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Lauren Karn smiling

Softball

Karn Signs Eight As Part Of 2026 Recruiting Class

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Maryland softball head coach Lauren Karn announced the signings of Gabby Dibenedetto, Ava Estep, Ava Gundling, Audrey Heller, Addi Hulshof, Saige Miller, Ava Nevius, and Paityn Slezak.
Gabby Dibenedetto softball signing day

Gabby Dibenedetto


Huntington Beach, CA
Marina High School
 

Before Maryland: 4x varsity softball player - 2025 CIF Champion - 2025 All-CIF First Team - 3x Sunset League First Team - 3x Defensive Player of the Year - 2x MVP - Offensive Player of the Year Marina High School - 3x Sunset League All-Academic Team - 5th ranked catcher on the west coast - 47th in the class of 2026 - 2x PGF All-American Finalist
Gabby Dibenedetto: "I chose the University of Maryland not only for the academic opportunities, but for the chance to make an impact on a growing softball program that is being built by coach Karn and her staff!"
Ava Estep softball signing day

Ava Estep

Wheelersburg, OH
Wheelersburg High School
 

Before Maryland: Line Drive Top 100 players in the class of 2026 (#13) - 2x State Champion - 3x First Team All-Conference - 3x First Team All-District - 2x First Team All-State - Second Team All-State - 3x Team Offensive Player of the Year
Ava Estep: "I chose Maryland because I truly felt wanted from day one. The coaching staff and my future teammates made me feel like I was already part of the program, so very early on in my visit, I knew UMD would be my next home."
Ava Gundling softball signing day

Ava Gundling

Kirtland, OH
Gilmour Academy

Before Maryland: 15th Nationally by Linedrive Media - 2x Cuyahoga County Player of the Year - 10 records broken and two tied junior year - All-Ohio Award - Lancer Award Winner - 
Ava Gundling: "I chose Maryland because I wanted to be a part of the amazing culture coach Karn is creating and also the great business school. I am looking forward to getting on campus in the summer with my class and getting to work with the team!"
Audrey heller softball signing day

audrey Heller

West Des Moines, IA
Valley High School

Audrey Heller: "My decision to choose Maryland came from knowing it's an environment where I can develop and succeed on and off the field. I can't wait to take on the next level of competition and connect with my new teammates."
Addi Hulshof softball signing day

Addi Hulshof

Powell, OH
Olentangy High School

Before Maryland: 3x First Team All-Conference - 2x First Team All-District - 2025 State Honorable Mention - Nominated for the 2025 Central Ohio Sports Award - 4x varsity letter winner
Addi Hulshof: "I chose Maryland because I fell in love with the campus and the coaching staff, and I knew it was home for me. I'm looking forward to getting to play with my recruiting class and the rest of the team as well."
saige miller softball signing day

Saige Miller

Fowler, MI
Fowler High School

Before Maryland: MVP - All-State - All-Conference
Saige Miller: "Maryland was the obvious choice because of how the team bonded and the way the coaches cared really stood out to me."
ava nevius softball signing day

Ava Nevius

Mickleton, NJ 
Paul VI High School

Before Maryland: Softball America Class of 2026 Hot Watch List - Member of 2023 NJ High School Team of the Year - 3x Paul VI High School Honor Roll - Pitcher on the Paul VI High School Softball Team
Ava Nevius: "I chose Maryland for many reasons. From the moment I stepped on campus, it truly felt like home and somewhere I could see myself belonging. I connected with the coaches right away — they're genuine, they care about their players on and off the field, and the culture they're building is exactly the kind of environment I want to be a part of. It felt like the place where I could grow the most, both as a player and a person. I'm excited to meet the team, build new friendships, and be surrounded by teammates who push each other and love competing together. I can't wait to be part of something special, represent Maryland, and make an impact however I can. I'm really excited for what's ahead!"
Paityn Slezak softball signing day

Paityn Slezak

Wentzville, MO
Timberland High School

Before Maryland: 4x All-Conference - 4x All-District - 4x All-Region - 4x All-Academic - Season and career stolen base record - Season and career hit record - Career batting average record - 2x All-State in track - 4x100 and 4x200 school record in track - Timberland Captains Council Member
Paityn Slezak: "I chose Maryland not only because I get the chance to play the sport I love while along side a great coaching staff, but also the endless opportunities College Park has to offer!."
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