SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Head Coach Chris Hawkins has announced a new era of Upstate Softball signees to the 2026 signing class. As the coaching staff of Coach Hawkins, Bryan Pack, Tonya Medders, and John Winters continue to bring in student-athletes that fit the winning culture while being molded into future leaders.
Head Coach, Chris Hawkins has expressed his excitement for the 2026 Signing Class and how the process went for recruiting each player. "I'm extremely excited about the true athletes we have joining our program", Hawkins mentioned. Going further into talking about the process of recruiting, he mentioned "we did not recruit by position, but by explosiveness and production".
Elaina Bonuelos |MIF| Houston, Texas| Summer Creek High School
Entering the USC Upstate program, Boneulos makes her way from Houston, Texas as a Utility player who added a .380 career batting average, 209 career putouts and a .929 fielding percentage. Boneulos added many accolades on her resume at Summer Creek High School, being named to First Team All-District during the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons. Bonuelos also added a 2024 leadership award, a golden glove award (2024 & 2025), 2025 Co-District Champions, and 2023 & 2024 area finalists. Elaina Bonuelos also is a member of the Athletics Mercado Academy Herrera-Reyes, adding a .321 career batting average, 610 Lifetime Career putouts, and a .931 Lifetime fielding percentage. Elaina Bonuelos will be a perfect addition to Upstate Softball's winning culture with her hard work mixed with her willingness to fit into a system that will help her grow. Bonuelos intends to major in exercise and sports science when she begins her new chapter at Upstate.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Bonuelos: "I am very excited to see her grow in our program; she has all the tools to be a champion!"
Nevaeh Alexander |UTL| Stanfield, N.C.| West Stanly High School
Making her way from West Stanly High School, Alexander led with a .571 batting average, added .609 on base percentage, five home runs, 24 RBIs, a 1.214 slugging percentage, and holds the record for stolen bases (34). Alexander has seen success in her career being named to CSAA All-State during the 2023, 2024, and 2025 seasons, First Team All-State in 2024 and 2025, First Team All-Region in 2024 and 2025, and was named Player of the Year in 2025. Alexander was also named to the National Honor Society and has been a member of the Carolina Crush Corn travel ball team. Her fall season in 2025 with the Carolina Crush was a .340 batting average, 18 hits, three home runs, 14 RBIs and 22 stolen bases. The versatility of Alexander will be a great fit for the system that is implemented with Upstate Softball while growing with many opportunities to win. Alexander intends to major in Communications when she begins her new journey at Upstate.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Alexander: "When you think of speed and high-level defensive, she has those tools. She fits into our offensive culture very well!"
Korbyn Lydia|MIF| Gaffney, S.C.| Gaffney High School
Making her way 25 miles down the road from Gaffney to Hub City, Korbyn Lydia is a two-sport athlete at Gaffney High School. She has been a member of Gaffney Softball for six years and basketball for four years. Lydia comes an athletic background with mom playing at Spartanburg Methodist College (00-01') and her cousins playing at Newberry College (2020-2022), Limestone University (2021-2023) and North Greenville University (2025). Playing in the Cherokee County School District, Lydia had a .460 batting average during her freshman year, .455 during her sophomore year and .488 during her junior year. As a dual sport athlete at Gaffney High, Lydia adds multiple accolades being a three-time All-Region player for Softball, one-time all-region player for basketball, and two-time region champions in basketball. Korbyn Lydia will have a chance to be part of a winning culture where she can grow in a program that has a history of player development. Lydia plans to major in Physical Education when she begins her new chapter at Upstate.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Lydia: "She is an extremely good athlete with a lot of knowledge of the game. Her growth potential is huge!"
Mia Kovacs| C| Fort Mill, S.C.| Catawba Ridge High School
Making her way from Catawba Ridge High School, the Spartan Army will have their presence graced by Mia Kovacs in the fall of 2026. A six-year member of the softball team at Catawba Ridge High School, Kovacs added a .443 batting average, .563 on-base percentage, 33 RBIs, 10 doubles, three triples and three home runs. Kovacs adds an extended resume with accolades including being a four-time region champ, four-time upperstate champion, three-time state champ, two-time all-region, one-time all state, three-time MVP, two-time defensive award and one-time offensive award. Kovacs is part of the BEP-Polk travel ball team where she added a .384 batting average and a .462 on base percentage. Outside of athletics, Kovacs serves on the Beta Club proving to balance the life of a student athlete and a club member. Mia Kovacs will be able to grow her career offensively with Upstate Softball, a program who was 14th in the NCAA with their batting average. Kovacs plans to major in Nursing when she begins her new chapter at Upstate.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Kovacs: "She is a tremendous leader, motivator and is catalyst for our team."
