MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State head coach Kristle Wolcott has announced three student-athletes have signed with the Maverick softball team during the fall signing period.

All signings are contingent upon admission to Minnesota State and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.
 
Mariah Anderson | Pitcher | Wells, Minn. | United South Central | Fr. | R/R

A pitcher from Wells, Minn., Mariah Anderson has competed with the United South Central High School softball team since seventh grade. She has earned four all-conference honors and was named to the All-State First Team during her sophomore and junior seasons. During her junior season, Anderson was named the conference Player of the Year and Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year finalist as she helped her team win a state championship.

"We are thrilled for Mariah to officially be a Maverick," assistant coach Coley Ries Welter said. "She has that it factor that separates her from the pack. Upon taking the job, she was high on the priority list to help us continue to fight for another championship. She's an all around great athlete but an even better person to join our family." 

Mariah is the daughter of Kim and Mike Anderson. Both of her parents attended Minnesota State and her brother Brennan is currently a sophomore. She plans on majoring in Dental Hygiene and is a member of National Honor Society.
 
Lydia Banse | Catcher/Infield | Mankato, Minn. | Mankato West | Fr. | L/R

A native of Mankato, Minn., Lydia Banse competes as a catcher and infielder with the Mankato West softball team. She joined the team as an eighth grader, helping her team win a state championship, before going on to earn all-city, all-conference and all-section honors during her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons. Banse also claimed All-State Second Team honors as a sophomore and All-State First Team accolades as a junior.

"Lydia is a natural leader with a work ethic that is second to none," Wolcott said. "Her ability to make pitchers better with her smooth glove will make for a tough battery.  Lydia's lefty bat power will impact every game she competes in."

Lydia is the daughter of Melissa and Troy Banse. Her dad Troy played baseball at the University of Dubuque (IA), while her mom Melissa graduated from Minnesota State in 2001. Lydia plans to major in Elementary Education or Physical Education at Minnesota State.
 
Emma Baumann | Catcher/Infield | Waterloo, Wis. | Waterloo | Fr. | R/R

A two-sport athlete from Waterloo, Wis., Emma Baumann competes in both softball and basketball at Waterloo High School. She earned all-conference second team honors as a freshman, before being named to the all-conference first team during her sophomore and junior seasons. Baumann claimed All-State honorable mentions during her freshman and junior seasons, and was named to the All-State First Team during her sophomore season.

"Emma brings an elite arm behind the dish to control the run game," Wolcott. "She will also provide great power numbers offensively. We look for her to provide the leadership we expect from the catching position and first base."

Emma is the daughter of Kevin and Shari Baumann. She intends to major in Finance at Minnesota State.