Indiana Softball head coach Shonda Stanton unveiled the program’s latest signing class on Friday, adding three talented student-athletes to the Hoosiers’ roster for the 2025 season. Jada Ellison, Maddie Engle, and Aubree Hooks will join the team in the fall of 2025, bringing a mix of skill and leadership to the program.
Jada Ellison
Outfielder | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Oakland High School
Ellison, a four-year varsity letterwinner, excels both on the field and in the classroom. A standout player for Fury Platinum National Davenport, she boasts a .479 batting average and 44 stolen bases. Ellison is also an active member of Student Council and plans to major in Business Real Estate at Indiana.
On her decision to join IU, Ellison said:
“I am so excited to be a part of the IU softball family that I have been watching grow for a few years now, both within the team and the fanbase.”
Maddie Engle
Catcher/Utility | New Palestine, Ind. | New Palestine High School
Engle, a 2024 state runner-up with New Palestine, is a four-year varsity letterwinner and a 2023 All-Conference honoree. She plays for the Indiana Bombers 25/26 Keown in travel ball and has maintained a 3.7+ GPA. Engle plans to study Sport Marketing & Management at IU.
On choosing Indiana, Engle shared:
“Right as I walked on campus, I knew it was home. The culture, campus, coaches, and team — everything is perfect.”
Aubree Hooks
Pitcher/First Base | Alabaster, Ala. | Thompson High School
Hooks is a dominant pitcher with a 22-4 record, 141 strikeouts, and a 1.2 ERA over 130.2 innings. She also excels at the plate, hitting .336 with 3 home runs and 33 RBIs. A two-time Athletes Go Live All-Tournament Team selection, Hooks was named the 2024 Shelby County Pitcher of the Year and earned Second Team All-State honors. She plays for Impact Gold Premier – Warrick in travel ball and is a member of Beta Club, Spanish Honor Society, and several other extracurricular activities.
On her commitment to IU, Hooks said:
“I fell in love with the campus and the family atmosphere in Bloomington! I absolutely love the coaches and how supportive they are. Indiana feels like home!”
These three signees will help further strengthen the Hoosiers’ softball program as they continue to build on their success and foster a winning culture.