July 3, 2025

Ferris State softball team inks two high school All-State selections to build on last season’s successes

The Ferris State University softball team, which reached the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 2013 this past spring, has bolstered its 2025 incoming class with the addition of two First-Team high school All-State selections.

Bulldog head coach Jake Schumann has announced the signings of West Michigan standouts Ava Gardner, an outfielder from Hudsonville, and Addison Gillard, a right-handed pitcher from Ravenna, as part of the 2025 class.

Both were named to the All-State First Team squad and led their teams to the state semifinals last season.

Their additions bring the number of incoming Ferris State All-State selections to seven.

"Ava was originally signed to play Division I softball at Purdue Fort Wayne until it decided to drop its program last month," Schumann said.

"She was voted as the best outfielder in the state by a fan poll and her senior season did not disappoint. Overall, she's athletic, has a strong arm, good range and has a ton of pop in her bat. We are so thankful to have Ava as a Dawg. She chose us over several other Division I and II in-state schools and is a huge addition to an already deep roster."

Gillard's addition will bolster the Bulldogs' pitching staff for the 2026 campaign.

"Addison is the younger sister of Bulldog Emma Gillard," Schumann said. "Addi brings an elite change up to our rotation and a Dawg mentality in the circle. She's a two-way player who may also find herself in the mix with the bat. We look for Addi to make an immediate impact on our staff this year."

The Bulldogs' 28 wins this past year represented the program's most in a decade and Ferris State advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 12 years under Schumann's direction.