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 17th 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.''
DANIELLE DURAN, Holy Family (Arvada, Colo.)
Duran earned Granite Peaks League All-Conference second team as an infielder/utility player. Duran helped her team make the Class 4A Colorado state semifinals with a 21-7 record. She was named NCAC All-Conference honorable mention as a junior as her team reached the 4A Colorado state semifinals with a 26-2 record and claimed the NCAC league championship. Duran earned NCAC All-Conference first team and 4A All-State honorable mention as a sophomore as her team went 24-5 while claiming the NCAC league championship and was the 4A State runnerup. She is thee daughter of Robin Jamsay and Chris Duran and plans to major in journalism.
"Dani is small in stature, but is a spark plug on the field and in the lineup,'' Holaday said. "You can see the passion she has for the game and she brings an energy and excitement that every infield needs. She also has good pop at the plate and speed on the bases.''
"I chose Washburn because I want to compete for a championship,'' Duran said. "When I stepped on campus I felt at home. The facilities, coaching staff, culture and competition was very appealing and I knew I wanted to spend the next four years here.''
KAYLEE HAMPTON, Clearwater
An infielder, Hampton set multiple Clearwater records as a junior, including hits (60), doubles (17) and RBIs (54) in a single season. Hampton hit .594 with six home runs and a .960 slugging percentage. Hampton was named first-team all-league and the league player of the year as her team won league and Class 4A regional championships and finished with a 20-8 record. She was a first-team all-league pick and Sports in Kansas 4A All-State honorable mention at shortstop after batting .410 with four home runs as a sophomore. Hampton it .462 with five home runs on her way to all-league second-team and Sports in Kansas 4A All-State honorable mention as a freshman as her team went 22-3 and placed fourth at state. She is also a member of volleyball, basketball and track teams, recording 1,000 career assists as a setter in volleyball and qualifying for state track in javelin. Hampton is the daughter of Amy and Tyler Hampton and has two sisters, Makena and Karsyn. She plans to major in health science.
"Kaylee is another multi-sport athlete who is a leader on her volleyball, basketball and softball teams at Clearwater,'' Holaday said. "Her athleticism and versatility will make her a valuable player in our program. Her strong work ethic and her ability to be a great teammate are attributes that will allow her to be successful here.''
"At Washburn, the coaches and players immediately made me feel at home,'' Hampton said. "The program's expectations are high and I can't wait to compete at a high level every day.''
JERZEY HANNA, Kansas City-Turner
Hanna earned first-team All-United Kansass Conference recognition as a shortstop as a junior and was named second-team All-UKC as a sophomore, breaking her own school record for doubles. She was a second-team all-conference pick as a freshman. Hanna was ranked No. 68 overall and No. 25 at third base by Extra Innings. Hanna also plays basketball, earning honorable mention honors as a point guard her junior year. Hanna is the daughter of Veronica and Justin Hanna and has two sisters, Justyse Rodriguez and Jayden Hanna. Her sister Justyse played softball at Ottawa University and Jayden played softball at St. Mary. Hanna is planning to major in kinesiology.
"Jerzey is a young lady who has kind of flown under the radar, but has the ability to make a big impact in this program,'' Holaday said. "She has great hands at a corner infield position and the ability to hit for power in our lineup.''
"I chose Washburn because it felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus and a place I could be happy and successful,'' Hanna said.
TAYBOR MOSS, Piedmont (Piedmont, Okla.)
As a senior catcher and first baseman at Piedmont Moss batted .529 with eight home runs, 12 doubles and 34 RBI. Her list of honors includes Class 5A-2 District Player of the Year, COAC All-Conference Offensive Player of the Year, NFCA All-Region first-team, Class 5A/6A All-Region and Class 5A/6A All-State. Moss' team was 5A runnerup with a 32-6 record, earning district and regional championships. She hit .476 as a junior with seven home runs, 13 doubles, one triple, and 37 RBI along with a perfect fielding percentage. She helped Piedmont claim the 2023 5A state championship with a 39-3 record. Was named 5A-2 District Offensive Player of the Year, COAC All-Conference Catcher, NFCA All-Region second team, and was a top five finalist for Prep Nation Softball Player of the Year. Moss was also was a member of basketball and track and field teams. She is the daughter of Anthony and Lisa Moss and has one brother, Turner. Her mom played softball and basketball at Bacone College and both parents are longtime high school softball coaches. Moss plans to major in Kinesiology.
"It seems like we have been recruiting Taybor for a long time and during that time she has gotten better and better,'' Holaday said. "She has been a part of three state championships at 5A powerhouse Piedmont and has grown into a feared hitter, a leader and a strong defender. Her championship pedigree, her relentless work ethic and her desire to be great will be impactful at Washburn.''
"I fell in love with the culture at Washburn,'' Moss said. "I love the campus and the facilities and it feels like home. I love the coaching staff and how they invest in their players.''
JESSE NICHOLS, Conifer (Evergreen, Colo.)
Helped Conifer to a state tournament appearance as a pitcher/utility player while earning first-team all-conference and All-State honorable mention. Named on top pitchers list by Colorado Prep Report. A second-team all-conference pick as a junior. EEarned first-team all-conference and All-State honorable mention as a sophomore while helping team to a state tournament appearance. Nichols also played basketball. She is thee daughter of Kathryn and Matt Nichols and has a sister, Josey, and a brother, Wyatt. Josey played at West Texas A&M and won the national championship in 2021. Nichols is planning to major in criminal justice
"Jesse has the ability to be an impact pitcher and player in our program,'' Holaday said. "On both her high school and club teams, she has been relied on to handle the pressure of the circle and hit in the middle of the lineup. That is a rare combination, and she will have the chance to do that here as well.''
"Washburn has great facilities and I love the support the school offers academically,'' Nichols said. "I love the environment of Washburn and felt at home. I am excited to have the opportunity to pitch and hit in this program.
ANNISTON TREVARROW, Gretna (Gretna, Neb.)
As a senior, Trevarrow earned Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska, All-Omaha Area and Class A first team, All-Sarpy County first team, Lincoln Journal Star first team and EMC Academic All-Conference. Trevarrow helped Gretna go 38-0 with a Class A state championship senior year. Named Omaha World Herald Class A second-team and All-Metro Conference first-team pick as her team went 32-4 with a third-place state finish as a junior. As a sophomore she was named to the All-Nebraska second team, All-Sarpy County first-team, Omaha World Herald Class A second-team and All-Metro Conference first team as Dragons went 37-2 and finished as the Class A state runnerup. Also ran track, placing 12th in 100 meter hurdles as a sophomore. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Brandon Trevarrow and has one brother, Camden. Trevarrow plans to major in art and design.
"Anniston is a talented outfielder who can cover a ton of ground,'' Holaday said. "She is also a threat at the plate with her speed and skill set. She comes from a great pedigree in the Gretna program, where they just won the Class A State Championship as well as her Nebraska Gold National team. Anniston is a focused and driven athlete and will no doubt make a great impact at Washburn.''
"The minute I walked on campus at Washburn it felt like home,'' Trevarrow said. "The campus is beautiful and the facilities are amazing. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait to be an Ichabod.''
