University of Connecticut Athletics
Softball Signs Five to Class of 2026
11/10/2021 3:51:00 PM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. – UConn softball head coach Laura Valentino announced the addition of five student-athletes to the Class of 2026 on Wednesday afternoon.
The class consists of Haley Coupal (INF), Kaitlyn Kibling (OF), Savannah Ring (INF) and twin sisters, Grace (Catcher) and Hope Jenkins (Pitcher).
"This signing class will raise the bar in our culture with both competitiveness and game sense," said Valentino. "I expect their character to shine in our program and we are looking forward to welcoming their families into our UConn Softball Family."
Haley Coupal arrives in Storrs after lettering four seasons for head coach William Milot at Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro, Mass. The infielder was a Central Catholic League MVP along with earning Boston Herald and Boston Globe All-Scholastic honors. The team captain was a Boston Herald and Sun Chronicle all-star and set a record for most RBIs in an inning (7). She also lettered three seasons on the basketball court and was the team's leading scorer her sophomore year.
"Haley is gritty in all aspects of her game," said Valentino. "We are eager to have Haley bring her worth ethic to our program and consistent attitude as a student of the game."
Kaitlyn Kibling joins the Huskies after playing for head coach Tom Royal at Bishop Ludden in Syracuse, N.Y. The two-sport star (Softball, Basketball) was the 2021 Class D Player of the Year and First Team All-League while serving as team captain for the sectional champions. She was also a team captain and Second Team All-League performer on the hardwood while winning a pair of sectional championships.
"Kaitlyn is a dynamic outfielder that will bring a balance of speed and power to the top of our lineup," said Valentino. "Her determination will drive her success as a college athlete and we are looking forward to coaching her passion."
Savannah Ring becomes a Husky after playing four seasons for head coach Darren White at Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, N.J. The infielder was the 2021 North Jersey Player of the Year along with being 2021 New Jersey Hitter of the Year. She helped lead the team to the 2021 Bergen County Championship while earning First Team All-State honors. During her career, she collected 100 hits including 15 home runs and recording 66 RBIs. She also registered 34 stolen bases in her career. Ring also was a First Team All-League basketball player.
"What we love about Savannah is her composure under pressure," said Valentino. "She will also bring versatility, speed and power to our program and we are confident that her selflessness will impact her teammates on and off the field."
Grace Jenkins brings a career .400 AVG and .511 on base percentage from her time at Saint Francis Catholic High School in Sacramento, Calif. She earned Sacramento Bee All-Metro team status along with Delta League First Team accolades and was a MaxPreps Sac-Joaquin All-Section performer in 2021. She is the No. 22 catcher in the Class of 2022 rankings and rated the No. 57 in the Elite 100 players by Extra Innings.
"Grace will bring an enthusiastic presence to our battery behind the plate," said Valentino. "Her disciplined mindset and advanced softball IQ will propel her in her career as a Husky."
Her sister, Hope, is coming off a season in the circle where she struck out 171 batters in 118 innings while recording a 1.90 ERA. She was recognized as the Sacramento Bee Large School Player of the Year and named to the California All-State team in 2021 along with being named Player of the Year by San Joaquin All-Section and MaxPreps. She has been ranked the No. 29 pitcher in the Top 100 pitcher rankings for the Class of 2022. She also is a formidable hitter who hit .466 with 37 hits and 39 RBIs during the 2021 season.
"Hope will be an exciting two dimensional player to watch both on the mound and at the plate," said Valentino. "Her work ethic and competitive presence will drive her to achieve amazing things in a UConn uniform."
The Huskies will look to carry momentum into 2022 after finishing third In the BIG EAST standings and reaching the 2021 BIG EAST Championship game. Also, stay tuned for the release of the 2022 schedule and season ticket information. You can follow UConn Softball on UConnhuskies.com or on social media @uconnsoftball.
