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Created: 14 November 2024

By RICK PETERSON

TopSports.news

Washburn University softball head coach Brenda Holaday has announced the signing of 10 future Ichabods who will join the squad for the 2025-26 academic year.

The class includes eight high school signees and two junior college transfers, including three Shawnee County products.

Former Seaman star Aspen Burgardt will join the Ichabods after finishing up her two seasons at Johnson County Community College whil Taylor Brees is a senior at Shawnee Heights and Kendra Cook is in her final season at Silver Lake.

Signing capsules:

Aspen Burgardt, Johnson County (Seaman)
 
ASPEN BURGARDT, Johnson County Community College

The former Seaman standout, a third baseman/utility player, was named the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National Player of the Year as a freshman and was named a first-team All-American by the NJCAA and National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Burgardt earned Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference first-team recognition and was selected as the KJCCC D-II MVP and Freshman of the Year. She led the conference with a .503 batting average, collecting 86 hits in 171 at bats. Her 86 hits also led the conference along with 33 doubles, 58 extra base hits and 84 RBI. Burgardt belted 26 home runs, which ranked second in the conference and her 33 doubles and 58 extra base hits also led the NJCAA while her 84 RBI ranked fifth. At Seaman she was a three-year starter and was named a an All-Class 5A All-State infielder twice, earning honorable mention as a junior and first-team as a senior. She was a two-time All-Centennial League selection, earning second-team as a junior and first-team her senior year and was named All-Shawnee County as a senior. She batted .473 with 35 hits, 15 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 22 runs and 38 RBI as a senior. Burgardt is the daughter of Tim and Shanna Burgardt and has a brother, Josh.  

"Aspen is the reigning NJCAA Division II Player of the Year and we are excited that she has chosen Washburn and will be coming home to finish her softball career,'' Holaday said. "We expect her to step into the middle of our lineup and provide our offense with production and power. She is a tremendous athlete and will bring that skill set to the field as well, playing both infield corner positions. Aspen goes about her business in a quiet manner, but her impact in our program will be huge.''

"I chose Washburn because of the welcoming atmosphere and the girls on the team,'' Burgardt said. "I love the competitive edge that Washburn brings to the game.''
 
JALIN LAVERS, Johnson County Community College  

A right-handed pitcher, Lavers is a former Mulvane star and is in her second season at Johnson County. As a freshman she appeared in 14 games, 13 as a starter, and finishing with a record of 10-1 with eight complete games, one shutout and an earned run average of 4.15. She struck out 60 batters over 571/3 innings, allowing 59 hits and 34 earned runs which ranked sixth, tied for seventh and 17^th respectively on JCCC's career charts. Lavers was a three-year starter at Mulvane and was named Class 4A All-State honorable mention bh the Kansas Softball Coaches Association her senior year. She was selected All-State second-team by Sports in Kansas and was a three-time All-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League D-IV selection. Lavers batted .415 with 22 hits, 10 RBI and was 11-3 with 144 strikeouts and a 2.47 ERA in 99.1 innings as a senior while helping the Wildcats to a regional title and a state tournament berth. She is daughter of Chris Mize and Michelle Mize and has two siblings, Emma and Kreedence.

"Jalin will give us some experience and depth on the mound,'' Holaday said. "She continues to grow her game at JCCC and will be counted on this season as they try to get back to the national tournament. She is a hard worker, understands pitching and is focused on getting the most out of her opportunities. I think she will be a great fit in our program.''

"I chose Washburn because I loved the family-like feel and sisterhood of the program,'' Lavers said. "I could also tell that the coaches and school would create a great atmosphere for me to excel as an athlete and student.''

Taylor Brees, Shawnee Heights
 
TAYLOR BREES, Shawnee Heights High

As a junior at Shawnee Heights, Brees batted .507 with five doubles, one triple, and 21 RBI while also stealing 17 bases. Brees was named All-UKC first-team, All-State second-team and All-Shawnee County first team by Top Sports News as a junior as the T-Birds finished 17-8, reaching the regional championship. As a sophomore, hit .463 with nine doubles and 20 RBI while being named to All-State second team, All-UKC second team and All-Shawnee County second-team. Brees also plays basketball and volleyball, earning All-UKC first-team in volleyball as a senior. She serves as class president at Shawnee Heights and is a member of Spirit Club, Student Council, FCA, and National Honor Society. Thee daughter of Lindsey and Rory Brees, Taylor has two sisters, Lauryn and Aubrey. Shee plans to major in biology.

"Taylor is a three-sport athlete and we are excited about the versatility and athleticism she will bring to our program,'' Holaday said. "Her competitive spirit, skill set and team-first approach is infectious and she will help us in many ways.''

"I feel like Washburn is a place where I can make an impact,'' Brees said. "The coaches are very welcoming and the facilities are incredible. The culture and community is like no other.''

Kendra Cook, Shawnee Heights

KENDRA COOK, Silver Lake

A star pitcher for the Eagles, Cook earned first-team All-Mid-East League, All-Shawnee and All-State honors as a junior, helping Silver Lake post a second-place finish in the Class 3A state tournament. Cook went 15-2 in the circle with a 1.24 ERA and 92 strikeouts while also finishing with a .450 batting average. As a sophomore she was a first-team all-league and all-county selection after going 19-3 in the circle and was an honorable mention All-State pick after striking out 73 with a 0.63 earned run average. Cook is the daughter of Jarod and Alysia Cook and has a brother, Alek. Cook plans to major in elementary education.
 
"Kendra is an All-State pitcher for a reason and we are excited to have another Silver Lake product in our program,'' Holaday said. "She is an integral part of the success at Silver Lake and we expect her to make an impact here quickly. Kendra has a great skill set and she works hard on her game, but what sets her apart is the competitive attitude she takes to the mound.''

"Washburn has a great atmosphere, immediately when you step on campus it feels special, and you know its where you belong,'' Cook said. "They also have a great coaching staff.''

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