CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia softball head coach Joanna Hardin announced the addition of five players in the class of 2019.
 
The new additions include a trio of Virginia pitchers and two infielders. Two of the new Cavaliers are ranked among the top 100 players in the country according to Extra Inning Softball. Virginia is one of just three ACC programs with multiple Extra Elite 100 signees.
 
“This signing class is a special group,” said Hardin. “Our staff has watched them grow and develop for over three years, so today is really special for all of us. It’s a testament to their commitment to the University of Virginia, our program and the sport of softball. 
 
“Within this signing class we have depth in the circle, athleticism, and championship experience. We have been counting down to today. We are really excited that three of our five signees are from the Commonwealth; Virginia has talent and we are excited to keep bringing them to Charlottesville.”
 
MIKAILA FOX | IF | R/R | Ocean Springs, Miss.
A 5-foot-8 infielder, Fox has excelled at Ocean Springs High School in her first three seasons. She was named an All-Conference, All-Region and All-State selection in each of her three seasons to-date. She was also named the Ocean Springs softball most valuable player.
 
Fox currently plays her travel ball with the Birmingham Thunderbolts. She is a two-time USA Elite Select 30 All-American, recognizing her as one of the top 30 players in the 2019 class.
 
HARDIN SAYS: “I have literally watched Mikaila grow up before my eyes. Not only is she an athletic and skilled athlete, but she consistently lives out the standards of UVA softball. She and Katie can play multiple positions defensively and will tag team as offensive power threats in our lineup.”
 
KATIE GOLDBERG | IF | R/R | Atlanta, Ga.
An infielder, Goldberg joins the Cavaliers out of Marist High School in Atlanta, Ga. She played her club softball for Georgia Impact, capturing the 2018 PGF National Championship. Goldberg is ranked as the No. 86 prospect in the 2019 Extra Elite 100 by Extra Inning Softball.
 
At Marist High, Goldberg was a team captain and earned Most Valuable Player honors. She was named the Region Player of the Year and was a First Team All-State selection as a junior. During the 2017 season, she hit .569 with eight home runs to lead Marist to the Region 7-AAAA championship.
 
HARDIN SAYS: “Katie is the first commitment I received after being hired at UVA. She is athletic, versatile and plays club in a top travel organization in Georgia. We cannot wait for her to be on the field with us next year!”
 
MOLLY GRUBE | RHP | R/R | Chesterfield, Va.
Grube will join the Cavaliers after a stellar career at Manchester High School in Midlothian. She was named 2018 All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State as a pitcher. The honor was the second All-Conference selection of her career. Grube led the Lancers to the 2018 VHSL 6A Final, while along the way tossing a no-hitter in the Region B Championship Game.
 
Grube holds a career record of 31-9 with an earned run average under 2.00. She has already amassed 335 strikeouts, despite playing just six games as a sophomore. For her career, Grube is averaging better than eight strikeouts per game.
 
HARDIN SAYS: “Over the last two years, Molly’s grit and determination has surfaced as she worked to recover from an injury that sidelined her for a while. Not only is she completely healthy, she’s stronger and more effective than she was before the injury. She brings a ton of confidence, speeds and spins to the circle adding depth to our bullpen.”
 
MORGAN MURPHY | RHP | R/R | Chesapeake, Va.
Another Virginia standout, Murphy has started in each of her three seasons at Grassfield High School, reaching three state semifinals. She has earned the Grassfield MVP award in each of her three seasons to-date and already holds the school record for strikeouts, wins and ERA. Murphy is ranked as the No. 97 player in the Extra Elite Top 100 of the 2019 class by Extra Inning Softball.
 
In spring 2018, Murphy was named the 6A Region Player of the Year and Tidewater Player of the Year. She is also a three-time First Team selection at the All-State, All-Region, All-Conference and All-Tidewater levels. Murphy has played travel ball with Orion Hunter for 10 seasons.
 
HARDIN SAYS: “Morgan has pitched in a number of big games, including state championship semifinals and finals appearances. She is fearless in the big moment and, after graduating four pitchers in 2018, will provide the depth we need to reload in the circle.”
 
MACKENZIE WOOTEN | RHP | R/R | Newport News, Va.
Wooten gives the Cavaliers three of the top pitching prospects in Virginia. The Isle of Wright Academy product was a three-sport standout, earning All-Conference honors in softball, basketball and cross country. In the circle, Wooten helped Isle of Wright capture a state championship in 2018, snapping a streak of nine-consecutive VISAA Division II titles for powerhouse Greenbrier Christian.
 
Wooten struck out 159 batters en route to a 0.96 ERA and an 18-4 record. In 116 2/3 innings of work, she issued just 18 walks. Her stellar season earned her the Metro Conference MVP and an All-State selection. Wooten played for Galaxy and Sarasota Heat at the club level.
 
HARDIN SAYS: “Mackenzie adds another dimension to the bullpen. In high school, she’s competed for and won a state championship so she understands how to execute in high leverage moments. She is a fierce competitor and will challenge her teammates to get better day in and day out.”