Bluejay Softball Inks Five for 2022 Signing Class

Omaha, Neb. -- Creighton's softball head coach Brent Vigness announced the signing of Payton Akers (Cedar Rapid, Iowa), Maddox Boston (Longmont, Colo.), Ensley Frame (Gretna, Neb.), Jordyn Meyer (White Bear Lake, Minn.), and Sophia Schmeglar (Chicago, Ill.) as the Bluejays 2022 signing class.

A right-handed pitcher, Akers comes to Creighton from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She closed out her high school career at Prairie High School, then continued onto Kirkwood Community College. She finished her sophomore season at Kirkwood Community College with a 20-4 record, 190 K's, a 2.84 ERA, and 135.1 innings. During her four years with the Hawks (Prairie HS), Payton earned Second Team All-Region, Second Team All-State, First Team All-Metro, and First Team
All-District.

"Payton comes from a strong program in Kirkwood CC with three years of eligibility," said Vigness. "She has continued to get better each year, delivering excellently on the national stage. She will give us quality innings from day one."

Boston is a senior at Mead High School and plays club softball for Colorado Styxx 18 Gold. She wrapped up the fall season with the Mavericks hitting .522 on 50 hits, with 41 RBI. During his career with Mead HS, she hit .408 with 115 hits and 91 RBI. A four-year letter winner in softball, Boston earned First Team All-Conference and Academic All-State First Team.

"Maddox is an amazing athlete that can play shortstop, center field and catch," noted Vigness. "She has incredible range, a strong arm and never gets cheated at the plate. Her athleticism will provide an opportunity to see the field quickly."

A local product, Frame plays for Gretna High School and the NE Quakes Prime. During her senior campaign she hit .443 on 47 hits. A First Team All-State selection by both the Omaha World Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star in 2021, Frame has the second highest career batting average in Gretna HS history at .434. During her junior season (2020), Frame was an All-State Second Team selection by the Omaha World Herald.

"We've been watching Ensley since her early days at our youth softball camps. It's been a joy to watch her grow into one of the best players in the state," said Vigness. "She is an athletic middle infielder and brings another left-handed bat into our lineup."

Meyer comes to Creighton from White Bear Lake Area High School, while she plays club softball for the Minnesota Force. The catch had eight round trippers this season and possess a lethal arm, throwing 67 MPH overhand. Jordyn was the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year for White Bear Lake Area HS and helped lead the Minnesota Force to place 7th out of 96 teams at the 2021 USA Elite Select World Championships. Off the diamond, Jordyn is an accomplished competitive figure skater.

"Jordyn is another multi-sport athlete who brings good size and athleticism, her stature will provide an imposing presence behind the plate," said Vigness. "She brings a potent bat, a big arm and will make an immediate impact behind the dish for our team."

Sidelined in 2021 by an injury, Schmeglar competed for Lincoln Park High School and at the club level for the Illinois Thunderbolts LS. As a junior she tossed 293.2 innings, with a 1.62 ERA, 485 strikeouts and limited opponents to a .175 average. Off the diamond, Sophia earned awards in National Society of High School Scholars, IB personal project diploma, and honor roll throughout high school.

"Sophia plays on a highly competitive summer team, facing the best of the best. She is a true pitcher with good spin, movement and commands her pitches extremely well," noted Vigness. "She has an ability to make opposing hitters swing and miss at a high rate. With her competitiveness and big game experience, I expect Sophia to provide instant help in the circle for us next season."

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CREIGHTON

Payton Akers

"I chose Creighton because of the welcoming energy from both the girls and coaches, and also the many resources the University offers for my education and degree. It felt like my second home instantly!"

Maddox Boston

"I chose Creighton because it is a great school to set me up for success in life academically, and I loved everything
about the softball program when I visited!"

Ensley Frame

"I chose Creighton because it is a great school and has a great softball program with a really good culture. Everyone was very welcoming and it just felt like it was where I was supposed to be."

Jordyn Meyer

"I chose Creighton because it has such a positive and competitive environment academically and athletically! Right away, when I stepped foot on campus, I knew it was the place I wanted to be! Athletically, the team plays at such a high level and made a positive impact on me almost immediately. Academically, Creighton is highly regarded and has a great Physical Therapy program. I cannot wait to be on campus!"

Sophia Schmeglar

"I chose Creighton because of the outstanding reputation as one of the top business schools nationally as well as being coached by someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Coach Vigness. Additionally, I was motivated to be a part of Creighton's winning tradition."

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