KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan University softball team and head coach Jenny Rohn have announced the signing of six student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the program's class of 2023.
 
WMU welcomes right-handed pitcher Alex Caouette (Laguna Niguel, Cali.), pitcher/utility Analeez Niles (Cameron Park, Cali.), outfielder Megan Malartsik (Elk Grove, Ill.), second baseman/outfielder Jessica Orlando (Chesterfield, Mich.), third baseman Casey Fazzini (Fontana, Cali.), and catcher/utility Abigail Mitchell (Grand Terrace, Cali.). All six are set to join the Broncos in the fall of 2023 and suit up for Western Michigan beginning with the 2024 season.


Alex Caouette • RHP • Laguna Niguel, Cali. • Aliso Niguel High School
 
Alex plays travel softball with the California Cruisers and is currently ranked 22nd nationally as a pitcher by Extra Innings. Alex helped the Cruisers win the PGF National Championship for the 16U division in 2021 and was named to the PGF All-Tournament team. Alex has been on the PGF All-American watchlist for the last two years and she plays for Team Netherlands in the TCS International Games. 
 
Currently, Alex is a four-year varsity starter and two-time team captain for her high school. She earned team MVP in her junior year. She was named First Team All-South Coast League and has been a four-year scholar-athlete.
 
Academically, Caouette carries a 3.8 grade point average. She is the daughter of Adrianne and Alan Caouette and plans to major in Communication/Sports Media through WMU's School of Communications. 
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Caouette: Alex is a strong pitcher and brings a lot of competitiveness to the staff. Her ability to move the ball around the zone and change speeds will add value to the pitching staff. Alex's infectious energy and personality are contagious.


Analeez Niles • P/UTL • Cameron Park, Cali. • Ponderosa High School
 
Analeez plays travel softball for All American Sports Academy and is ranked 71st in the country for pitcher/combo player by Extra Innings. Ana also participated in the USA High Performance Program and was named to the TCS Colorado Sparkler All-Tournament team. 
 
In 2022, for her high school, Ana was named Foothill Valley League MVP, Foothill Valley League First Team All-League Pitcher, 24/7 Sports California All-State, Sac-High Sports Game MVP, and All-Metro Honorable Mention. 
 
In 2021, Ana was named Foothill Valley League Second Team All-League third baseman and was selected to the MaxPreps All-Section team, she was a two-time USSSA All-American and two-time USSSA Select 30.
 
The daughter of Traci and Gary, Niles carries a 3.37 grade point average and is planning to enter the School of Communication, where she intends to pursue a Digital Media and Journalism Major.
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Niles: Analeez plays and lives the hard-working, gritty mentality. She is a true utility who will provide for us offensively, defensively, and in the circle. Analeez will help propel the culture of this program forward with her work ethic and personality.


Megan Malartsik • OF • Elk Grove, Ill. • Elk Grove High School
 
In 2022 Megan was recognized on the All-Summer Team Honorable Mention by Extra Innings Softball. Megan was ranked 28th among 2023 grad-year athletes by Showtime Sports. Megan was a 2022 OnDeck Softball National Elite Camp Participant and an Elk Grove High School four-year Varsity Letterman.
 
Academically, Malartsik carries an impressive 3.95 grade point average. The daughter of Patricia and Mark Malartsik, she plans to enter WMU's Department of Human Performance and Health Education. Malartsik looks to pursue a degree in Sport Management.
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Malartsik: Speed and aggressiveness define Megan Malartsik. Megan is comfortable being in the leadoff spot offensively. She will add extreme value to our lineup as a triple threat. Megan is a thoughtful and articulate student-athlete.

 
Casey Fazzini • 3B • Fontana, Cali. • Etiwanda High School
 
Casey plays high-level travel ball for the Corona Angels Organization. As a freshman in high school, Casey was ranked 46th in the nation as a pitcher by Extra Innings. Last year, at the Alliance Nationals, Casey hit 3 consecutive home runs to help the Angels finish in third place. Two years ago, Casey helped the Angels finish third at the Colorado IDT tournament. 
 
Casey is a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain at Etiwanda High school. Casey helped her team reach the second round of the CIF for the first time in five years. Throughout her high school career, Casey has been named Rookie of the Year, received a Golden Glove award, a Silver Slugger Award, Team MVP, and First Team All-Baseline League. 
 
The daughter of Diana and Jorge, Fazzini carries a 3.3 grade point average and is planning to enter the Department of Human Performance and Health Education, where she will pursue a degree in Physical Education.
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Fazzini: Casey's strong offensive abilities and her defense at third base will be a huge asset to our team. Casey is a true team player and extremely coachable. Casey's background and elite-level travel ball experience will benefit the program.
 

Jessica Orlando • 2B/OF • Chesterfield, Mich. • Anchor Bay High School
 
For the past four years, Jess has played premier travel ball for the Indiana Magic Gold Organization. In high school, Jess is a three-year varsity player and has earned team captain for her upcoming senior year. Last year, Jess was awarded MHSAA All-State Honorable Mention, All-Region First team, All-County Second team, All-District First team, and MAC RED Honorable Mention. For the 2021 season, Jess was awarded All-County Second team and All-District Second team.
 
Daughter of Becky and Mike. Orlando is planning on pursuing an undergraduate degree and is undecided on a field of study.
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Orlando: Jess brings versatility in the infield and outfield. Jess has played high-level travel ball for years and brings an edge that will push the team forward. Jess's cool, calm demeanor will help bring more intentionality.


Abigail Mitchell • C/UTL • Grand Terrace, Cali. • Etiwanda High School
 
Abby plays premier travel ball for the Corona Angels Organization. Last year, at the Alliance Nationals, Casey helped the Angels finish third place. Two years ago, Abby helped the Angels finish third at the Colorado IDT tournament. Abby was being heavily recruited by many power five schools until a season-ending ACL injury. Now back to 100%, Abby is planning on breaking many records in her upcoming senior year of high school. 
 
The daughter of Reena and Blu, she holds a 3.5 grade point average. Mitchell plans to enter the Department of Sociology to obtain a degree in Criminal Justice and Law. 
 
Coach Jenny Rohn on Mitchell: Abby is a very strong lefty hitter that will add depth to our lineup. Defensively, she will help us behind the plate and on the corners. Abby's personality and ability to capture the room when she is speaking are unmatched.