Softball Inks Six Future Dukes

HARRISONBURG, Va. - The James Madison softball team has signed six student-athletes as part of its class of 2024, Head Coach Loren LaPorte announced Wednesday morning.

Madalyn Johnson, Taylor Johnson, Emily LeGrand, Cali Legzdin, Lilian "Lili" Smith, and Raegan Wall officially signed their National Letters of Intent and will join JMU in the fall of 2024.

"Our staff is very excited to welcome the highly talented 2024 class," LaPorte said. "These student-athletes will bring in a great deal of athleticism, versatility, and tools that will impact the program immediately. By position, the class is comprised of two pitchers, two utility players, one outfielder, and one corner. We are looking forward to having their competitive experience and championship mindsets in Harrisonburg next fall."

Madalyn Johnson | RHP | 5-11 | Powhatan, Va. | Powhatan High School

Holds the Powhatan High School record in regular season total strikeouts, racking up 240 in 125 innings (13.44 per seven innings) as a junior in 2023.
Recorded 16 wins in the circle, including six shutouts.
Played both ways, hitting a robust .385 at the plate.
Named to the first-team Virginia All-Region (4B) in sophomore and junior campaigns.

Taylor Johnson | LHP | 5-6 | King William, Va. | King William High School

Two-sport standout for King William High School, lettering in volleyball for three years for the Cavaliers along with softball.
Tidewater District Player of the Year (2022)
Tidewater First Team (Volleyball)

Emily LeGrand | UT | 5-6 | Mount Juliet, Tenn. | Green Hill High School

Ranked 27th by Softball Extra Innings Elite 100
As a junior, named Tennessee District 9AAAA CoMVP Sports Writer Association Player of the Year after batting .394 with nine home runs and 16 doubles.

Cali Legzdin | UT | 5-7 | Beaver Falls, Pa. | Beaver Falls Senior High School

Four-sport athlete for Beaver Falls Senior High School
Also has lettered in basketball, track and field, and golf teams along with softball at Beaver Hills
Four-time team captain in softball

Lili Smith | INF | 5-9 | Ashland, Ky. | Russell High School

Has played varsity softball for Russell High School since seventh grade
Led the Red Devils offensively in nine games as a junior before sustaining an injury.
Named to the Kentucky 16th region All-Star team as a sophomore

Raegan Wall | OF | 5-8 | Hazel Green, Ala. | Madison County Virtual Academy

Ranked 27th in the southeast region by Softball Extra Innings
As a junior, named first-team all-state after she broke the school records for stolen bases (40) and runs scored (61).