Missouri Western softball coach Jen Bagley Trotter has announced the signing of two student athletes for the 2016 team. Taylor Hamilton and Shelby Uhl have each signed national letters of intent to play softball for the Griffons.

Hamilton is a catcher from Cameron, Missouri. She is a four-year letter winner in softball and basketball, being named first team All-MEC, All-District and All-Region all four years in softball. Hamilton hit .548 in her four years for the Dragons and hit a, state record, 41 home runs.

“We are fired up to add Taylor Hamilton to our roster,” Trotter said. “She had an outstanding high school career.  She is the current career home run record keeper for the state of Missouri.  We will look for her to push our records here at Western.”

She is the daughter of Rick and Linda Hamilton and plans on majoring in sports management at MWSU.

Uhl played at Southeast Polk High School in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. The outfielder batted .321 and posted a 100 percent stolen base percentage. She lettered four years in softball and was named All-Conference and All-Eastern Division. She was also named second team All-State and a team captain. Uhl also was an All-State selection in track, lettering four years and was a captain on her school’s state championship basketball team.

“Coming off of an Iowa State Championship team, Shelby knows how to win,” Trotter said. “Her speed is different and we are excited to watch her utilize it in our outfield and base paths.”

She is the daughter of Jesse and Connie Uhl and plans on majoring in elementary education. Uhl is also a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and National Council on Youth Leadership.

— MWSU Sports Information —