11/11/2026 12:19:00โฏPM | Softball
STORRS, Conn. -ย UConn Softball Head Coach Laura Valentino has announced the addition of four student-athletes to the class of 2031 on Wednesday.ย
The class consists of Claire Achilles (Pitcher), Sydney Detenbeck (Outfielder), Mireya Gonzalez (Catcher), Charlotte Yarnall (Pitcher).
"What I love most about this class is their genuine 'we before me' mentality and their desire to be part of something bigger than themselves," saidย Valentino. "I believe each of these players will make an immediate impact not only on the field, but in our culture, and I am excited to see the energy, competitiveness and passion they bring to our program."
Meet the Incoming Class
Claire Achilles (Tucson, Arizona)ย
Claire comes to UConn after lettering four seasons under head coach Mark Stevens at Tanque Verde High School.ย Achillesย was named the 2026 3A Softball Arizona Player of the Year after leading her team to a 3A state championship. She was also named the Championship Game MVP. In 2025, she earned the 3A Arizona Softball Offensive Player of the Year award. She is a three-time National Honor Society member.ย
Head Coach Laura Valentino โย "Claire is an 'ice in her veins' pitcher who will bring a different look to our pitching staff. I love her competitiveness and drive to succeed for her team, and we cannot wait to have that mentality in the circle here at UConn."
Sydney Detenbeck (League City, Texas)
Sydney becomes a Husky after spending four years as a starter at Clear Creek High School under head coach Katherine Morton.ย Detenbeckย is a three-time 24-6A All-District outfielder and was named First Team All-Galveston County. She has helped lead her team to consecutive fourth round playoff appearances.ย Detenbeckย also holds letters in basketball.
Head Coach Laura Valentino โย "Sydney is a dynamic offensive player who consistently goes all out and brings great range and instincts to the outfield. I know her work ethic and fire to compete will thrive at UConn, and I am excited to see how she continues to develop and impact our championship culture."
Mireya Gonzalez (Hacienda Heights, California)
Mireya joins the Huskies programย after lettering four seasons under head coach Robert Morales at La Habra High School. This past season,ย Gonzalezย was her team's Offensive Player of the Year, while earning Crestview League First Team, and All-San Gabriel Valley Second Team honors. She was also selected to the All-Southern California Second Team.ย Gonzalezย holds a career .340 batting average, recording nine home runs, and 46 RBI. Sheย is a three-time scholar athlete.ย
Head Coach Laura Valentino โย "Mireya is a tremendous athlete who I am excited to see contribute as part of our battery and as a power threat offensively. She is a natural connector who will fit seamlessly into our culture because of her attitude and pure love for the game, and I am excited to see the impact she will make on our team."
Charlotte Yarnall (Summit, New Jersey)
Charlotte comes to UConn after lettering four seasons at Summit High School for head coach Alyse Augustine.ย Yarnallย is a three-time First Team All-Conference player (2024, 2025, & 2026), and a two-time team captain. In 2025, she was named the County Player of the Year. This past season,ย Yarnallย earned All-State honors while leading her team to a Union County Championship. She has also earned letters in basketball and is a two-time All-Conference player and team captain.ย
Head Coach Laura Valentino โย "Charlotte is a two-way player who will bring versatility to our staff and add another power threat to our lineup. I love Charlotte's selflessness and commitment to doing whatever the team needs, and I cannot wait to watch her grow and make an impact during her time at UConn."
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