TOLEDO, Ohio – University of Toledo head softball coach Joe Abraham announced the signing of five student-athletes to national letters of intent on Wednesday.

The Rockets' 2022-23 recruiting class includes pitchers Madison McKay, Isabella Nigey, and position players Madison Jellison, Grace O'Malley and Larren Rounds.

"We needed to add a couple of pitchers with this class and did so, both who have great spin and movement," Abraham said. "Maddie and Bella both generate those swings and misses that you like, and each have plenty of experience at top travel ball levels. With our three position players we wanted some power and to fill specific defensive positions. All three girls can pop the ball out of the yard at any time and are excellent defensive players. We also signed five excellent students, which is just as important."



Madison "Maddie" McKay | 5'4" | Pitcher | Chester, W. Va. – Oak Glen High School
About Maddie:

• In 2021, played a key role in helping Oak Glen finish with its first-ever undefeated regular season (24-0) and ending with a program best 30 wins finishing as WV AA State Runner-Up, recording a 21-3 record including four no-hitters and one perfect game.
• At the end of the 2021 season she named WV AA First Team all-state, WV All-State Tournament Team, Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVCA) 4A Player of the Year, Captain of The Wheeling Intelligencer All-Valley Team, and 106.3 River Athlete of the Week. She helped her school become OVAC 4A Champions,
• As a freshman (2019), named WV AA Second Team all-state, OVAC 4A First Team, Oak Glen Team MVP, 106.3 River Athlete of the Week, set an Oak Glen freshman record with 246 strikeouts and helped lead her team to the OVAC championship game.
• Currently has 37 wins and 500 strikeouts over two seasons.
• Played five years for Ohio Outlaws travel softball organization.
• Pitched in 2019 IDT Boulder Colorado All-Star game and pitched two scoreless innings.
• Maintains a 4.2 GPA; received the Oak Glen Academic Excellence Award, National Honor Society member, named OVAC All-Academic Team in three sports, West Virginia Golden Horseshoe Award, Pep Club, Key Club, and Prom Committee.
• Tri-sport athlete and four-year letterwinner in softball and basketball.

Anticipated Major: Speech-Language Pathology

Why Toledo? "I chose Toledo because it offers me what I want both academically and athletically. After touring the campus, meeting with players and coaches, I knew it was the right fit for me! Coach Joe Abraham has a strong reputation and I'm excited about the opportunity to play for one of the best softball programs in the MAC."


Isabella "Bella" Nigey | 5'8" | Pitcher/ OF | Bettendorf, Iowa – Davenport Assumption High School
About Isabella:

• Has led her school to two Class 3A State Championship titles and  two MAC Conference Championships
• Named 2021 MAC First Team all-conference Pitcher, first-team all-state, Class 3A State all-tournament team, and KMA First Team all-class.
• Finished the 2021 season with a 25-2 record and led Class 3A with a 0.85 ERA.
• National Honor Society and Student Ambassador.
• Dual sport athlete letterwinner in softball and volleyball.

Anticipated Major: Pre-med

Why Toledo? "From afar, the University of Toledo had everything I was seeking to further my academic and athletic career. From the first time I stepped on campus I knew Toledo felt like home. I fell in love with the team environment, knew I could learn a lot from the coaches, and appreciated the medical program opportunities. I look forward to being apart of the softball program, the student body, and the overall community."




Madison Jellison | 5'10" | Catcher/ UT | Pataskala, OH – Watkins Memorial High School
About Madison:

• Columbus Dispatch All Metro Softball Player of the Year, Johnny Bench Catcher of Ohio Award Recipient, Newark Advocate Softball Player of the Year, Central District Player of The Year and LCL Co-Player of the Year.
• First Team all-state, First Team all-district, and First Team LCL.
• A dual-sport athlete as a four-year letterwinner in softball and two-year letterwinner in basketball.

Anticipated Major: Education

Why Toledo? "Ever since the first softball camp I attended at the University of Toledo, it has felt like home. I remember thinking in my freshman year of high school 'I could see myself here in a couple years'. At the camps, I always loved the atmosphere, players, and coaches. I continued to come to camps until my senior year. After the end of every camp, the next day I was always wanting to go back! I also love how the coaching staff wants to help prepare us for life outside of college. They want to make us the best version of ourselves. Toledo is also a very good academic school, and the softball team has one of the highest team GPAs in the country. I am very excited to attend college at the University of Toledo and cannot wait for the next four years!"


Grace O'Malley | 5'3" | 3B/UT | Brecksville, Ohio – Brecksville Broadview Heights High School
About Grace:

• First Team all-conference player and Second Team all-district
• Ranks second in BBHHS program history for single-season RBIs
• National Honors Society and Scholar Athlete
• Four-year varsity letterwinner in softball and one-year letterwinner in basketball

Anticipated Major: Education

Why Toledo? "I chose the University of Toledo because it was the perfect distance from home, the incredibly beautiful campus, and the great education program. I am super excited to be playing softball alongside amazing girls, and wonderful coaches that will provide memories for a lifetime!"


Larren Rounds | 5'10" | 1B/ 3B | Wellington, Ohio – Firelands High School
About Larren:

• Four-year team captain for Firelands and holds the school's home run record.
• During her junior season she led her conference in home runs, slugging percentage (.917), and on base percentage (1.400).
• First Team All-conference, First Team All-Lorain County, First Team All-Northeast Ohio and All-Ohio Honorable Mention.
• Played for the Team Ohio Red travel team; recorded 26 home runs and 102 RBIs in the 2020 season.
• National Honors Society and National Art Honors Society member, State and Conference Scholar Athlete.
• Dual-sport athlete in softball and basketball.

Anticipated Major: Biology – Pre-Med

Why Toledo? "Toledo has both amazing academic and athletic opportunities. I love the campus atmosphere, Toledo's outstanding Pre-Med program, and their softball program. The combination of it all instantly felt like the perfect fit for me!"