Tech Softball inks four on National Signing Day

Posted: Nov 08, 2023

By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With a full season now under her belt at the lead of the Tennessee Tech softball program, head coach Danielle Penner brings in an exciting Golden Eagles signing class, looking to build a foundation for years to come.

Joining the Golden Eagles are shortstop Ashley Capelouto, pitcher Lainey Fitzgerald, outfielder Julie Martin and outfielder Skylar Sybesma.

"This is a well-rounded class, addressing several needs on the infield, outfield and in the circle," said Penner. "They include immediate impact pitching, high-level speed, power, versatility and overall athleticism. These student-athletes are high-achieving individuals who excel in the classroom and within the community. Their priorities on and off the field align with our program's commitment to long-term success. We are excited to welcome Ashley, Lainey, Julie and Skylar to Tennessee Tech and look forward to working with them. The future of Golden Eagle Softball looks bright."

ASHLEY CAPELOUTO: A three-year letterwinner at shortstop for head coach Keala Cordiero at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, Calif., Capelouto has put together a tremendous career there with still another season to play. A career .407 hitter, she has 85 total hits with 56 RBI, 63 runs scored and nine home runs.

She earned all-league honors all three seasons and was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and Defensive Player as a junior. Capelouto helped her team to a CIF Division 5 championship as a freshman, then a Division 5 quarterfinal finish as a junior.

This past season, she batted .446 with 25 hits, 27 RBI, 34 runs scored and four home runs.

The daughter of Adam and Becky Capelouto, she played club ball with Batbusters Aldrich 18.

A two-sport athlete, she also plays flag football as a quarterback and on defense.

LAINEY FITZGERALD: A three-year letterwinner as a pitcher for head coach Jeff Davis at Meigs County High School, Fitzgerald has been stellar in the circle, striking out 558 batters in 397 2/3 innings pitched, averaging 1.4 strikeouts per inning. This past season, Fitzgerald had a 0.9 earned run average and a 0.8 WHIP across 119 2/3 innings, striking out 202 batters. Each season has seen a decrease in ERA.

Fitzgerald is a three-time all-district selection, was twice named to the Chattanooga Times-Free Press Best of Preps Team and was a three-time Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State selection. She also took home three all-district tournament nods, a Newcomer of the Year honor and the region Player of the Year award as a sophomore.

Under her watch, Meigs County won two district regular-season titles, two district tournament championships, as well as a region championship and a substate victory for a TSSAA Spring Fling appearance as a sophomore.

She played club ball for Chattanooga Force 18U.

Fitzgerald is a two-sport athlete, also competing as a forward in basketball.

The daughter of Jason and Cheryl Fitzgerald, the 5-11 signee plans to study exercise science with an emphasis in physical therapy. She is a third-generation student-athlete as her father Jason and grandfather Arnold both played football at Auburn – 1989 to 1991 for her father and 1961 to 1964 for her grandfather.

JULIE MARTIN: A four-year letterwinner in center field for head coach Jordan Webb at Cookeville High, Martin has great numbers for the Lady Cavs with another season to play. In all, Martin has a .330 batting average with a .439 on-base percentage and a .462 slugging percentage. She has 91 total hits with three home runs, and is also an excellent base stealer with 46 swipes.

This past season, Martin hit .417 with 43 hits and two home runs, stealing 20 bases. She also had a .496 OBP and a .544 slugging mark to earn a first-team all-district selection, an all-district tournament team nod, Offensive Player of the Year and co-Outfielder of the Year honors.

Martin was also twice named second-team all-district.

The daughter of Lee and Andrea Martin, she heads to Tech to study nursing.

SKYLAR SYBESMA: A center fielder for head coach Jennifer Dessert for Redondo Union High in Redondo Beach, Calif., Sybesma helped lead her team to three-straight Bay League championships. As a freshman, she hit .570 with a .721 on-base percentage. In her sophomore campaign, she batted .345 with a .410 OBP, then, last season, hit .461 with a .526 OBP.