MORAGA, Calif. — National Signing Day is in full-swing around the NCAA, with student-athletes signing their national letters of intent (NLI). Saint Mary's Softball has inked five new recruits on National Signing Day, adding even more exciting young talent to a roster that is chalked full of it.
 
"We are very impressed by the strength of this class," said head coach Sonja Garnett. "They are physically strong, gritty and competitive. They are all passionate about Saint Mary's and will make the program better. They are all great fits in terms of academic achievement, core values, and come from great families."
 
Let's dive into the five new additions to the softball roster who will be calling Saint Mary's home.
 
Alex Cutonilli
The first addition to the Gaels is Alex Cutonilli, a local product to Northern California who comes from Brentwood. She is set to graduate from Heritage High School in the spring of 2023.
 
She is a great hitting infielder, racking up impressive numbers at the plate during her junior season. In her most recent year at the plate, she hit .494 with a .544 on-base percentage, and launched 11 home runs. She also added 11 doubles, meaning 22 of her 40 hits went for extra-bases, leading to an incredible .925 slugging percentage. Last year, she was named First Team All-State, and was her league's Offensive Player of the Year.
 
A former competitive gymnast for eight years, Cutonili chose Saint Mary's because "I love the campus and the coaching staff is amazing. The program and area of the school feels like home. It's close for my family to come watch. It's a very private, small campus which I loved."
 
"Alex is a power hitting infielder who will bring consistency and strength to our lineup. She is solid on defense and is one of the best hitters in her class in northern California." – coach Garnett
 
Grace Carpenter
Up next is Grace Carpenter, who will roam the outfield for Saint Mary's. She is a California-native from Folsom, and will be graduating Folsom High School in the spring of 2023.
 
Carpenter is one of the fastest players on her high school team, and she is a force when she is on base. She hit .409 as a junior, and racked up 20 stolen bases and 23 runs scored. That incredible season helped lead to her to a host of accolades, including First Team All-League, as well as a selection to the All-Section and All-Metro teams.
 
I chose Saint Mary's because the campus is beautiful and the coaches were great when I met them at camps," explained Carpenter about her decision. "I love the environment there."
 
"Gracie is a speedy outfielder and lefty slapper who gets on base. She has several tools from the left side that will impact our offense and can play anywhere in the outfield." – coach Garnett
 
Mia Nishikawa
The first addition to the pitching staff is Mia Nishikawa, who has been spinning gems in the central valley for some time now. She's a Fresno native who will be graduating Central East High School this spring.
 
Nishikawa has had a dominant high school career, posting a career earned run average of 1.84 across three varsity seasons, including a 1.67 ERA last year. She junior season saw her go 10-4 with 105 innings in the circle, adding 121 strikeouts to just 15 walks and tossing three shutouts. She was named First Team All-League following the season and is also a standout in the classroom, where she was named a scholar-athlete.
 
Through softball, Nishikawa enjoys working with younger softball players to help inspire the next generation. About Saint Mary's, she said "Saint Mary's made me feel at home once I stepped foot on campus and I know I can get the best education there while playing ball."
 
"Mia is a championship pitcher from the Central Valley. She has a commanding presence in the circle and is dominant in location and spin. She will have an immediate impact on our pitching staff." – coach Garnett
 
Sam Buckley
The Gaels love players who can do a bit of everything, and that perfectly describes Sam Buckley. A native of Burbank, Buckley will be coming to the Gaels next year after she graduates from Burbank High School in 2023.
 
Buckley began as an infielder during her freshman season before moving to the outfield where she currently sees most of her time. She owns a lifetime .426 batting average across three high school seasons, with a .513 on-base percentage. Not only has she gotten on base, but she's been a power threat, swatting 12 home runs and 32 total extra-base hits during that time. She's been both a Second Team and First Team All-Pacific League player, and was the team's Offensive MVP last year.
 
The coaching staff, size, and location of Saint Mary's were all reasons why Buckley chose to attend Saint Mary's.
 
"Sam is a middle infielder/utility player who has been highly recruited. We are excited to make her a Gael and expect her to compete on the infield and be a significant part of our lineup." – coach Garnett
 
Braxton Brown
The final addition to the team is another well-rounded individual in Braxton Brown, who comes from just up the road in Benicia. Brown will be graduating from Benicia High School later in the 2023.
 
There aren't many things that Brown doesn't do, as she pitches and plays the corner infield positions. In 145.1 innings as a junior, Brown racked up impressive numbers in the circle with 20 wins, a 2.55 earned run average, and 143 strikeouts. When she isn't pitching, she's hitting home runs, as she knocked seven out of the park last year. She has earned several awards, including Vallejo Times Herald Athlete of the Year, Junior of the Year (CalHi Sports), and the MVP of the league.
 
A self-proclaimed comedian, Brown said that the coaching staff at Saint Mary's made her feel welcomed and wanted, and that was a major reason she chose to come to Moraga.
 
"Braxton is an absolute competitor on the field. She is a power hitting pitcher who can also play corners. She is a threat no matter where she is on the field, and is sure to add some humor to the team." – coach Garnett