here at Rutgers and in the academically strong Big Ten."
Follow Rutgers softball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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