Six New Utes Sign with Utah Softball - University of Utah Athletics

SALT LAKE CITY – Head coach Amy Hogue and the University of Utah softball program officially announced its 2027 signing class on Wednesday and the star-studded list of new Utes consists of six players, all of whom will be in Utah red in time for the start of the 2028 campaign.

"This group is going to do big things for Utah softball," said Hogue. "They're athletic, tough, and versatile, and each one brings something different. I can't wait to get them here and see what we can do together."

Lilia Alleman – Pitcher – Ascension Catholic – Pierre Part, La.
In both the prep and club ranks, Alleman has spent her career compiling one accomplishment after another to earn a three-star ranking by On3 and Rivals. Her first three years in high school have seen her earn a pair of first-team all-state selections, first as a pitcher in 2025, then as a utility player in 2026. She's also a two-time first-team all-district pick and was named her district's MVP in 2025. During her sophomore season, Alleman led her school on its first-ever trip to the state finals and threw scoreless ball up until the championship game.

In club play, Alleman spent time with United Fast Pitch and Impact. In 2025, she was named to a pair of TFL 16U all-tournament teams, as well as taking home a pitcher of the tournament award. She was also named to the top 10 of the 2025 Top Gun Invitational and at Alliance Nationals and to the top five at 2025 Colorado Fireworks.

"Lilia has a real feel for pitching," said Hogue. "She moves the ball all over the zone and spins it both up and down, which makes her tough to hit. She throws strikes and knows how to use her stuff. We're glad she's a Ute."

Say hello to our newest signee! ?? Lilia Alleman is coming to SLC! ?? #GoUtes https://t.co/ilAu4KyWRS
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Lilia is the daughter of Ashley and Brandon Alleman and has one sibling, Graham. She intends on majoring in Kinesiology.

Bree Carlson – Utility – Huntington Beach High School – Huntington Beach, Calif.
Rated as the eighth-best player at her position and 65th-ranked player overall in the class of 2027, Carlson has swung one of the loudest bats in her class. As a sophomore, she smashed the Huntington Beach High School single-season home run record and she's also earned first-team all-state and all-league accolades. Carlson is a two-time offensive player of the year choice as well as a two-time team captain and earned an MVP award in 2025-26.

While on the club circuit with Batbusters, Athletics, Mercado and Tennessee Mojo, Carlson has led her teams to three National Championships. With Athletics, Mercado, she also helped her squad capture three Scenic City Top 25 Championships and two Patriot Games Championships.

"Bree can change a game with one swing," said Hogue. "She's a real home run threat, and she just loves playing this game. That joy shows up every day. We're excited to have her bat in our lineup and her energy in our clubhouse."

Bree's coming to SLC! ?? Join us in welcoming Bree Carlson to the Utes! ?? #GoUtes https://t.co/eaNAiKmiSv
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Bree is the daughter of John and Jessica Carlson and has two brothers, Ryan and Kevin. She'll be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.

Molly Davi – Pitcher – Hilo High School – Hilo, Hawaii
A nearly unhittable career at Hilo High School and in club play has led to Molly Davi being rated as the No. 3 player in Hawaii and a four-star recruit by On3 and Rivals. During her sophomore year, the Hilo native shattered the Hawaii state record for strikeouts in a season with 226 while also posting a 0.00 ERA that led the nation. Those numbers, which also included three no-hitters, led to her being named the Fastpitch Watch National Pitcher of the Year in 2025. She also took home the the title of BIIF Division I Player of the Year and All-BIIF first-team.

In club competition, Davi was a member of a Mojo-Lewis team that won multiple National Titles, including the 16U Premier PGF National Championship in 2024. In 50 innings in the Premier PGF Tournament, Davi threw to an ERA of 0.56 and tossed three shutouts, including a perfect game. Her club stat line included a 1.62 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 90.1 innings.

"Molly is a competitor," said Hogue. "She wants the ball in big moments, and she loves a battle in the circle. She spins it well and keeps hitters guessing. I can't wait to see her in a Utah uniform."