Kylee Simmons |MIF| Monroe, Ga.| Prince Avenue Christian School
Making her way from the Peach state, Kylee Simmons is a two-sport athlete from Monroe, Georgia playing softball and basketball. Simmons career numbers at Prince Avenue Christian School include a .469 batting average, 233 hits, 47 doubles, 33 home runs, 193 RBIs, 165 runs, 50 stolen bases, and a .878 slugging percentage. Simmons' adds a loaded resume including: first team all-region, region champions, second team all-state, fourth in the state in 2022, first team all-region, region champions, first team all-state, state champions in 2023, pitcher of the year for region, region champions, first team all-state, third in the state, GACA All Star in 2024, and player of the year for region and third in the state in 2025. Outside of Prince Avenue Christian School, Simmons played with the AP Gold Stewart travel ball team. Kylee Simmons comes from an athletic background with her parents both playing college ball at Truett McConnell University and Tusculum University. Outside of her athletic career, Simmons is a member of the Beta Club, National Honors Society, and National Arts Honor Society. Simmons intends to major in exercise sports and science when she begins her new chapter at Upstate.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Simmons: "She is one of the top athletes in Georgia and true utility player. Triple Threat!"
Annie Ruth Eliason| P| Florence, S.C.| West Florence High School
Making her way from Florence, South Carolina, Annie Ruth Eliason comes to Upstate Softball looking to bring her successful background of winning to fit the mold of Upstate's successful history. Playing the Florence School District I, Eliason added career numbers of a .341 batting average, 95 hits, 86 RBIs, nine home runs, .538 slugging percentage, 1.5 ERA, 65 wins in the circle, and 1039 strikeouts. Her success on the field added many recognitions including MVP and All-Region selection in eighth grade, MVP, Region Player of the Year, All-Region, All-State, Region Champions in ninth grade, MVP, Region Player of the Year, All-Region, All-State, Region Champions, State Runner-Up in 10th grade, and MVP, Region Player of the Year, Region Pitcher of the Year, Region Champions along with All-Region in 11th grade. Eliason is also a member of the Carolina Crush-Corn Travel Ball Team where she adds a .286 batting average, 11 RBIs, 60.2 Innings pitched, 109 strikeouts, 3.1 ERA, and a .229 BAA. Outside of softball, Eliason is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Pearls, Fellowship Christian Athletes, Bible Club, and the acts of kindness club. The competitive edge of Annie Ruth Eliason is a great addition to Upstate Softball, who looks for players who want to win and get better each day. Eliason's intended major at Upstate will be Biology (Pre-Optometry).
Coach Hawkins' Quote on Eliason: "She is a powerful neutralizer in the circle. She can put a team on her back and carry them. Her composure is off the charts! Wow factor!"
Sayde Parris |C| Boiling Springs, S.C.| Boiling Springs High School
Making her way from Boiling Springs, South Carolina, Sayde Parris will have some home cooking in the local area joining the Spartan Army in fall 2026. Parris adds career stats from Boiling Springs High School with a .507 batting average, 43 home runs, and 62 walks. Parris' accolades include being a two-time all-state and four-time all-region player. Sayde Parris will add depth along with versatility which extends from her travel ball team where she was a member of the Carolina Crush-Corn adding a .600 batting average, 1.345 slugging percentage, 12 home runs, 34 RBIs and a .619 on-base percentage. Parris' biggest travel ball accomplishment is having a total of 120 home runs. Outside of Softball, Parris is a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. As Sayde Parris looks to begin her new chapter following Boiling Springs High School, she will join a successful program about winning and helping players reach new heights. Parris' intended major when she starts her time at Upstate will be Psychology.
Coach Hawkins' quote about Parris: "She is a very powerful hitter. One swing can change the outcome of a lot of games."
Meredith Stone |C| Pamplico, S.C.| Hannah Pamplico High School
Making her almost 200 miles from home, Meredith Stone will join Upstate Softball with the intention of majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. Stone has been a member of the Hannah Pamplico High School Softball Tean with career numbers of .362 batting average, .478 on-base percentage, 81 hits, 72 runs batted in, 74 runs scored and a .979 fielding percentage. As a member of the Raiders, Stone added many accolades such as 2023 Class A state champions, 2024 Class A Region 6 Champions, 2024 Region Offensive Player of the Year and 2024 All-State Selection. Stone was also a member of the TN Mojo Hyatt/Grice Travel Ball Team where her Fall 2025 stats was a .379 batting average, .438 on-base percentage, 11 RBIs, four runs, and a 1.000 fielding percentage. As Stone looks to be guided under the leadership of Coach Chris Hawkins, Bryan Pack, Tonya Medders, and John Winters, Stone will have an opportunity to grow as a student-athlete with a program who has living proof of developing successful players and leaders. Outside of softball, Stone is a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and Junior Leadership Florence County 4-HProgram.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Stone: "She is a strong player that can hit for power and average. She is a very hard worker!"
