TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn Ichabod softball head coach Brenda Holaday has announced the signing of four prep standouts who will join the Washburn program for the start of the 2027-28 academic year.
 
Brianna Brenneke
5-5 • Catcher/Outfielder • Throws: Right, • Bats: Left • Jefferson City, Mo. • Helias Catholic High School
Background: Was a first-team all-league, all-district, all-region and all-state as a senior … named all-conference, all-district and all-state as a junior breaking school record with 29 stolen bases … named all-league and all-district as a sophomore as team finished fourth at the state tournament … also participated in track.
 
Personal: Daughter of Matt and Shannon Brenneke … plans to major in radiology.
 
Holaday on Brenneke: Bri is a versatile athlete and brings the rare combination of catcher/outfielder who throws right, but hits from the left side. Her team just won the Class 4 State Championship in Missouri and Bri was a vital piece to their success. She is a focused and mature athlete who will be a great fit in our program.
 
Brenneke on Washburn: I chose Washburn because of the amazing culture surrounding the softball program. After conversations with players and coaches I could tell how much everyone cared for each other. I want to be part of a team that feels like family where everyone supports each other and works toward the same goals. Washburn feels like the perfect place for me to grow as a person and player while being surrounded by people who make me better every day.
 
 
Olivia Peery
5-7 • 3rd/1st base • Throws: Right, Bats: Right • Shawnee, Kan. • Mill Valley High School
Background: Has not played senior season yet … as a junior she was a Kansas Softball Coaches Association first team all-state infielder and was selected as a finalist for the Ear Award for the All-KC Metro Infielder and Player of the Year … named first team all-league after batting .446  as team won league title and finished third at the state tournament … as a sophomore she batted .366 and was an Earl Finalist and was named all-state honorable mention by Sports in Kansas as team finished fourth at the state tournament … batted .436 as a freshman earning all-state honorable honors.
 
Personal: Daughter of Simon and Audrey Perry … a brother, Michael … plans to major in business and criminal justice … her dad played baseball at MidAmerica Nazarene.
 
Holaday on Peery: Liv brings a ton of positive energy as well as a strong bat and great presence. She plays at a high level and is a young lady who just loves to compete and is the ultimate teammate. She will be someone who will have a chance to impact our lineup and our locker room.
 
Peery on Washburn:  From the team culture to the coaching staff, I knew Washburn was a place I could thrive. The coaches and players were super welcoming, I immediately felt at home. I love that the team know how to have fun while still being motivated to win and I can't wait to be pushed to compete at a high level every day. Finding a program that values the student before the athlete was so important to me, and it seems like the players and coaches truly follow that mentality. I couldn't be more excited and ready to be a Bod!
 
 
Taelyn Reeder
5-9 • RH Pitcher • Bats: Right • Carthage, Mo. • Diamond High School
Background: Has not played senior season yet … a first-team all-conference, all-district and all-region as a junior, earning second-team all-state honors … as a sophomore she earned first-team all-conference, all-district, all-region, and all-state honors and was named to the all-state tournament team after helping team to a second-place finish … a first-team all-league, all-district, all-region and all-state pick as a freshman as team won state title with a 38-1 record.
 
Personal: Daughter of Travis Reeder … a sister, Tori … a brother, Trevin … plans to major in nursing.
 
Holaday on Reeder: Taelyn is a pitcher with a huge upside. She has a lot of raw talent and will certainly grow in our program. She comes from a small school but plays a huge role for her team. We are looking forward to helping her become a dominant presence in our program.
 
Reeder on Washburn: I chose Washburn because I fell in love with the environment and culture. I see myself growing as a person and player. I love the positive atmosphere, the support from the coaches and players. Washburn feels like the right place for me and I couldn't be more excited to call it my home for the next four years.
 
 
Preslie Wilkins
5-9 • Outfield/1st base • Throws: Left, Bats: Left • Oklahoma City, Okla. • Choctaw High School
Background: Did not play for high school team, but for 18u Texas Glory Club team helping team to 18U USA Gold Nationals third-place finish and, the 18U TFL Summer Championship fifth-place finish and a first-place finish at the 2025 18U NT Fall Showdown.
 
Personal: Daughter of Tory and Shellie Wilkins … a sister, Kylie … plans to major in nursing.
 
Holaday on Wilkins: Preslie is a young lady with a big presence at the plate. She has a powerful swing from the left side and will give us some balance in our lineup from that side of the plate. She has a lot of upside and we expect her to grow into a middle of the lineup hitter for us.
 
Wilkins on Washburn:  I chose Washburn because of the community. As soon as I stepped on campus everyone was so inviting. The welcoming, supportive, fun environment gave me immediate comfort and confirmed that Washburn would be my home. Go Bods!