Peoria, Ill.-- Bradley Softball welcomes the 2024 recruiting class.  The five players come in from across the country and look to fill major roles for the Braves in upcoming years. 
When asked about the class, head coach Sarah Willis said, "The 2025 recruiting class is one of our most athletic groups to sign. This group is used to competing at a high level and will all carry a significant load the first year they compete as a Bradley Brave."  

Hannah Brooks - IF | Elyria Catholic High School in Elyira, OH 

Coach Willis on Hannah… "Hannah is a natural fielder and has the ability to elevate the infield with her glove and arm. She is one of those players that is fun to watch and her intensity is unmatched. She brings a dynamic grit to our program and will elevate this Bradley softball program."

Brooks, a senior at Elyria Catholic High School, is a four-year letter winner for the Panthers.  She has been recognized a multitude of times, including being a three-time player of the week, three-time all-conference, and receiving 1st team all-county last year.  In her three years, she totaled 19 home runs.

When asked why she chose Bradley, Brooks said "I chose Bradley because of the environment and how comfortable everyone made me feel in every aspect." She plans to study nursing and dreams of becoming a travel nurse.  When asked about her athletic goals, she simply stated "Break records!!"
 

Bre Caffery - OF | Des Moines Area Community College in Bettendorf, IA

When asked about the impact Bre Caffery could have this year, Coach Willis said, "Bre is one of those dynamic players that will immediately elevate the standards in a program. She is a leader, a lead-off, and an outright competitor. Her versatility is a weapon and she will be a spark plug to our offense."

Caffery is a sophomore transfer student from Des Moines Area Community College.  At Bettendorf High School, she earned many honors including an all-conference team, two-time all-district team, an all-state second team, and a first-team all-state.  She also holds the Bulldogs single-season and career stolen base records.

After High School, she went to Des Moines Area CC.  In her time with the Bears, she hit .478 and stole 46 bases while helping lead them to a region championship and qualifying for the World Series.

When asked why she chose to attend Bradley, Caffery said, "What I like most about Bradley University are the people. Everyone from the professors, counselors, coaches, and other staff are very friendly and just good people."  Caffery volunteers extensively in the community with River Bend Food Bank and the Miracle League.

Leila Daniels - C | Milan High School in Milan, MI

When asked about Leila Daniels, Coach Willis said "Leila is an explosive player that will make big contributions as a catcher in this program. She has a natural ability to bring out the best in each of her pitchers and can command a field. Her bat will infuse power into our offense and she will be a formidable hitter in the conference."

Daniels, a senior at Milan High School, is a four-year letter winning catcher who has won a multitude of honors including being three-year all-district, two-year all-region, and first-team all-state.  In her three years at Milan, she has totaled 119 hits and already has the home run record for The Big Reds with 24, and she still has to play her senior year.

When asked why she chose Bradley, Daniels said, "The coaches and girls on the softball team, and also the kinesiology program is outstanding. Bradley has already made me feel so comfortable and confident about attending. It is an amazing school that I know will help me achieve many things in my life."

Leila is the fifth of eight siblings, plans to be a kinesiology major, and during high school, she helped run the Red Cross blood drive.

Gianna Hillegonds - P | Marist High School in Lansing, IL

When asked about Gianna, Coach Willis said, "We are excited to add Gianna to the Bradley pitching staff. She has one of the best change-ups I have seen in a very long time. She is deceptive and will bring a level of consistency to the pitching circle we are looking for."

Hillegonds, a senior at Marist High School, is a four-year letter winner for the Redhawks.  She has a multitude of awards, including All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State Honors.  She also helped lead the Redhawks to team success, with the team finishing as state runner-ups in 2022 and 2024, and winning the IHSA 4A state championship in 2023.

Hillegonds also performs well in the classroom, as she has received recognition as a dean's list student and an Illinois State Scholar.  She plans to become a physical therapist.

Hilary Wilson - IF | Des Moines Area Community College in Solon, IA

When asked what Hilary brings to the table Coach Wilson said, " Hilary is one of those game changers you hope to get every few years. She is a game changer on and off the field with her leadership and swag. A ball player through and through and we are excited to see what impact she will make in the program." 

Wilson is a junior transfer from Des Moines Area CC. Originally from Solon, IA.  In her time at Solon High School, she was a five-year varsity softball letter-winner, winning many awards, including making both the All-State team and the WaMac All-Conference team all 5 years as well as winning the 2023 WaMac Player of The Year.

While at Des Moines Area CC she also raked in the awards, including D2 NJCAA 1st Team All-Region, multiple-time ICCAC Player Of The Week, and captain of the 2024-2025 DMACC Softball Team.

When asked why she chose Bradley, Wilson cited Bradley's "Great Softball program, but even better Education Program".  Wilson majors in elementary education.