Gabby Reyes| UTL/P| Longwood, Fla.| West Mary High School
Making her way from the Sunshine state to the Palmetto, Gabby Reyes comes from Lake Mary High School (Fla.) where she had batting averages of .303 in her sophomore season and .369 during her junior season. Originally from Longwood, Florida, Reyes also was a member of the Storm National-Masso Travel Ball team adding a .442 batting average during the Summer 2024, .557 Batting average during fall 2024, .421 batting average during summer 2025, and a .429 batting average during the fall. Outside of Softball, Reyes is a member of the Beta Club and intends to major in business management when she begins her new chapter at Upstate. Reyes will have the opportunity to take her game to new heights as she takes on a new beginning with Upstate Softball while adding her willingness to outwork each day.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Reyes: "She is a great athlete that can play a lot of positions. She is a strong hitter that can put up some impressive numbers!"
Gabby Bryce| MIF| Colts Neck, N.J.| Colts Neck High School
Making her way from New Jersey to South Carolina, Gabby Bryce comes from Colts Neck High School where she was a dual-sport athlete, being a member of the softball and women's basketball teams. In her softball career, Bryce added a .442 batting average and 100 while being the captain of both softball and basketball. Gabby Bryce's hard work at Colts Neck High School showed her being named the Most Improved player, Player of the Year, and making it to two major championships. Outside of Colts Neck, Bryce was a member of the NJ Unity Travel Ball Team, posting a .442 batting average along with a 1.000 percentage. Bryce was named MVP and has been to the elite eight twice with her travel ball team. Outside of Softball, Bryce was a member of the Ready for Life club and plans to major in criminology when she begins her new chapter at Upstate. With her background of winning, Gabby Bryce will be a great addition for the Spartans looking to make an impact on and off the field.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Bryce: "She is another player who is such a skilled athlete! She can hit for power and is a lock down defender."
Carson Wolf |OF/C| Charleston, S.C.| West Ashley High School
Making her way from West Ashley High School in Charleston, South Carolina, Carson Wolf is eager to start her new chapter with the Spartan Army. There has already been much familiar territory for Wolf as her parents both graduated from USC Upstate in 1998 which means Wolf will continue the tradition. At West Ashley High School, Wolf added a career batting average of a .430 batting average, .446 on-base percentage, and a .970 fielding percentage. Wolf's resume includes a consistent accolade of being named the Defensive player of the year in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Wolf's versatility follows with being a member of the SC Elite Owens 18u travel ball team where she displayed a .324 batting average, .395 on-base percentage, and .984 fielding percentage. Carson Wolf intends to major in Health Science at Upstate and will look to bring her work ethic to Upstate Softball, where it is a proven recipe for players whose work ethic will shine.
Coach Hawkins' Quote about Wolf: "She is a versatile athlete that can contribute in several ways."
Addie Pierce | OF| Suwanee, Ga. | North Gwinnett High School
Making her way from the Peach state, Addie Pierce plans to begin her new chapter with the Spartan Army. Pierce comes from an athletic background with her father playing baseball at Eckerd College (Fla.). Addie Pierce is a dual sport athlete at North Gwinnett High School, a member of the softball team along with the swim and diving team. Playing in Region seven in the state of Georgia, Pierce added impressive outings during her time at North Gwinnett with a .455 batting average, 51 hits, 35 stolen bases, 112 at bats and only striking out three times during her senior season. In her junior season, she tallied a .370 batting average, 39 hits, 19 stolen bases and 72 putouts (in centerfield). In her sophomore season, she added a .379 batting average, 58 at bats and 22 hits. With much of her impact to North Gwinnett, Pierce adds a stacked resume full of accolades including, 2025 First Team All-Region, 2025 All-State Team, 2025 region champions, 2024 first team all-region, 2024 September player of the month, 2024 region runner up, 2023 first team all-region, 2023 September player of the month and 2023 region champions. Pierce also adds accolades in swimming and diving, being a swim and dive champion in 2023 and a runner up in 2024. Outside of North Gwinnett, Pierce has been a member of the Impact Gold Georgia Travel Ball team where she added a .350 batting average during summer 2025, led the team with 20 stolen bases and added 36 putouts in centerfield. During Summer 2024, Pierce added a .335 batting average, 41 hits, led the team with 25 stolen bases and added 57 putouts. Pierce intends to major in Biology when she begins her new chapter at Upstate and could make an immediate impact on Upstate Softball.
Coach Hawkins Quote on Pierce: "She is a very fast athlete that can run them down in the outfield! She will work very well in our aggressive base running style."
