The Ferris State University softball squad has landed six prep student-athletes as part of head coach Jake Schumann's first early signing class with the Bulldogs.

All six signees will join the FSU program as freshmen in the fall of 2024.

The early signing class includes shortstop Jayden Marlatt (Johannesburg-Lewiston), outfielder Breanna Blair (Thornton, Solo./Mountain Range), outfielder Braleigh Miller (Gaylord), catcher Addison Wangler (Gaylord), utility player Kaelinn Jozsa (Muskegon Oakridge) along with utility player Bailey McCalister (Allen Park).

The Bulldogs concluded the 2023 season with their most wins in seven years under Schumann's direction. FSU reached the GLIAC Tournament this past season and finished in the top four of the league standings during regular-season play. Ferris State finished regular-season play last year by winning three of its last four contests and five of the final eight games overall.

Below is a biographical sketch on each Bulldog signee:

Jayden Marlatt; Johannesburg-Lewiston HS (SS)

Two-Time First Team All-State and the Ski Valley Player of the Year … Hit .670 as a junior with 13 home runs and 61 RBI's … Posted a 19-1 pitching mark with a 1.32 ERA and 234 strikeouts in 117 innings … Three-time player of the year in volleyball and is in the state record books for kills … Three-time member of the Gaylord Herald Times Dream Team in softball, basketball and volleyball.

Why Ferris?: "I chose Ferris because of the atmosphere around the college and how welcoming the coaches are to make it feel like home, and their integrity to build the softball program to its best abilities."

Coach Schumann's Comments: "Jayden might be the best overall athlete I have seen in 20 years. She is a generational talent that will make an immediate impact in our lineup. There is no limit to what Jayden will be able to accomplish in her college career based on her athleticism."

Breanna Blair; Thornton, CO; Mountain Range HS (OF)

First Team All-State in Colorado … Named MaxPreps/NFCA National Player of the Week in the fall … State Champion Welder

Coach Schumann's Comments: "Bre has a natural smooth swing that will translate well to the college game. She has plus speed and arm talent which will enable her to compete for a starting outfield position. Bre is a tough nosed, no-nonsense player that will add to our changing culture."

Braleigh Miller; Gaylord HS (OF)

State Champion … Tied the state championship record for hits in a game with four … Two-Time all-region and academic all-state selection.

Why Ferris?: "I felt comfortable on campus immediately. I clicked with the coaching staff and the girls quickly and wanted to be a part of a spectacular rebuild."

Coach Schumman's comments: "Braleigh is a ball hawk that can put them up and put them down on the basepaths. Her style of play works perfectly on what we are trying to do offensively, which is always put pressure on the defense. Braleigh is one of three Gaylord Blue Devils we will have from their 2023 state championship team. Changing culture with players that know how to win is essential for our growth and Braleigh is bringing that to Big Rapids."

Addison Wangler; Gaylord HS (C)

State Champion … All-Conference … Three-Time Academic All-State honoree.

Why Ferris?: "I chose Ferris because of the positive atmosphere and because I see myself with a bright future there."

Coach Schumann's comments: "Addison is a wall behind the plate with a plus arm. She brings a championship mentality to a position that requires leadership and accountability. Addison will add the depth we need at the catcher position and provide us with the competition we are looking for everyday at practice."

Kaelinn Jozsa; Muskegon Oakridge HS (UTL)

All-State Honorable Mention as a junior … National Honor Society member and All-Conference Scholar Athlete in all three of her sports … Conference and District Champion.

Why Ferris?: "I chose Ferris because the campus is beautiful, everything is within walking distance, and it felt like the perfect home for me for the next four years."

Coach Schumann's comments: "I had the privilege of coaching K JO when she was a freshman. She can really do it all. She pitches for OHS, plays shortstop and carries a huge bat, along with the ability to play in the outfield. Kaelinn will come here as a true utility player. Being able to do it all at this level gives her the opportunity to earn playing time at different positions."

Bailey McCalister; Allen Park HS (UTL)

State Champion in softball … All-District honoree … Varsity starter for four years in softball and volleyball … Claimed volleyball All-District, All-Region, and News Herald Dream Team honors …
Academic All-State in both sports the last three years … Served as a Student Council and Link Crew Representative.

Why Ferris?: "I chose Ferris because of the amazing culture not only found on campus, but within the team. They are built on strong standards and want each player to reach their best potential. Ferris also provides me with great academic opportunities to advance in my future career of wanting to become a Physician's Assistant."

Coach Schumann's Comments: "Bailey is yet another athlete that brings versatility and a championship mindset to our program. Her ability to play a corner infield and outfield is invaluable at the college level. I look for Bailey to make immediate strides and to push our players to the next level."