Softball Signs Four On National Signing Day
November 12, 2025 | Softball
SEATTLE – Washington softball head coach Heather Tarr welcomes the addition of four signees on Wednesday. The future Huskies include Lucy Ford, Shea Gonzalez, Grazia Mazzola and Brooklyn Paratore.
“This signing class continues to elevate the standard adding elite depth to an already impressive roster,” said head coach Heather Tarr on the class. “Each of these athletes brings positional excellence, competitive maturity, and a character-driven edge that aligns with everything we value in our program.”
LUCY FORD
Woodinville, Wash. | Woodinville H.S. | Washington Voodoo | OF
A local product from Woodinville, Wash., Ford played for a few different club teams in Washington as well as Woodinville High School. At Woodinville, she was named Second Team All-Conference and won the Golden Glove Award.
Playing primarily center field, Ford batted .432 and scored 22 runs during her 2024 campaign at Woodinville.
“My favorite softball memories are playing high school ball alongside my younger sister, Jane. She is my best friend and all the moments sharing the sport I love with her are truly priceless.”
She plans to study biology and Spanish while at UW.
WHY WASHINGTON?
“I chose Washington for its standard of excellence on the field and in the classroom. Also, the Husky softball program has always felt like family since growing up around Coach Tarr and the program in my 12U years.”
COACH TARR ON LUCY
“Lucy is a local standout from Woodinville whose travel ball journey has been shaped by Husky mentorship, including time with former shortstop Tami Storseth (Mahler). She brings speed, athleticism, and a dynamic presence to our outfield. Lucy’s talents extend beyond the field, and we’re so excited to welcome her into the Husky softball family next fall.”
SHEA GONZALEZ
Villa Park, Calif. | Villa Park H.S. | FC Select | OF
An outfielder from Villa Park, Calif., Gonzalez played for FC Select Rico and Brashear 18U while also competing for Villa Park High School.
The 5’7 California native played all three spots in the outfield and is a left-handed batter.
“My favorite softball memory is leading my team at Alliance Nationals my sophomore year and having the third highest batting average in the tournament.”
She plans to pursue Education Studies in the College of Education while at UW.
WHY WASHINGTON?
“I got invited to my first camp and once I stepped on campus, it immediately felt like home. I love the coaches, the school, the environment and am excited to get up to Seattle!”
COACH TARR ON SHEA
“Shea is a dynamic outfielder who plays for the renowned Firecrackers program under Tony Rico. She’s been primarily a short game player, using her speed and precision to create pressure and opportunities. Shea comes from a true softball family, coached by both her father and grandfather, who have built storied careers at the high school level and beyond. Her mother, Michelle Churnock, was a national champion shortstop at the University of Arizona, and that championship pedigree is evident in Shea’s approach. She brings speed and depth to our outfield, and we’re thrilled to welcome her talents to Seattle.”
GRAZIA MAZZOLA
Eureka, Mo. | Eureka Sr. H.S. | FC Select | SS/OF
A left-handed batter from Eureka Sr. High School in Eureka, Mo., Grazia Mazzola will join her older sister, Sophi Mazzola, in the 2026 class.
“My favorite softball memory was hitting back-to-back home runs with my sister Sophi during high school ball — my sophomore year and her senior year. It was such a cool moment that I will never forget!”
She plans to study marketing and communications while at Washington.
WHY WASHINGTON?
“I chose Washington because the coaches are truly one of a kind. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by the best every single day! I can’t wait to live in the beautiful city of Seattle, and I’m so excited to be a Dawg!”
COACH TARR ON GRAZIA
“Grazia is an elite middle infield prospect with every tool you look for—speed, power, and the ability to hit for contact from the left side. She’s a big-time addition to our future roster, and we’re thrilled to welcome another Mazzola into the program. With her early enrollment in January, the future is bright with Grazia involved.”
BROOKLYN PARATORE
El Dorado Hills, Calif. | Oak Ridge H.S. | FC Select | C
A catcher from El Dorado Hills, Calif., Brooklyn Paratore adds USA Softball experience and skill to the incoming Husky roster. She is a two-time gold medalist at the world championship level, including the 2025 WBSC U-18 World Cup and 2023 U-15 WBSC World Cup.
In addition to national team experience, Paratore was a 2023 Utsugi Cup Champion and a 2023 U-15 WBSC Americas Qualifier Gold medalist.
Paratore plans to major in mechanical engineering or business while at UW.
Her favorite softball memory is hitting her first ever grand slam against China while playing for team USA.
WHY WASHINGTON?
“I chose Washington because it’s always been home. My mom’s whole side of the family is from here, and I grew up visiting as a kid. It’s been my dream school since I can remember. The coaches are amazing and they’ve made me feel like I was at home since I met them.”
COACH TARR ON BROOKLYN
“Brooklyn is an elite receiver behind the plate with the ability to hit for both contact and power. As the first commit in this class, she set the tone early. Her high school career and her success with USA Softball, competing for multiple gold medals, bring invaluable experience to our program. Brooklyn also has deep family roots in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re excited to bring her home to Seattle. She will be a force for us both behind the plate and in the batter’s box.”
For more information on the UW softball team, follow @UWSoftball on X and Instagram.
