Softball Announces Five Signees on 2024 National Signing Day

P | WINTER GARDEN, FLA. | HORIZON

One of the highest-rated pitching prospects in the 2025 signing class, Mackenzie Duncan arrives in Happy Valley boasting the No. 58 overall ranking and No. 25 primary pitcher ranking according to Extra Inning Softball. A native of Winter Garden, Florida, Duncan plays high school softball at Horizon High School, where she was named her team’s MVP in 2021 and 2022, picked up Florida 5A Player of the Year accolades in 2021, and was named an Orlando Sentinel Top Athlete in 2023. She is also a dual-sport athlete at her high school, serving as a part of the varsity weightlifting program at Horizon. Duncan handles her travel ball commitments through the Tampa Mustangs 18U program under the leadership of coach Rene Ciccarello, landing T-25 All-Tournament Team laurels during her stint with the organization. She additionally boasts development program experience through Atlanta Vipers Tamborra and Athletics Gold Tamborra.

FOLLOW MACKENZIE ON SOCIAL

Instagram | @mackied_823

TikTok | @mackied23

X | @mackenzieD2025

WHY MACKENZIE CHOSE PENN STATE

“I chose Penn State because I loved it there the second I stepped onto the beautiful campus. The coaches gave me and my family such a warm welcome, and I immediately felt like I was part of a bigger family. I truly see Penn State as a home away from home. I was immediately welcomed and felt valued for what I am going to bring to the team. I knew Penn State was the right fit and was exactly where I wanted to spend my collegiate career.”

COACH CROWELL ON DUNCAN

“Mackenzie is a power pitcher, and she will be a force in the circle. She will help us add depth to our pitching staff, and she will certainly be a strong asset for our program. As a product of the nationally recognized Tampa Mustangs, she has honed her talent against some of the best competition across the nation, and we’re thrilled to have her join our program. Mackenzie’s impact will be felt not only through her arm but also through her energy and drive.”

INF | LEHMAN, PA. | LAKE LEHMAN

Kirsten Finarelli heads to Happy Valley as a nationally ranked catcher prospect, picking up the No. 41 ranking in the 2025 signing class paired with the No. 21 ranking among catchers. Hailing from Lehman, Pennsylvania, Finarelli is a multi-sport athlete at Lake Lehman High School, anchoring her softball team while boasting experience with both volleyball and field hockey over the course of her high school athletic career. She owns PIAA All-State accolades in each of the past two seasons, as well as Pennsylvania 3A Player of the Year accolades from the 2024 campaign. She has been named a Wyoming Valley Conference All-Conference selection in every year of her high school career to date. Finarelli handles her travel ball commitments through the Newtown ROCK Gold program under the direction of head coach Joe Garvey and assistant coach Dan Santelli. She has played at the 18U level for the past four years, picking up the No. 19 ranking from Line Drive Fastpitch as well as High School All-America accolades from Extra Inning Softball.

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Instagram | @kirsten_finarelli

X | @KFinarelli

WHY KIRSTEN CHOSE PENN STATE

“I chose Penn State because from the moment I stepped foot on campus with the players and coaches, it felt like I was right at home. It felt like family. The coaches and players care so much about each other, and I immediately felt how protective and caring they are. The excitement and bond, not only of our team, but our entire campus community, was impressive. Coach C, Coach Mysha, Coach Lex and Coach B always talk about how culture makes teams great, and I can’t wait to be a part of it at Penn State.”

COACH CROWELL ON FINARELLI

“We are thrilled to bring Kirsten Finarelli, one of Pennsylvania’s premier hitters, into our program. Her strength and ability to generate consistent offensive production make her a true threat at the plate. Her presence in our lineup will certainly elevate our team’s offensive power. She is a true embodiment of hard work and dedication, and she will represent the state of Pennsylvania with great pride.”

P/INF | CHAMPION, OHIO | CHAMPION

One of the most versatile two-way athletes in the 2025 signing class, Gabby Gradishar makes her way to University Park ranked as the No. 54 prospect in the nation in addition to the 18th-ranked pitcher/utility in the class. She is a multi-sport athlete at Champion High School in her hometown of Champion, Ohio, splitting time between softball and basketball. Gradishar has amassed a wide array of Ohio softball accolades, highlighted by First Team All-State, First Team All-District and MVAC Player of the Year honors in both 2023 and 2024. She also boasts MaxPreps Second Team All-America laurels in 2024, with additional recognition as a MaxPreps National Player of the Week, an SBLive All-Ohio First Team designee, a YSN Offensive Player of the Year and two-time District Champion during her lauded high school career. Gradishar has also tied the state of Ohio’s home run record for a single season with 23. At the travel ball level, Gradishar handles her commitments with Thunder Elite Premier under the leadership of coach Jeff Steiner, as well as a prior stint with Ohio Outlaws for five years under the direction of Adam Acord.

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Instagram | @gabby.gradishar

X | @ggradishar2025

WHY GABBY CHOSE PENN STATE

“I chose Penn State because of the commitment to excellence in all aspects of campus live. The strong support from the coaches and passionate fanbase creates an inspiring environment for growth. Additionally, the blue-collar work ethic of Nittany Lion softball embodies the values that I believe are most important to me and to Penn State. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt a sense of belonging within the team. I believe that this community will help me reach my full potential as an athlete and as an individual.”

