Young Signs No. 9 Recruiting Class on National Signing Day

DURHAM – Head Coach Marissa Young signed five future Blue Devils on National Signing Day, with the class checking in as the ninth-ranked 2022 signing class in the nation, according to Extra Innings Softball.

"It's amazing to think we are already talking about what the 2022 class will bring when we haven't yet seen the full impact the 2021 class will have on our program," said Young. "Having two consecutive years of signing top-10 recruiting classes speaks to what we have built here and our ability to reach new heights. It starts in the circle, and we are the only program in the country with two pitchers ranked in the top-10. It's been a pleasure to watch these young women grow their games over the last few years. We are excited to watch them thrive in this environment and continue to raise the bar for Duke Softball."

This marks the second straight season with a top-10 class for Young and the Duke softball program, after adding the fourth-ranked class in 2021.
Joining the Blue Devils next season will be Cassidy Curd, Sophie Garner-MacKinnon, D'Auna Jennings, Kairi Rodriguez and Aminah Vega.

"This group is talented, dynamic, full of personality and has been battle-tested against the best teams in the country," said Young. "We can't express enough how excited we are that they chose Duke."

Aminah Vega
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: #2
Extra Innings Position Ranking: #1
Position: Middle Infield
Height: 5'7"
Hometown/High School: Debary, Fla./University High School
Career Highlights:

Hit .609 with a .750 on-base percentage, recording 39 hits in 104 plate appearances along with 13 home runs and 30 RBIs. Her slugging percentage was a 1.421 and her OPS a 2.172.
2021 Volusia County Player of the Year
Competed for the Puerto Rican National Team in Irvine, Calif.
2021 Florida Dairy Player of the Year runner-up

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Aminah comes in as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. She is the #1 infielder in the 2022 class, known for her quickness, smooth hands, impressive softball IQ and leadership skills. Her versatility on the defensive side of the ball will provide us depth at several positions. She is a coach among her peers, a student of the game, always looking to better herself and those around her. Aminah is one of the best leadoff hitters with her high on-base percentage and ability to hit for power to all fields."

Sophie Garner-MacKinnon
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: #7
Extra Innings Position Ranking: #3
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5'8"
Hometown/High School: West Hartford, Conn./Hall High School
Career Highlights:

Struck out 341 batters over her junior year, recording a 0.24 ERA
2021 Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year
Named a Premier Girls Fastpitch Futures All-American
All-State and All-Conference honoree

Coach Young's Thoughts: "I am very excited to welcome Sophie to the bullpen. As a power pitcher who racks up the strikeouts, Sophie will be a great addition to our pitching staff. She has experience both carrying a team in the circle and working as a staff. I love that Sophie thrives when challenged, is invested in taking ownership of her craft and continually looks for ways to learn and grow. Sophie is a selfless teammate who we know will make a big impact in the circle."

D'Auna Jennings
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: #16
Extra Innings Position Ranking: #5
Position: Outfield
Height: 5'6"
Hometown/High School: Houston, Texas/North Shore Senior High School
Career Highlights:

Two-time First Team All-District
Four-year letterwinner
Hit .503 with a .540 on-base percentage and had 66 hits, 62 runs scored and 48 stolen bases through 52 games this past season with Prolific Fastpitch in travel ball.
Winner of the "Alliance Fastest Woman Challenge" at the 2021 Alliance Fastpitch Championships Series

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Affectionately known as "D", D'Auna is a spark plug in every aspect. Offensively, she provides versatility as a triple threat with lightning speed who keeps the defensive on their toes. With her speed and athleticism, D makes really tough plays look routine and has a cannon for an arm. In addition to her speed, her ability to play the game at an elite pace will make for a smooth transition to competing at the collegiate level. D's competitive spirit, passion for the game, and fiery energy are infectious and we are excited for the impact she will have on our program."

Cassidy Curd
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: #25
Extra Innings Position Ranking: #9
Position: Pitcher
Height: 5'7"
Hometown/High School: Port St. Lucie, Fla./Treasure Coast High School
Career Highlights:

Three-time Player of the Year at Treasure Coast
Three-time All-County selection and was named Rookie of the Year as a freshman
Hit .426 and drew 16 walks for a .562 on-base percentage. Posted a 1.32 ERA with 120 strikeouts through 69 innings in the circle at Treasure Coast
Won the ESPN Land Rover Award as a sophomore

Coach Young's Thoughts: "I am thrilled to add another lefty to the depth of our pitching staff. Cassidy finds success against hitters with her ability to change levels and vary speeds. Her presence in the circle as a fierce competitor is what helps her find success at every level. As a two-way player at first base, she also does damage at the plate offensively. Cassidy helped lead her team to a second-place finish at PGF Nationals and looks to bring that championship experience to Duke."

Kairi Rodriguez
Extra Innings Overall Ranking: #37
Extra Innings Position Ranking: #14
Position: Catcher
Height: 5'4"
Hometown/High School: West Palm Beach, Fla./Palm Beach Gardens High School
Career Highlights:

First Team All-State as a junior
Second Team All-State as a freshman
2020 Extra Innings Softball All-Summer 16U Team
Hit nine home runs, 10 doubles and seven triples last season for Lady Dukes – Lamar

Coach Young's Thoughts: "Kairi shuts down the run game behind the dish with her cannon of an arm. On the offensive side, Kairi fits into our offensive system as another player who can drive the ball into the gaps, while possessing the ability to send the ball out of the park at any time. She has been battle-tested against elite competition and has experienced great individual and team success on the travel ball circuit, which has prepared her to compete in the ACC on day one. Kairi embodies valuable intangibles, such as resiliency, work ethic and the desire to compete on and off the field."

The 2022 class will come to campus next fall and play in their first season with the Blue Devils in 2023.

To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL".

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Young Signs No. 9 Recruiting Class on National Signing Day

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