PEORIA, Ill. -- Bradley softball will have its first player from the state of Texas with Thursday's announcement by head coach Amy Hayes that utility player Annika Rosales (Keller, Texas/EA Young Academy) will join the team as a freshman in 2017. 

Rosales comes to the Hilltop from the Dallas-Fort Worth area and will be the first Bradley softball player from the Lone Star State in program history.  She plays on the Texas Home Educators' Sports Association (THESA) Riders, which is a program compiled of students who are all home school and play against local public and private schools.

“Annika's bat will bring depth and power to our offensive lineup,” said Hayes.  “Currently hitting .698 in high school, she is having a tremendous senior season. She is mainly a corner but has the ability and knowledge to pop out to the outfield if needed.  She is a dedicated student academically and is extremely active in her community.  We look forward to her contributing next season. “

A 2015 Home School All-American, she split time between first base and pitching last year as a junior.  She is a two-time all-state selection after boasting a .621 average to go with a .761 on base percentage and .974 slugging percentage last spring. 

Rosales helped the THESA Riders to a 43-25 (.632) combined record during her sophomore and junior seasons, including helping her squad to the 2014 Texas Christian Athletic League state title as a sophomore.  She also plays for Firecrackers DFW Gold-Poole.  

The Bradley softball hits the road for a three-game series at Wichita State Saturday and Sunday, opening the set with a noon doubleheader Saturday in Wichita, Kan.