Five players signed national letters of intent to join Western Kentucky’s softball program for the 2018-19 season, head coach Amy Tudor said Wednesday. The class includes Taylor Davis (Huntsville, Ala.), Macy Murphy (Murfreesboro, Tenn.), Jordan Ridge (Louisville), Sydne Solomon (Lewisburg, Tenn.) and Kennedy Sullivan (Georgetown).

“I am happy to introduce and recognize this smart and talented group of future WKU student-athletes,” Tudor said. “Watching and getting to know most of this group for several years now makes this day even more special. This group is versatile and athletic and we are looking forward to working with them next season.”

Taylor Davis | Huntsville, Ala. | Sparkman H.S. | Outfield | LHS/R

Davis is a three-time all-state honoree who earned all-tournament status in the state championship three times while also picking up super all-state, first-team all-state and two second-team all-state accolades in her prep career. Davis racked up 97 stolen bases and a .465 batting average.

“Davis is a very gifted athlete who is the lone lefty of the group,” Tudor said. “She is a speedy outfielder who knows how to get on base. She is all out all the time and outworks people around her. She brings more speed to our lineup as well as to the outfield.”

Macy Murphy | Murfreesboro, Tenn. | Riverdale H.S. | First Base | R/R

Murphy has been a three-year varsity starter for Riverdale High School. A member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars, Murphy sits at the top of her class academically and has collected three Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Academic Achievement Awards. Her junior season, Murphy posted a .329 batting average with six doubles, a triple, a home run, 18 RBIs, 17 runs, 10 walks and six stolen bases.

“Murphy is very driven both on and off the field,” Tudor said. “This is evident through her passion for the game and being ranked first in her high school class. She is a right-handed first baseman who will bring power to the lineup.”

Jordan Ridge | Louisville | Assumption H.S. | Utility | R/R

The right-handed utility player has earned all-Louisville metro team status each of the last two seasons in addition to all-region honors both seasons. Ridge was named to the region’s all-tournament team in 2015 and is involved in the National Honor Society off the field.

“Ridge is soft-spoken but noticeable through her play,” Tudor said. “She has fun playing the game. She is a right-handed hitter who has the potential to make noise at the plate. Also, she is a true utility, which is a bonus.”

Sydne Solomon | Lewisburg, Tenn. | Marshall County H.S. | Catcher/Third Base | R/R

Solomon was named her respective district’s offensive MVP after the 2015 and 2016 campaigns. The righty also earned all-state honors in 2016. Before sitting the 2017 season out due to injury, Solomon had a .404 batting average and seven home runs her sophomore season. During her freshman campaign, Solomon batted .448 with seven long balls.

“Syd’s confidence is represented in her play,” Tudor said. “Whether she is playing third or catching, she has a noticeable presence on the field. Offensively, she has great bat speed and has the ability to hit the ball with authority. After sitting out her junior season due to a torn ACL, she has worked hard to get back to full go.”

Kennedy Sullivan | Georgetown | Scott County H.S. | Pitcher/Outfield | R/R

Sullivan, a right-handed pitcher, racked up three all-region honors, was named the region player of the year and is a two-time all-state honoree. Sullivan is also a first-ream all-academic honoree.

During her junior season, Sullivan had a 0.76 ERA in 129 innings pitched with 219 strikeouts while batting .364 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs. In 2016, Sullivan notched a 0.92 ERA in 174 innings tossed with 298 strikeouts and a .373 batting average with 30 RBIs.

“Kennedy has the ability to play multiple roles on this team,” Tudor said. “She is a gifted athlete who hits for power, plays outfield and most importantly, is a dominant right-handed pitcher. Adding another pitcher to the staff who will provide a different look was a goal, and I think she will serve this role nicely.”