Softball program adds four - University of Montana Athletics

The Griz softball program looked near and far to put together its latest recruiting class, signing one player from Montana, one from Washington, one from Texas and one from Arkansas.

The group will join coach Stef Ewing's rising program next fall and be freshmen on Montana's 2028 team.

Grabbing the local headlines is Ryan Lucier, a pitcher and outfielder out of Frenchtown, Mont. (Frenchtown HS).

Ewing and her staff remained in the Pacific Northwest for the addition of outfielder Jane Ford, of Woodinville, Wash. (Woodinville HS).

Ansley Parr is a pitcher from Childress, Texas (Childress HS), Kendall Watts is a catcher and infielder from Fayetteville, Ark. (Elkins HS).

Lucier is an all-state athlete in softball, volleyball and basketball for the Broncs. She was part of Frenchtown's 2025 Class A state championship softball team.

"Ryan is a multi-sport athlete who has excelled both in the circle and at the plate," said Ewing.

"She is a tremendous athlete and leader, a complete competitor who will help the Griz on both offense and in the circle."

More on Lucier: 2025 Class A state softball championship … 2024 Class A volleyball runner-up … Montana representative for All-American games two years … All-state volleyball (2025) … All-State softball (2024, 2025) … Three times Academic All-State in all three sports … Nine-time letter-winner … 2025 volleyball conference MVP … Two-time divisional champion for volleyball … Montana MaxPreps Player of the Year (2025) … Basketball second-team All-State … Basketball defensive MVP.

Ford is a two-time All-Kingco Conference 4A selection for Woodinville High. "Jane will cover pole-to-pole in the outfield and will provide a left-handed bat that can hit home runs and steal bases," said Ewing.

More on Ford: 2026 Canada Cup 18U champion … 2026 All-Kingco Conference 4A 1st Team OF … 2026 Woodinville High varsity fastpitch Best Bat … 2025 All-Kingco Conference 4A 1st Team OF … 2025 16U IDT Champion NW Bullets … 2024 Woodinville High School varsity fastpitch Best Bat.

Parr led Texas Class 3A in strikeouts as a freshman, led all classes of Texas in strikeouts as a sophomore and was her district MVP as a junior.

"Ansley makes the ball dance in the circle. This strikeout pitcher from Texas will be a great addition to the staff," said Ewing.

More on Parr: 2026: District 1-3A MVP, Team Defensive MVP, All-Press Pass Softball Team; 2025: THSCA Super Elite Team (3A), District 1-3A Defensive MVP, Team Defensive MVP, Sideline Sports Pitcher of the Year, Led Texas (all classes) in strikeouts; 2024: District 2-3A Defensive MVP, Team Defensive MVP, Led Texas (class 3A) in strikeouts.

Watts was voted all-state in Arkansas last season as a junior. "Kendall is an athletic catcher who takes control of the game behind the plate," said Ewing.

More on Watts: Freshman: Offensive POY, All-Conference Runner-Up; Sophomore: Offensive POY, All Conference Runner-Up; Junior: All-State, All-Conference, Offensive POY, Defensive POY, Golden Glove Award.

University of Montana Athletics

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