UNI softball head coach Ryan Jacobs announced the signing of four athletes to the 2028 softball roster. Signees include a pair of twins from Illinois, a pitcher/outfielder from Wisconsin, and a pitcher/first baseman from Adel, Iowa.
“We are incredibly excited about our 2027 recruiting class and what this group brings to the future of Panther Softball,” said head coach Ryan Jacobs. “Every recruiting class has its own identity, and what stood out about this group was how naturally the relationships developed throughout the process. It quickly became evident that these student-athletes aligned with the culture, values, and competitive expectations of our program, and they were eager to become Panthers. Building a class of this caliber takes tremendous commitment from our entire staff. The countless hours spent evaluating, traveling, communicating, and developing relationships all play a critical role in finding the right fit for UNI Softball. Recruiting remains one of the highest priorities within our program, and the dedication of our staff is reflected in the talented young women joining us. All of our coaches continue to do an outstanding job on the recruiting trail, and I am grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and tireless work in helping identify and attract exceptional student-athletes who will make an impact both on the field and in our community.”
Sophia Feld – OF/IF
A power-hitting outfielder/infielder from Chatham, Illinois, Sophia Feld comes to UNI from Glenwood High School, where she already holds the school’s career home run record heading into her final season at the plate. The 2025 and 2026 All-State Journal Register First Teamer, Feld was a part of the 2025 Illinois State Championship and 2026 State Runners-Up teams. She claimed All-Conference honors in 2025 and 2026 as well. In the classroom, Feld was named to the Academic All-Conference Team in 2025 and 2026.
Sydney Feld – C/IF
A catcher/infielder from Chatham, Illinois, Sydney Feld joins twin sister Sophia Feld at UNI after back-to-back All-Conference seasons in 2025 and 2026. The 5-9 righty joined her sister on the All-State Journal Register Team in 2025 and 2026 as well. Feld was a part of the 2025 Illinois State Championship and 2026 State Runners-Up teams. She was named to the 2025 and 2026 Academic All-Conference Teams.
“These two are the definition of competitors,” said Jacobs about the Feld twins. “Their athletic ability allows them to play multiple positions at a high level, but what impressed us most throughout the recruiting process was their mentality. They are selfless teammates, relentless workers, and individuals who elevate everyone around them. Their bond as twins is special, and their commitment to winning is evident every time they step on the field. We are excited to add both to our Panther family and look forward to what they will bring to UNI Softball.”
Addison Quackenboss – P/OF
A 5-4 pitcher/outfielder from Verona, Wisconsin, Addison Quackenboss comes to UNI from Verona Area High School. Heading into her final season in the circle, Quackenboss is a two-time First Team All-Conference athlete for the Wildcats, as a utility player in 2025 and a pitcher in 2026. Last season, Quackenboss was named First Team All-District and Honorable Mention All-State as a pitcher. That season, she recorded 222 strikeouts in 125.2 innings pitched with a 1.5 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. A three-time regional champion (2024, 2025, 2026), she has been named to the National Honor Society three times (2025, 2026, 2027).
“She has continued to develop into one of the most talented players in her class and brings a skill set that fits our program extremely well,” said Jacobs. “Her combination of athleticism, softball instincts, and competitiveness allows her to impact the game in a variety of ways. Offensively, she consistently puts quality swings on the ball and continues to grow as a hitter. In the circle, she is confident, poised, and thrives in competitive situations. She has never backed down from a challenge, and that mentality is something we value highly. We are excited about the future she has with Panther Softball and the impact she will make both on and off the field.”
Makenna Pitlick – P/1B
A pitcher/first baseman from Adel, Iowa, Makenna Pitlick comes to UNI from Adel-DeSoto-Minburn High School, where she competed on the softball and volleyball teams for the Tigers. Pitlick played softball under head coach and former UNI Panther and UNI Athletics Hall of Famer, Lindsay (Wood) Stanford (1999-2002). Pitlick enters her final year at ADM High School after a dominant season in the circle in 2026. Last season saw the 5-9 pitcher go 14-0 with a 0.61 ERA and 161 strikeouts in 92.1 innings. She allowed a .151 opposing batting average with just 10 walks and a 0.63 WHIP. She was named First Team All-Conference, All-District, and All-State, helping her team win both the Conference and State Championships. On the volleyball court, Pitlick is a 2026 Team Captain and was named to the Academic All-State Team this season as well as the Academic All-Conference Team in 2025 and 2026.
“What excites us most about her is the combination of talent and intangibles she brings to our program,” said Jacobs. “She is a dynamic athlete with the ability to impact the game in the circle and at the plate. Seeing the progress in her development as a player from her sophomore year to her junior year was very impressive. She has a tremendous work ethic, loves being part of a team, and embodies many of the qualities we look for during the recruiting process. We are thrilled that she has chosen to become a Panther and can’t wait to see her continue to grow in our program.”
