Elon Softball Welcomes Four in 2020 Recruiting Class

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University softball team and head coach Kathy Bocock announced the signing of four student-athletes as a part of the program’s 2020 recruiting class. The quartet of Mekayla Frazier (Lakeland, Fla.), Grace Kiser (Pilot Mountain, N.C.), Blair Rhodes (Ashland, Va.) and Gabi Schaal (Lakeland, Fla.) are set to join the team next fall.

“I’m excited to welcome Grace, Gabi, Blair and Mekayla as a part of our recruiting class this year,” said Bocock. “I believe each of them will be able to fit in with our team dynamic and contribute greatly to the program. They add a lot of versatility on defense with their ability and athleticism to play multiple positions and they are solid offensively. I’m very pleased to see them have a chance to represent our program.”

Mekayla Frazier • Utility • Lakeland, Fla. • Gulliver Preparatory
Competes at Gulliver Preparatory under head coach Mark Schusterman…Named a Semper Fields All-American in 2019…Selected as the MaxPreps Player of the Month in May of 2019…Three-time Miracle Sports Florida first team All-State selection (2017, 2018 and 2019)…A five-time first team All-County choice from the Miami Herald…Played travel ball for the Sante Fe Inferno with coaches Amy Lovette and Jeff Humphrey…Also lettered in soccer.

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Daughter of Khalil and Kelly Frazier…Father played football at Hofstra University.

Why Mekyala chose Elon:
“I fell in love with Elon’s softball program and the coaches are amazing! I know my time in college will go by quickly and it’s important to me to spend that time engaged and committed to developing as a student and athlete. Elon is that place for me. Elon always stood out because of its approach to the all-around well-being and growth of each student. I am grateful and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of the Elon Phoenix community and family.”

Grace Kiser • First/Third base • Pilot Mountain, N.C. • East Surry High School
Plays softball at East Surry High School under head coach Randy Marion…Named all-conference in her first three seasons…Has also been an all-district, all-state and all-tournament selection in her career…Competed in travel ball for the Virginia Sting Fastpitch and head coach Jeff Smith…Member of the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.

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Daughter of Mike and Karla Kiser…Has a brother who played baseball at Lenoir Rhyne University.

Why Grace chose Elon:
“I chose Elon because it felt like where I needed to be for the next four years to succeed the most in academics and athletics. It felt like my home away from home.”

Blair Rhodes • Outfield/Utility • Ashland, Va. • Patrick Henry High School
A four-year starter at Patrick Henry High School under head coach Lance LeStourgeon…Named first team All-Region and All-State in 2019…Named an honorable mention for the Hanover County All-Decade Team in 2019…Played for the Hanover Hornets club team and head coach Chad Radcliffe…A member of the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society.

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Daughter of Taylor and Kerri Rhodes…Father played baseball at Hamden Sydney College and mother played softball at Furman.

Why Blair chose Elon:
“I chose Elon because of its beautiful campus with small class sizes and it is the perfect combination of competitive athletics and great academics. It had everything I wanted.”

Gabi Schaal • Middle infield/Third base • Lakeland, Fla. • Bartow High School
Plays at Bartow High School under head coach Glenn Rutenbar…Named first team 8A All-State in 2019…Selected the 2019 Polk County Hitter of the Year after batting .490 with 13 extra-base hits and 29 RBI…Has batted .333 or better throughout her career…Named to the 2018 All-County second team…Competed on the Florida Impact Premier travel team with coach Billy Watson…Also lettered in volleyball.

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Daughter of Scott and Lisa Schaal…Intends to major in biology.

Why Gabi chose Elon:
“Elon feels like my second home. From the minute I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was where I was meant to be. There’s no other school that has the beauty, academics and community I’ve dreamed of. So ready to be Phoenix!”