CHICAGO (Nov. 11, 2021) – Following an exciting Signing Day for Loyola University Chicago's softball team, Head Coach Alicia Abbott is ecstatic to announce the addition of three new Ramblers who will come to campus next fall.
 
Bella Dezeeuw is one of the three commits who signed during National Signing Day yesterday. The outfielder from Overland Park, Kansas, played softball for the past three years at Saint Teresa's Academy in Kansas City, Mo., where she found plenty of success on and off the field under Coach Mike Higgins. She is a three-time First Team All-District honoree. Her junior year, the honor roll student also received First Team All-Region recognition and Second Team All-State honors. She maintained a batting average of .558 during her most recent season with the Stars. Dezeeuw also played travel softball for Aces Fastpitch, where she helped her team earn a spot in the Elite 8 at the Alliance Fastpitch Nationals. 
 
"Bella is hardworking, loyal and dedicated to becoming great at her craft," Abbott said. "Her bat will undoubtedly add power to our lineup and she is a leader in the outfield with some serious speed and awareness on the base paths. Bella comes from a family with Rambler blood in it and her pride for Loyola runs deep. Her Rambler pride combined with her positive energy will help us win not only on the field but off the field as well."
 
Up next for the Class of 2026 is Sierra Sass. The outfielder from Orland Park, Ill., plays at Marist High School under Coach Colleen Biebel Phelan. During her time with the team, the earned All-State Honorable Mention recognition for the 2021 season. Sass was an instrumental part of her team's state championship title along with her team's impressive overall record of 38-1. She also made it onto the honor roll for her success in the classroom. For travel ball, Sass played for the Tennessee Mojo Blue 2022 team under Coach Mike Richy, where she helped the team to a 29-4-1 record. Following her fall season, she has a .413 batting average along with 10 RBI's. 
 
"Sierra is going to push our outfield to get better every time she steps out on the field," Abbott said. "She adds a wealth of experience in all three fields and will add a ton of speed and variety into our lineup. Sierra has always sought out how to make herself better, get herself on the best teams, and that combined with her pride in being a Rambler will make us better both on and off the field."
 
The final student athlete that will join the Class of 2026 for Loyola Chicago Softball is Abbie Gregus. The catcher from New Lenox, Ill., attends Lincoln-Way West High School, where she is a member of the softball team under Coach Heather Novak. The four-year varsity letter winner and honor roll student earned All-Area, All-Conference and Second Team All-State honors. She was also named the Daily Southtown Player of the Week during her career while also earning a spot on the WJOL All-Tournament team. For travel ball, she played with Sass on the Tennessee Mojo Blue 2022 team under Coach Richy, where she had a .416 batting average for the season. 
 
"Abbie is an absolute rock star behind the plate and will make an impact as soon as she gets on campus," Abbott said. "Offensively she has great power potential and she thrives as a leader on the field. She is selfless, blue collar and loves softball, and that shows anytime she is on the turf. Abbie's fun-loving attitude will make her teammates love coming to practice to get better every day."  
 
Loyola Softball finished last season with a 13-29 overall record and an 8-16 record in the Missouri Valley Conference. Their schedule has yet to be released for the 2022 spring season.