Louisville Softball Adds Six Talented Recruits for 2024 Season
Louisville, KY – University of Louisville softball coach Holly Aprile has announced the signing of six talented recruits who will join the Cardinals in the fall of 2024. The new additions include Riley Janda, Mikayla Milby, Taylor Monroe, Madison Pickens, Ryann Sanders, and Jordan Williams.
Riley Janda, a highly skilled infielder from Greenwood, Indiana, brings an impressive resume to Louisville. She helped lead Center Grove to the 2023 Johnson County Tournament title and a sectional championship in 2021. Janda has received numerous accolades, including being named to the All-State Super Team in 2022 and the All-Freshman Super Team in 2021. Coach Aprile praised Janda’s versatility and speed, stating, “Her speed and versatility will be a welcome addition!”
Mikayla Milby, a hometown product from Louisville, Kentucky, chose to play for the Cardinals after a successful career at Ballard High School. As a junior, Milby batted .485 with a .928 slugging percentage, leading Ballard to the Kentucky High School State Championship. She has already earned All-State, All-State Tournament, All-District, and All-Region honors. Coach Aprile praised Milby’s speed and power, stating, “We are excited to coach and develop her.”
Taylor Monroe, an infielder from Spencer, Indiana, comes to Louisville with impressive achievements. She currently holds the record for home runs in a season (12) and career (27) at Owen Valley High School. Monroe is a three-time All-Western Indiana Conference selection and ranks among the top 35 players in the Extra Inning Softball Midwest Region. Coach Aprile expressed her excitement about Monroe joining the team, saying, “She loves Louisville and the game of softball, and it shows up in everything she does.”
Madison Pickens, a catcher/outfielder from Flowery Branch, Georgia, joins the Cardinals after helping Buford High School win back-to-back state titles. Pickens was named the 2023 Region and Gwinnett County Player of the Year after a remarkable senior season. She blasted a school-record 20 home runs and carried a .609 batting average. Coach Aprile praised Pickens’ championship experience and power at the plate, stating, “She will make an immediate impact.”
Ryann Sanders, a right-handed pitcher from Bella Vista, Arkansas, has an impressive high school career. She led Bentonville High School to two state titles and was named the 2023 All-State and All-Arkansas Preps honoree. Sanders has a 26-2 record and a 1.357 ERA with 172 strikeouts in 129.0 innings of work. Coach Aprile praised Sanders’ pitching abilities, saying, “She has great action on the ball and understands how to attack batters.”
Jordan Williams, an outfielder from Cumming, Georgia, brings her skills to Louisville after a successful career at Denmark High School. She was named to the Georgia Dugout Club All-State team and holds numerous records at Denmark High, including hits, doubles, triples, runs, and stolen bases. Williams has been ranked as high as No. 34 by Extra Inning Softball. Coach Aprile praised Williams’ speed, power, and short game, stating, “She runs the bases well and will help churn our offense.”
With these six talented recruits joining the team, the Louisville Cardinals softball program looks poised for success in the 2024 season.
