North Carolina State University Athletics
Softball Adds Nester, Wagner In Early Signing Period
11/9/2017 1:27:00 PM | Softball
RALEIGH – NC State softball head coach Shawn Rychcik and his staff have announced the addition of pitcher Sydney Nester and catcher Kelli Wagner to its program, as both have signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to compete for the Wolfpack.
The recruiting class has been ranked 29th by FloSoftball, as both players are listed among the top 105 of 2018 recruits by FloSoftball. This marks the second consecutive top 30 class that the program has signed, as both will arrive in Raleigh next fall.
Nester and Wagner are no strangers to each other, as both compete for the Lady Lightning Gold DeMarini Platinum Squad under John Corn. Even though the program has just two signees in the early period, Nester and Wagner have potential to make an impact as the battery for the Wolfpack.
"It's a small class but both are going to be impactful players that have played really competitive softball over the years. They're both poised to have an immediate impact on the program," said Rychcik. "We're not only getting two quality players but are getting tremendous families within Sydney and Kelli. We're excited to have them join the Wolfpack family."
Sydney 'HardRock' Nester
Position: P
Hometown: Hillsville, Va.
High School: Carroll County High School
B/T: R/R
Club Team: LLG DeMarini Platinum Squad – coached by John Corn
Why she chose NC State – "I chose NC State because from day one it was the perfect fit for me. I loved the campus, the city, the softball facilities and everything about the Wolfpack. The people I met were genuine and honest and I felt Coach Rychcik was all about hard work and the enjoyment of fastpitch softball. Being from a blue-collar community in Hillsville, Va., I appreciate that approach. My grandfather's highest compliment was to call someone a hard worker. I can't wait to get on campus and do my part."
Rychcik on Nester – "Sydney is one of the top pitchers in this class and we've been recruiting her since she was in ninth grade. We've both been excited for the moment when she becomes a member of the Wolfpack. She's a ferocious competitor on the mound and will bring a lot of skill with her rise ball and devastating changeup to our pitching staff. She will mix well with the rest of our staff and will really help to solidify our depth next year. She's a high-character kid with a great work ethic and I think we both expect big things from her as a part of our program."
Kelli Wagner
Position: C/INF
Hometown: Archdale, N.C.
High School: Trinity High School
B/T: R/R
Club Team: LLG DeMarini Platinum Squad – coached by John Corn
Why she chose NC State – "I chose NC State because they have an awesome team and facilities, and I really wanted to be apart the Wolfpack."
Rychcik on Wagner – "Kelli has really developed into one of the best catchers in the state. At one time we thought we were getting a really good utility kid, but she's turned into a great shutdown catcher. She will play other positions here because she's such a tremendous athlete, but we're really getting a high-end catcher. She will also bring a very strong bat that will produce a lot of runs, so she's overall a really good fit for us and are really excited about getting her to campus next year."
The recruiting class has been ranked 29th by FloSoftball, as both players are listed among the top 105 of 2018 recruits by FloSoftball. This marks the second consecutive top 30 class that the program has signed, as both will arrive in Raleigh next fall.
Nester and Wagner are no strangers to each other, as both compete for the Lady Lightning Gold DeMarini Platinum Squad under John Corn. Even though the program has just two signees in the early period, Nester and Wagner have potential to make an impact as the battery for the Wolfpack.
"It's a small class but both are going to be impactful players that have played really competitive softball over the years. They're both poised to have an immediate impact on the program," said Rychcik. "We're not only getting two quality players but are getting tremendous families within Sydney and Kelli. We're excited to have them join the Wolfpack family."
Nester and Wagner as the battery for the LLG DeMarini Platinum Squad
Sydney 'HardRock' Nester
Position: P
Hometown: Hillsville, Va.
High School: Carroll County High School
B/T: R/R
Club Team: LLG DeMarini Platinum Squad – coached by John Corn
- Ranked No. 22 by FloSoftball among 2018 recruits, and rated as a top 10 pitcher in the recruiting class
- 2016 Virginia Gatorade State Player of the Year
- Owns a 55-2 high school record, is undefeated in regular season play and has never lost a seven-inning game
- MaxPreps All-America selection as a freshman and sophomore
- Three-time Conference 24 Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference selection
- 2015, '16, '17 All-Timesland Pitcher of the Year
- Named 4A North Region Player of the Year in 2015 and collected 4A North Region First Team honors in 2016 and '17
- Named State 4A Player of the Year in 2015, named to the 4A All-State First Team in 2016 and 4A All-State Second Team in 2017
- Led her team to the 4A State Championship title in 2015, the first team championship in Carroll County High School history
- Helped her team finish second at the 4A North Regional runner up in 2015 and reach the semifinals (final eight) in 2016 and '17
- Helped her team to three-straight Conference 24 Tournament titles (2015, '16, '17)
Why she chose NC State – "I chose NC State because from day one it was the perfect fit for me. I loved the campus, the city, the softball facilities and everything about the Wolfpack. The people I met were genuine and honest and I felt Coach Rychcik was all about hard work and the enjoyment of fastpitch softball. Being from a blue-collar community in Hillsville, Va., I appreciate that approach. My grandfather's highest compliment was to call someone a hard worker. I can't wait to get on campus and do my part."
Rychcik on Nester – "Sydney is one of the top pitchers in this class and we've been recruiting her since she was in ninth grade. We've both been excited for the moment when she becomes a member of the Wolfpack. She's a ferocious competitor on the mound and will bring a lot of skill with her rise ball and devastating changeup to our pitching staff. She will mix well with the rest of our staff and will really help to solidify our depth next year. She's a high-character kid with a great work ethic and I think we both expect big things from her as a part of our program."
Kelli Wagner
Position: C/INF
Hometown: Archdale, N.C.
High School: Trinity High School
B/T: R/R
Club Team: LLG DeMarini Platinum Squad – coached by John Corn
- Ranked No. 103 by FloSoftball among 2018 recruits, and is rated as one of the top catchers in the state of North Carolina
- Member of the National Honor Society
- Two-time All-State selection
- Three-time All-Conference selection
- Has compiled a .463 batting average through three seasons at Trinitiy High School, collecting 94 hits and 83 runs
- Helped her high school team reach the 2A Softball State Championship in 2016 and '17
Why she chose NC State – "I chose NC State because they have an awesome team and facilities, and I really wanted to be apart the Wolfpack."
Rychcik on Wagner – "Kelli has really developed into one of the best catchers in the state. At one time we thought we were getting a really good utility kid, but she's turned into a great shutdown catcher. She will play other positions here because she's such a tremendous athlete, but we're really getting a high-end catcher. She will also bring a very strong bat that will produce a lot of runs, so she's overall a really good fit for us and are really excited about getting her to campus next year."
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