COACH CROWELL ON GRADISHAR

“Gabby brings exceptional versatility to our roster as both a skilled pitcher, solid defender, and a strong hitter. She is the kind of player who can make an immediate impact, and her presence on both sides of the ball gives us an edge. Her high school career speaks volumes about her talent, and she is coming to us as one of the top pitchers and hitters in Ohio. We are very excited for Gabby to join our team this fall.”

OF | OAK LAWN, ILL. | MARIST

A highlight-reel outfielder from the state of Illinois, Breanna Hanik is prepared to begin her collegiate softball career at Penn State rated as the nation’s No. 65 overall player in addition to earning the No. 22 ranking among 2025 outfield prospects. Hailing from Oak Lawn, Illinois, Hanik plays high school softball at Marist High School, leading her squad to the state championship game in each of her three varsity seasons to date. Hanik was named an All-Conference choice in both 2023 and 2024 and had a breakout junior season last spring that included All-State, All-Area and Golden Glove accolades in addition to setting a single-season doubles record with 19. Hanik is a dual-sport athlete at Marist, also contributing on the school’s basketball team during her high school athletic career. Hanik plays travel ball as a part of the powerful Beverly Bandits organization and has been named to the All-American watch list in back-to-back years with All-America regional finalist distinction coming following the 2024 campaign.

FOLLOW BREANNA ON SOCIAL

Instagram | @bree.hanik

TikTok | @breehanik

X | @breanna_hanik17

WHY BREANNA CHOSE PENN STATE

“I chose to continue my softball career at Penn State because I went to a camp in 2023 and instantly fell in love. Not only did I fall in love with the place, but also the amazing individuals on the team and on the coaching staff. They are truly the best people, and they make me feel like family. Being at Penn State feels like being at home, and that’s all I wanted when trying to find the right school. The fans and atmosphere at the games is an amazing thing to experience. I am so happy that I get to call Penn State my home for the next four years.”

COACH CROWELL ON HANIK

“Bree brings exceptional leadership qualities and a strong presence to our outfield. Coming from one of the premier travel ball organizations in the country, she possesses a strong foundation and competitive edge that we will greatly value. Bree’s offensive and defensive ability for our lineup will be key assets next season. She is a dedicated and motivated player, and her contributions will be felt across the field.”

INF | ALPHARETTA, GA. | MILTON

The highest-ranked individual prospect in Penn State’s 2025 signing class, and one of the premier infield talents in the nation, Allison Oneacre heads to Happy Valley boasting the No. 19 national ranking according to Extra Inning Softball in addition to status as the fifth-ranked infielder in the class. Oneacre, a native of Alpharetta, Georgia, plays for Milton High School and has amassed one of the most decorated resumes in the country. Oneacre was a four-time First Team All-Region choice from 2021 to 2024, adding All-State laurels in 2023 and 2024. She was named her high school’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022, followed by a pair of team MVP awards in the following two seasons. She was named to a pair of Georgia High School All-Star Games, landing a Junior All-Star placement last year followed by an opportunity to participate in the Senior All-Star Game in 2024. Additionally, she was named the WSBTV Georgia High School Athlete of the Week earlier this year. Oneacre handles her travel ball commitments with Athletics Gold Tamborra 18U under the direction of coach Stacy Tamborra, landing finalist status as a PGF All-American in both 2023 and 2024 while with that organization.

FOLLOW ALLISON ON SOCIAL

Instagram | @allie_oneacre26

TikTok | @.a1acre

X | @AllisonOneacre

WHY ALLISON CHOSE PENN STATE

“I chose to continue my softball career at Penn State because the moment I stepped foot on campus, I immediately fell in love with everything about the school. I loved the beautiful campus, the softball facilities, and most importantly, I loved the coaches. I could tell how much they cared about me personally, and I believe they will not only help me become a better softball player, but a better person. I also plan on studying business, and the Smeal College of Business offers great academic programs where I hope to thrive. The opportunity to compete in the Big Ten while representing Penn State was simply a challenge I could not pass up.”

COACH CROWELL ON ONEACRE

“Allison is a dynamic player who offers both offensive power and defensive prowess, making her an essential part of our infield. Her skill set at the corner spot and her range as a defender showcases her high-level ability. Offensively, she’s a consistent threat, capable of bringing power and strength to our lineup. We’re fortunate to have a player of her caliber and look forward to the impact she will have at Penn State.”

Over the course of the past three seasons, the Penn State softball program has become a national model for consistent success and comprehensive excellence on and off the field of play. The Nittany Lions have rattled off three consecutive 30-win seasons under Crowell’s direction, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Regional berth since the 2011 campaign with a placement in the Bryan-College Station Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Last season, PSU published the third-most victories in a single season in program history with 35, also tallying the program’s fourth-most league wins in a single season with 12 Big Ten Conference results. The Blue & White will be led by returning Big Ten Freshman of the Year, unanimous First Team All-B1G selection and reigning Penn State University Female Athlete of the Year Bridget Nemeth, as well as returning Second Team All-Big Ten selection Maddie Gordon.