?? @mollydavi27 has made it official! The newest member of our signing class is Molly Davi! ?? #GoUtes https://t.co/NcHYJyVVdH
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Molly is the daughter of Christina and Phillip Davi and has five siblings, RC, Christian, Elijah, Mercy and Phillip.

Leila Diebert – Pitcher – Charter Oak High School – Covina, Calif.
In three seasons playing for the Charter Oak Chargers, Diebert has helped her team secure three league titles and she's collected plenty of individual laurels along the way. The three-star recruit been named league MVP twice and her hard work has also garnered her a pair of All-CIF SS spots. Her career numbers include 178 strikeouts and a 1.07 ERA in the circle to go with a .583 batting average and 73 RBIs at the plate and her work in the field led to her being lauded as Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. She also competed in volleyball and flag football in high school.

In club play, Diebert spent time with OC Batbusters Lara 18u. In both 2025 and 2026, she was chosen for the Alliance Fastpitch All-Tournament team and was an OC Batbusters Tier 2 finalist.

"Leila does two things well: she competes in the circle and she produces at the plate," said Hogue. "Not many players can do both. We're excited to see everything she brings to this team."

She's officially a Ute! ?? Help us say hello to @LeilaDiebert2! #GoUtes https://t.co/GUOyujQtcY
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Leila is the daughter of Sylvia Lara and Dondi Diebert and has two siblings, Justin and Mikayla. Her sister is currently on the softball team at Fort Hays State. She intends on majoring in Health and Medicine.

Kiley Sledge – Infielder – Franklin Pierce High School – Tacoma, Wash.
A three-star recruit according to On3 and Rivals, Sledge has been almost impossible to get out during her time with the Franklin Pierce Cardinals. She batted .672 as a freshman, then boosted that number to .737 as a sophomore and .750 as a junior. Her 110 career hits, which include 25 homers, have produced a .714 clip. Those numbers led to her earning three first-team all-league selections and 2025 first-team all-state and SPSL Player of the Year honors. Her 2025 season also helped her team win the league championship.

Sledge has refined her craft on the club circuit by playing for AI Bandits, Washington Lady Hawks and Washington Acers.

"Kiley can really move," said Hogue. "She covers a ton of ground in the middle infield, and her speed gives defenses fits. She's not just a runner either, because she hits for power too. She's going to be fun to watch."

Kiley is coming to the U! ?? Say hello to our newest Ute, Kiley Sledge! #GoUtes https://t.co/onuQhEUhJ3
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Kiley is the daughter of Andrea and Derek Sledge and has two siblings, Elijah and Karissa. Her mom is a former softball player, having competed at the University of Puget Sound, and her brother plays baseball at Case Western Reserve University. She'll be majoring in Biology.

Keira Stripling – Pitcher – Bishop Carroll High School – Wichita, Kan.
In three seasons at Bishop Carroll High School, Stripling has earned a three-star ranking by amassing a 27-3 record, a 2.12 ERA and 244 strikeouts in 168.2 innings. Her 2026 season, in which she piled up 122 punchouts in 74.2 innings while also batting .611, garnered her spots on the Class 5A All-State first-team and the Wichita Eagle all-metro squad. Her work in the circle also earned her the Class 5A Pitcher of the Year award and helped her team win the 5A State Championship, something the Golden Eagles have done twice in Stripling's prep career. She also has a pair of all-state and all-city selections to her credit.

On the club circuit, Stripling has refined her game playing with Aces Fastpitch and Texas Glory Kansas.

"Keira's speed changes the pace of a game," said Hogue. "She's a lefty triple threat who puts pressure on defenses every time she's on base. She can play the outfield and pitch, so we'll have plenty of ways to use her."

Our first signing is official! ?? Help us give a warm Utah welcome to Keira Stripling! #GoUtes https://t.co/BAAuQWKSal
— Utah Softball (@Utah_Softball) November 11, 2026

Keira is the daughter of Van and Shawn Stripling and has two siblings, Aceson and Malaia.

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