BILLINGS, Mont. - Four softball players have signed national letters of intent to play for the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets for the 2020-21 academic year announced head coach Lisa McKinney on Friday.

Three high school student athletes and one local junior college player headline the first four recruits for the 2020-21 season. Brie Frazier, Kilee Imada, Jenna Kister and Shelby Martin will all be joining MSUB as part of the first class of a new decade.
 
Brie Frazier
Nine Mile Falls, Washington
5'3" R/R Outfield
Intended Major: Health and Human Performance  
 
Frazier joins MSUB as a four time letter winner for Lakeside High School. As a short stop and center fielder, Frazier collected academic all-league and all-state honors three times from 2017-19.

On the field she improved every year taking home second team all-conference recognition in 2018 then was named to the first team all-conference and all-state in 2019. She helped her team capture the state championship in 2018 and was named Lakeside's most valuable player in 2019.

Coach McKinney on Frazier: "Brie is a quick outfielder that can cover a lot of ground and isn't afraid to dive after balls. She has a strong arm and consistent bat. We look forward to her joining the team next year."

Frazier on choosing MSUB: "I chose MSUB to continue my academic and athletic career because I like the feel of campus and the Billings community. The coaching staff was engaging and honest and I can't wait to get to work on my degree and competing collegiately."


 

























Kilee Imada
Spokane, Washington
5'3" R/R Middle Infield
Intended Major: Business Marketing
 
Imada comes to MSUB a multi-sport athlete having participated in softball, volleyball and basketball at West Valley High School. Going into her senior year in 2020, Imada has been named an all-league player each of the previous three years.
 
Her freshmen year saw her start in the outfield and take home first team all-league honors after a league leading six homeruns while batting .492.
 
Imada transitioned to the infield her sophomore year and again had six homeruns with a .395 average on her way to a second team all-league nomination. Her junior year, she was voted to the first team all-league squad after another league leading eight homeruns and a staggering batting average of .604.

Coach McKinney on Imada: "Kilee is a diverse athlete, with smooth hands and good range in the middle infield. Her defense is strong and we are excited to add her to the Yellowjacket family."
 
Imada on choosing MSUB: "When I was looking at MSUB the athletics, academics, community and overall atmosphere of the campus was a perfect fit for me. My decision to become a Yellowjacket was an easy one. I look forward to continuing my education and athletic career at MSUB! Go 'Jackets!"
 
  



























Jenna Kister
Junction City, Oregon
5'5" R/R Pitcher  
Intended Major: Undecided

A three year letter winner, Kister heads into her senior season an already decorated athlete. Through three seasons she has complied an overall pitching record of 73-12. She is a three time all-state selection and a three time Sky-Em Pitcher of the year winner.
 
Kister has helped he team to two consecutive Sky-Em League championships and in 2019 was an Oregon School Activities Association state semi-finalist. She has 547 strikeouts to her name and has hit nine homeruns with 80 RBIs.
 
She was named the team MVP in 2017 and 2018 and has been a team captain since 2017 along with being a National Honors Society member since 2016.
 
Coach McKinney on Kister: "Jenna is a pitcher from Oregon that can really spin the ball. She has good poise on the mound and makes the hitters work. Along with her pitching skills, she is also a great defender. We are happy to have her as a Jacket."

Kister on choosing MUSB: "I chose MSUB because from the moment I stepped on campus I fell in love. I was able to connect with the coaching staff and my future teammates were very welcoming. I felt at home and the decision to become a Yellowjacket felt right. I am excited to get started and so grateful for the opportunity to join the MSUB family."

 

 

























Shelby Martin
Helena, Montana-Dawson Community College  
5'9" R/R Pitcher and 1B
Intended Major: Business
 
Originally from Helena Mont., Martin joins MSUB after two years at Dawson Community College in Glendive Mont.
 
In high school at Helena Capital, Martin was named to the all-conference and all-state teams her sophomore through senior years. She was nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year her junior and senior seasons.
 
Martin currently holds the Capital High School record for career win (32), career strikeouts (373) and most strikeouts in a game (16).
 
During her first year at Dawson, Martin was named to the academic all-conference team, Region 13 MVP, Mon-Dak all-conference team, fist team all-American NJCAA DII by the NCFA and All-Region 13 squad.
 
In a four game series against Williston State University, she had 17 RBI's and three homeruns. In a two games series against North Dakota College of Science, Martin had 16 strikeouts.
 
Coach McKinney on Martin: "Shelby is a local Montanan currently in Glendive playing for Dawson. She had a phenomenal freshman season playing there. Shelby is a strong pitcher that can also hit and will be a great addition to our Yellowjacket family."
 
Martin on choosing MSUB: "When I knew I was going to move onto the next level I was looking to find a good school and a coach I really liked. Coming from Dawson and having such a great relationship with the coaching staff, MSUB felt like the right fit. I will be close to home so my family can come watch our games and playing for a good team where I already know some of the players. Coach McKinney is a great coach and I am going to go to a school that I like."