Courtesy of Bethune-Cookman Athletic Communications


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University's 2020 softball recruiting class has strong family ties with two of the four signees having older sisters who played or are currently playing for the Wildcats.

Head coach Laura Watten officially announced today that Joslynn Davis, Essence Gibbs, Jasmeen Rivera and Briana Velasquez have joined the 10-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champions for the 2020-21 campaign. Davis is the younger sister of former All-MEAC outfielder Mariah Davis, while Gibbs will join older sister Elise on the roster.

"This is an extremely solid 2020 class with speed, power, versatility and great softball IQ," Watten said. "I honestly feel that this group will have an immediate positive impact on our team culture and talent level."

Joslynn Davis was a four-year starter at Madera (Calif.) HS who was hitting .410 with three doubles, eight RBIs and 18 runs scored this season. Her team was 12-0 when play was suspended.

Gibbs was hitting .357 at Cerritos (Calif.) HS.

"Essense and Joslynn are outfielders who will add some great depth to our defense, Watten said. "They are also both lefty slappers, with a lot of aggressive speed."
 
Rivera comes to B-CU from the Osceola County (Fla.) School For the Arts and enjoyed a stellar career as a catcher in travel ball. Velasquez (Los Angeles, Calif.) is a pitcher with a strong bat as well – hitting .700 for San Pedro HS this spring. Velasquez was part of a city championship team her freshman year.
 
"Jasmeen is a great addition behind the plate for us as she has passion, energy and a very strong work ethic, while also being a solid offensive threat," Watten said. "Briana will add strength and depth to our pitching staff in addition to providing an option for us as a middle infielder when not on the mound."
 
The Wildcats were two-time defending conference champions when their 2020 season was suspended.