Trio continues overhaul of Sun Devil roster entering Bartlett’s second season
(Tempe, AZ) Sun Devil Softball added three to its roster this week with the addition of Madison Pomykalski, Samantha Swan and Makenzie MacFarlane, head coach Megan Bartlettannounced on Friday.
With this trio, ASU is up to 10 newcomers committed to joining the team for the upcoming season. That group features six transfers – including a redshirt freshman – and four true freshmen. The Sun Devils will return 11 from the 2023 season, including Pac-12 home run leader Jordyn VanHook and pitcher Marissa Schuld for their final seasons.
Maddie Pomykalski
Frankfort, Ill. /// Lincoln Way East /// Univ. of Texas
Pomykalski will join the Sun Devils as a transfer from Texas, where she sat out the 2023 season as a redshirt. An infielder from Frankfort, Ill., where she attended Lincoln Way East High School. She was listed at No. 75 (tie) in the nation and No. 14 (tie) among infielders as part of Extra Inning Softball’s Class of 2022 Player Rankings.
Over her senior seasons of high school and travel ball with the West Bay Warriors, Pomykalski hit .440 overall with 13 home runs, 22 doubles, seven triples and 52 RBIs over 59 games. During a two-game stretch at the Colorado Triple Crown Power Pool, she hit four home runs – including a three-run walk-off – to go with a double, a triple and eight RBIs.
“Maddie is a special person and player,” Bartlett said. “While versatile, powerful and talented, she has a charisma and energy that draws people in. Her leadership qualities make the people around her want to be better, and her work ethic is also beyond impressive. She is going to be an important part of our clubhouse for years to come.”
Samantha Swan
Georgetown, Texas /// Georgetown High School
ASU picks up Swan from Georgetown, Texas, where the catcher/utility helped Georgetown High School to Texas 5A Regional Finals as a senior after the Eagles made the 25-5A Texas State Semifinals in 2021 and finished as the 25-5A Texas State Runner-Up in 2022. In her junior season, Swan batted .343 with 39 hits, three home runs, and 30 RBIs. A member of the Texas Bombers 18U Gold, Swan ranked 49th in the country by Extra Inning Softball.
Swan’s performance on the field has earned her a spot on the Texas All-State Second Team, and she is a two-time Academic All-District Team recipient. Also participating in competitive powerlifting, Swan is a two-time WHSPA Regional Qualifier.
“Sam is a natural fit for our program,” Bartlett shared about Swan. “She is a feisty competitor but incredibly kind to her teammates. She is versatile and powerful, can play anywhere on the field and is a clutch hitter. We’re so happy to welcome Sam to Tempe!”
Makenzie Macfarlane
Rocklin, Calif. /// Whitney High School /// Utah State Univ.
Macfarlane will finish her collegiate career in The Valley after the catcher/infielder spent the past four seasons at Utah State. The Rocklin, Calif., native appeared in 152 games (144 starts) for the Aggies, and she recorded 99 hits with 23 extra-base hits and 45 RBIs. This past season, Macfarlane led Utah State and tied for third in the nation after catching 20 runners stealing.
This spring, Macfarlane was named CSC Academic All-District, and she is a three-time Mountain West Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Mountain West selection.
Bartlett added about Macfarlane, “Makenzie has a calming, veteran presence behind the dish. We’re excited to add her to the battery. She is also a strong, physical athlete that hits for power. We are thrilled Makenzie chose to be a Sun Devil.”
Sun Devil Softball 2023-24 Newcomers (July 7, 2023)
Alesia Denby, INF (GR, Transfer from Fresno State)
Kelsey Hall, OF (GR, Transfer from Boise State)
Meika Lauppe, RHP (FR)
Jada Lewis, OF (FR)
Audrey LeClair, UT (GR, Transfer from Michigan)
Makenzie Macfarlane, C/INF (GR, Transfer from Utah State)
Maddie Pomykalski, INF (R-FR, Transfer from Texas)
Samantha Swan, C/UT (FR)
Libby Walsh, INF (FR)
Tanya Windle, OF (SO, Transfer from Utah Tech)
Sun Devil Softball 2023-24 Returning Fifth-Year Announcements (July 7, 2023)
Marissa Schuld, P/UT (Announcement)
Jordyn VanHook, INF (Announcement)
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Josh Fisher
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