SAN DIEGO—The Toreros inked eight players to the Softball team during NLI Signing Day on November 10, 2021. Head Coach
MJ Knighten announced that San Diego has signed the following players: Elizabeth Joyner, Shawnese Houge-Lacey, Taylor Johnson, Carly Ruiz, Natalie McCliman, Emma Giaime, Kelsey Tadlock, and Lauren Asia.
Elizabeth Joyner (EJ) is a decorated player named District Newcomer of the Year and Westwood Newcomer of the Year in 2019, 1st team all-district in 2019, Best of CenTex Preps in 2019, All State Honorable Mention 2019, Team Batting Champion 2019, Academic All District in 2019 and 2021. The Austin, TX native has rotated between first and second base on her Westwood High School team and club teams Texas Blaze United and the Texas Bombers National Burgess. On her club teams, Joyner was crowned first place Impact Gold Invite, second place Texas Championship Triple Crown, third place Triple Crown Southwest Summer Nationals, and third place at the TFL Championships. When Joyner is not on the softball field, you will find her in the classroom studying business and real estate.
Coach Knighten on EJ…
"EJ is going to be exciting to watch during her time here. She has tremendous power in the box and understands what is needed to elevate herself as an athlete. She is a student of the game, and her mentality and drive will help her playing career."
Shawnese Houge-Lacey is a talented player who served as team captain at Vanden High School from 2019-2022. Houge-Lacey played a key role in her high school team winning the MEL League Championship in 2019 and 2021, and placing third in the CIF Division 3. Her accomplishments include Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and First Team All League in 2019 and 2021. The Vallejo, CA native balanced high school ball and her club teams the Ps33 in 2019, Lady Magic 16u in 2020, and Grappettes 18u Gold-Miranda in 2021. As a catcher, Houge-Lacey understands the mentality and work ethic needed to be successful on the field. When Houge-Lacey is not behind the plate, she is outworking her peers in the classroom studying business and real estate.
Coach Knighten on Shawnese…
"When we received permission to recruit again in-person, Shawnese was the first athlete I saw. My excitement for her and what she will accomplish in this program kept rising. Her energy and playing style on the field makes her presence known. People gravitate towards her because she is authentically herself. Shawnese is a true impact player and will make her name known in San Diego."
School Athletic Award in 2018-2021, Los Alamitos Varsity Coaches Award in 2019, and named to the Sunset All-League 2nd Team in 2021. Aside from her team and individual accomplishments at Los Alamitos High School, Johnson played for three club teams where she won the Triple Crown nationals Championship in 2021.
Coach Knighten on Taylor…
"Taylor Johnson is a true athlete. She can play multiple positions on the field and has a big bat. She is the type of player who will do whatever is asked of her to make the team and herself better. On top of that, she is even-keeled with a fiery competitive side."
Cary Ruiz is an outfielder ready to take charge at San Diego. The Pasadena, CA native was a multi-sport athlete at St. Lucy's Priory High School where she balanced playing softball and competing in track and field. She was team captain for Track and Field in 2019 and 2020. In addition to her high school experience, Ruiz played on the Firecrackers Brashear club team in 2018 and the Firecrackers Rico starting in 2020. While playing club softball, she led her team to a Best of the West Championship in 2018, the top 7 spot in the Alliance National Championship in 2020, and TCS National Championship Champions in 2020. In addition to her athleticism, Ruiz is very interested in studying psychology.
Coach Knighten on Carly…
"Carly Ruiz's playing style is one word...swag. Her confidence in her playing ability is off the charts. Carly comes from a top travel ball program in California and knows how to compete and win at the highest level. With her speed and strong arm, she is going to add great value to our already strong outfield."
Natalie McCliman is a catcher from Eastvale, CA, ready to make an impact in San Diego. McCliman's catching abilities have gotten her noticed early on into her career, being named the Freshman Defensive MVP. McCliman attended an online public charter high school that did not have high school sports which led her to seek out an opportunity at EM Speed and Power to develop her softball skills. After training to play softball at a high level at EM Speed and Power, McCliman competed on the Corona Angels club team from 2018 to 2022. Her defense behind the plate was integral in the Angels winning the Colorado IDT Champions in 2021. When McCliman is not in the field, you can find her studying neuroscience.
Coach Knighten on Natalie…
"Natalie McCliman became a part of my vision for this program from the moment I met her. She is a player every coach wants on their team because she is going to give every bit of her gas tank. She is going to push those around her to work and improve every day. She comes from a program that instills the skills of being mentally strong. Overall, she is a great addition to this family."
Emma Giaime has chosen to stay in her hometown of San Diego to play softball at USD. The San Diego native is following in her father's footsteps who played football at USD. Giaime played in the Division One Palomar North County League where she was a standout player. Giaime was named MVP freshman year, named to the first team all conference team two years in a row, Best Offensive Player of the Year, and was team captain for three years. She was also ranked in the top ten in both pitching and offensive categories in the North County Conference and nationally ranked by Extra Innings in the top 200 under the 2022 class. Aside from high school ball, Giaime played for the Firecrackers Brashear, Athletics Mercado SD team, and Junior Olympic Team in 2017. When Giaime is not striking out her opponents at the plate, she is studying business and enjoying the beautiful campus.
Coach Knighten on Emma…
"We are excited to add a San Diego native to the staff. She is a diverse player who can make an impact in the circle and offensively. With her stature and strength, she is going to do impactful things in the Torero Blue."
Coach Knighten on Lauren…
"Lauren Asia is fun to watch. She knows how to go toe to toe against the top pitchers and isn't afraid to compete. When recruiting Lauren, she was the player that always came up big in clutch situations and did what was needed of her to help her team win. On top of that, she has a cannon for an arm and I can't wait to see it in action.
