University of Illinois Springfield softball head coach Shannon Guthrie announced today that five players have signed to play for the Prairie Stars starting in the 2021 season. The newest UIS players are Ramsey Armstrong, Zoie Bowman, Kelsie Burrows, Evey Evans, and Emma Thomas.
 
"We are so excited to announce our newest class of signees for the 2021 season," said Guthrie. "Ramsey, Zoie, Kelsey, Evey, and Emma are going to bring a variety of talents to UIS Softball. They are all energetic and hardworking players who are currently playing at a very high level for their club teams. These five are going to come in well prepared to help contribute at this level, and they are eager to be a part of the tradition and culture that is being built within our Prairie Star athletics community."
 
Ramsey Armstrong
Ramsey Armstrong is an outfielder/first baseman from Charleston, Ill., and is a member of the Charleston High School and Midland Magic softball teams. Armstrong has earned third-team all-state honors in each of her last two seasons, and was all-conference both of those years. Last spring, she led her team to an IHSA Sweet 16 appearances after hitting .486 for the year with 12 home runs. As a sophomore, she hit .460 with seven home runs and 37 RBI.
 
"Ramsey has been so fun for us to watch and recruit, and we are very excited to have her be part of our team," said Guthrie. "Ramsey has the ability to light up a team with her powerful bat and contagious personality. She is a great competitor who is always looking to do anything to help her team out. We like the ability that Ramsey has to really be a game changer in the lineup and to add a nice powerful swing to our offense. She can play any of the outfield positions as well as first base, and was an All-State outfielder this past year at Charleston. We can't wait to see what Ramsey adds to the Prairie Stars and are excited to welcome her to UIS."
 
Zoie Bowman
Zoie Bowman is a middle infielder from Decatur, Ill., and is a member of the Meridian High School and New Lenox Lightning softball teams. She is a two-time second-team all-state and first-team all-conference and all-county player. Last season, Bowman hit .496 and was a finalist for the ESPN Decatur ESPY Softball Player of the Year award. In her sophomore season, she broke four school records with a .608 batting average, .691 on-base percentage, 1.108 slugging percentage, and six triples. She was a part of the Premier Fastpitch team that placed ninth in the PGF Nationals, and won the 2017 Colorado Firecracker.
 
"Zoie is as tough of a softball player as you will find on the field, and equally as great of a teammate off the field," said Guthrie. "We love the competitive spirit Zoie brings to the field. What impresses about her is she creates a lot of power and explosiveness. Zoie is going to add a lot of depth to our middle infield and will be a solid left-handed bat in our lineup. She has already helped Meridian to some of its best seasons, and was twice named to the All-State team for her abilities. We are looking forward to watching Zoie develop, and know she will be a great fit for our program."
 
Kelsie Burrows
Kelsie Burrows is an outfielder from Freeburg, Ill., and is a member of the Freeburg Community High School and Midland Magic softball teams. As a junior, she earned first-team all-conference honors and helped her team win a regional championship. She hit .495 with a .543 on-base percentage, and she collected 52 hits and 21 stolen bases. Burrows earned second-team all-area honors as a sophomore, and helped her team set a school record for wins.
 
"Kelsie is one of the most entertaining players to watch," said Guthrie. "She brings an excitement to the game with her speed and has a lot of fun playing the game. Her ability to keep things fun and play hard at the same time makes her a great fit for our team. Kelsie will help us in the outfield, and will put a lot of pressure on a defense with her speed from the left side of the plate. Kelsie works tirelessly at softball, as well as off the field academically, and at everything else she does. There is no doubt she will bring that same work ethic to UIS, and she will continue to shine."
 
Evey Evans
Evey Evans is a pitcher and utility player from Bourbonnais, Ill., and she is a member of Bradley Bourbonnais High School and Illinois Stars softball teams. Last season as a junior, she earned third-team all-state honors, and was an all-conference pick. She batted .405 with five home runs, and struck out 43 batters while pitching. Evans will also be a member of the UIS women's basketball team.
 
"Evey is the first multi-sport athlete I have had the opportunity to coach, and we are very excited to watch Evey play basketball and softball at the college level," said Guthrie. "It takes a very special person to be able to balance all that it takes to play multiple sports at a high level, and then add in the academic requirements and other responsibilities. We have no doubts that Evey is up for the challenge, and we know that she has already prepared herself to tackle this challenge.  We are excited to see what she can bring to the Prairie Stars on the court and on the field."
 
Emma Thomas
Emma Thomas is a catcher and infielder from Edwards, Ill., and is a member of the Dunlap High School and Midwest Speed softball teams. Thomas played her first two years at Oak Ridge High School, and traveled with America's Team to play in Italy and Greece. Last season, she was a member of the Dunlap High School team.
 
"Emma is going to bring us depth in many positions," said Guthrie. "She is a very strong right-handed hitter, can catch, and can play first or third base. She will work very hard to be a great Prairie Star. One thing we really like about Emma is that she has travelled throughout the nation to play softball at the highest level. She is committed to improving and playing against the best competition she can find. Emma will bring a strong presence and voice behind the plate. We are excited for her to make a home at UIS and to watch her excel on and off the field."