Softball Announces First Signing Class of Coach Sho Era
11/9/2022
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State softball head coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley announced her inaugural singing class as coach of the Spartans on Wednesday, Nov. 9 as the team welcomed three newcomers into the fold. Jaeya Butler (2B/Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), Payton Conroy (SS/Gastonia, N.C.) and Ava Mullen (RHP/St. Joseph, Mich.) are set to arrive in East Lansing in 2023.
Jaeya Butler
2B | Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. | Corona Angels
Butler is the No. 46-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023 by Extra Innings Softball. Played for Marty Tyson and spent three years in the Corona Angels system as her team placed fourth in the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series this past season.
Named First Team All-California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) following her junior season in which she hit .543 with 16 home runs and 58 RBI. Helped Aquinas High School to league championships in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and has been named All-League in each of her three seasons thus far. Butler was named team MVP at Aquinas in 2021 and 2022. Heading into her senior season, Butler owns a career high school stat line of a .528/.579/.1.196 with 86 hits, 82 runs scored, 105 RBI and 26 home runs.
Jaeya is an athlete that comes with a big bat. She is a dynamic offensive player that will add immediate power to our lineup. Jaeya also brings high level playing experience having played for one of the best travel organizations in the country.Head Coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley
Payton Conroy
SS | Gastonia, N.C. | Lady Lightning Gold
Conroy plays club softball with Lady Lightning Gold for head coach John Corn. Recently won the 18U Scenic City Top 25 with her club.
Elected as a captain at Stuart Cramer High School for the 2023 season as she enters her fourth season on the team. Earned the Hot Stove League Gamer of the Year award last season. Named North Carolina Softball Coaches Association All-State, All-District and All-County in 2021. Conroy owns a career stat line of .395/.497/.844 with 54 runs scored, 51 hits, 68 RBI, eight doubles, seven triples, 12 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 42 career high school games.
Payton is a highly competitive and passionate player. She brings power with her bat and is an outstanding middle infielder with a plus arm and great range. I believe Payton can make an immediate impact within our program and am excited to watch her career unfold.Head Coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley
Ava Mullen
RHP | St. Joseph, Mich. | Finesse
Mullen plays club softball for Finesse under head coach Steve Peters. Previously played club for Indiana Magic Gold and Beverly Bandits Premiere. Spent two seasons at New Buffalo High School in New Buffalo, Mich. and will finish her high school career at Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Mich. Named First Team All-State, Region and District in 2022 and 2021. Set the single season school record for strikeouts at New Buffalo with 250. Won the MHSAA Division 2 State Championship with Lakeshore as a junior. Pitched a perfect game against Loy Norrix striking out 12 of 15 batters she faced.
Also played basketball and volleyball in high school. Was named First Team All-Conference in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American Watch List and the AVCA Phenom Watch List.
We are excited to add Ava to our program. She is a pitcher that has the ability to keep hitters off balance and brings a competitive fire in the circle. Ava’s arsenal of pitches will be a great complement to the rest of our staff and I look forward to watching her lead from the circle.Head Coach Sharonda McDonald-Kelley
