Jordan Petersen brings in 6 new softball players for Bemidji State
Nov. 10—BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State softball team will have a number of new contributors on the diamond for the 2024-25 season.
Head coach Jordan Petersen announced the Beavers' newest signing class, which features three players from Wisconsin, two from Minnesota and one from Wyoming.
They are Kennedy Joachim (New Richmond, Wis.); Keira Lucero (Casper, Wyo.); Jenna Burd (Mequon, Wis.); Calleigh Richards (Mantorville); Payton Prissel (Apple Valley) and Alayna DeGraef (Superior, Wis.).
Joachim is a 5-foot-8 right-handed pitcher who earned four letters in softball. One of the top memories from her prep career was during her sophomore season, when she hit a walk-off grand slam in the playoffs.
"We are incredibly excited to have a pitcher of Kennedy's caliber join the team," Petersen said in a release. "Her work ethic, championship drive and obvious talents will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff. Kennedy will be a key ingredient to the future success of our team."
Lucero is 5-foot-8 right-handed pitcher and first baseman who earned varsity letters in both volleyball and basketball. Some of the top memories of her prep career were competing in two Wyoming State Championships in both softball and volleyball. She threw a no-hitter and had two home runs in the same game.
"We are very excited to welcome Keira to Bemidji State," Petersen said. "Keira is an elite-level pitcher who has had a tremendous amount of success. Keira has tremendous mound presence and is a supremely confident pitcher."
Burd is a 5-foot-6 catcher who lettered for three years in softball. She has a few family ties to athletics. Her uncle Mark Burd competed as a swimmer at the United States Coast Guard Academy, and her cousin Matthew Burd played football at Concordia College.
"We are incredibly happy to welcome Jenna to Bemidji State," Petersen said. "Jenna is a very experienced and seasoned player with tremendous leadership abilities. She is a rare player who can control the game both defensively and offensively."
Richards is a 5-foot-4 third baseman and utility player. She is a three-time Lexi Kretsch Award winner, First Team All-State in Class 3A this past season, All-Conference and All-Section for two years, First Team Post Bulletin All-Area Team in 2023 and Honorable Mention in 2022. Her best prep moment was winning the Top Gun Invitational in Kansas City in the summer of 2023.
"The Bemidji State softball team is honored to add Calleigh to our program," Petersen said. "Calleigh is a very gifted student-athlete. She can play anywhere on the field for us defensively with her athleticism and mobility. Calleigh can be a game changer on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball."
Prissel is a 5-foot-6 right-handed pitcher and utility player. Some of her accolades include Teammate of the Year, All-Conference and All-Tournament Team.
"We are incredibly excited to have a pitcher of Payton's ability join Bemidji State softball," Petersen said. "Payton's drive, dedication, and talent will be a perfect addition to our pitching staff. She will be an asset to our program both as a pitcher and utility player."
DeGraef is a 5-foot-4 infielder and utility player. One of her favorite prep memories is being able to attend the Wisconsin state tournament in back-to-back years. In addition, her club team, Midwest Speed, earned first place at the Alliance National Championships, where she took home MVP honors.
"We are thrilled to have someone of Alayna's skill and ability join the program," Peterson said. "Alayna can change the game with her speed, her bat, and her glove. Alayna has all the tools and offensive prowess to make an immediate impact."
