FAIRFAX, Va. – The George Mason University softball added eight freshmen and three graduate transfers to their team over the offseason. In preparation for the upcoming season, the new Patriots were asked to answer a set of questions written by the coaches so that they could introduce themselves to the Patriot community.
"We are excited to add this talented group to our team," said head coach
Justin Walker. "We are looking forward to seeing them compete in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room."
Here are your 2023 Patriot newcomers:
Alena Ball – Outfielder from Atlanta, Ga. (Harrison High School)
- Major: Legal Studies
- What drew you to GMU?
- The environment and the culture of the school
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Samantha Ball and Marcus Ball
Cheyenne DeGross – Catcher/Infielder from Silver Spring, Md. (Academy of the Holy Cross)
- Major: Communications
- What drew you to GMU?
- The beautiful campus, close to home, and family-like atmosphere on the softball team
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Kim – mom, Eric – dad, Sienna – sister
Elyssa De Rosa – Infielder from Corning, N.Y. (Corning-Painted Post High School)
- Major: Physics
- What drew you to GMU?
- Proximity to a diverse metropolitan area and cultural hub, warmer climate, and the family-like environment of the softball team
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Track and Field (Throwing)
- Family members' names
- Mike DeRosa, Becky DeRosa, Jacob DeRosa, Lauren DeRosa
Kamryn Inman – Shortstop from Chesapeake, Va. (Grassfield High School)
- Major: Nursing
- What drew you to GMU?
- The location and educational opportunities
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Julie, Grayson, and Lexie Inman
Maya McGowan – First baseman from Suffolk, Va. (Nansemond-Suffolk Academy)
- Major: Kinesiology
- What drew you to GMU?
- I really loved the environment of the school and the softball team. I also loved the campus and how it wasn't too far away from home.
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Nicole McGowan (mom), Joe McGowan (dad), Marin McGowan (sister), Joey McGowan (brother)
Maggie Mrowka – Infielder from Fairfax, Va. (University of Mary Washington/Lake Braddock Secondary)
- Major: Undergrad – Business Administration, Masters – Sports and Recreation Studies with a concentration in sports management
- What drew you to GMU?
- A great opportunity to continue playing softball while getting my master's degree
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Steve Mrowka, Jennifer Mrowka, Caleigh Mrowka, Lauren Mrowka
Logan Pickford – Catcher from Poquoson, Va. (Poquoson High School)
- Major: Kinesiology and Nutrition
- What drew you to GMU?
- The area, job opportunities and the coaches
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Basketball, karate and cross country
- Family members' names
- Mom – Michelle Pickford, Dad – Shawn Pickford, Sister – Sela Pickford, Papa – Mickey Finch, Mimi – Linda Finch, and Grampa – Bruce Pickford
Ally Rayle – Pitcher from Herndon, Va. (University of Virginia/South Lakes)
- Major: Global Commerce and Policy (master's)
- What drew you to GMU?
- Academically, the program I'm in at the Schar School is exactly what I was looking for. Softball-wise, it's great to be close to home/family for my last year.
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- My dad! He coached my sister and myself. He also took us to pitching lessons together.
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Jon Rayle (dad), Lisa Rayle (mom), Tess Rayle (sister)
Jillian Shannon – Catcher from Front Royal, Va. (Skyline High School)
- Major: Social Sciences
- What drew you to GMU?
- The softball team & being close to home
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Westi Shannon and Matt Shannon
Sophie Sklar – Second Baseman from Manalapan, N.J. (Manalapan High School)
- Major: Kinesiology
- What drew you to GMU?
- The family atmosphere of the softball program and the gorgeous campus
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Michelle Sklar (mother), Adam Sklar (father), Samantha Sklar (sister)
Jordan Tallman – Pitcher from Latrobe, Pa. (Georgetown/Greater Latrobe High School)
- Major: Criminology
- What drew you to GMU?
- The proximity of GMU to DC and the criminology program
- What is your favorite food?
- Who impacted your softball career the most?
- What other sports did you play in high school?
- Family members' names
- Michele Tallman, Michael Tallman, Jenna Tallman
