NATCHITOCHES – First-year Northwestern State softball head coach Jenny Fuller announced the additions of three signees on Thursday as part of National Signing Day.
 
The Demons will welcome a pair of freshman and one junior college transfer to Natchitoches prior to the 2026 season.
 
NSU's newest additions are Hanna Barrels (Weatherford, Texas), Grace Birk (Burlington, Kan.) and Mckenna Rinewalt (Porter, Texas).
 
"I am excited to welcome this group to Natchitoches," Fuller said. "This class has energy, talent, competitiveness and high character. I am proud of the coaching staff for the work they put into getting these athletes to NSU."


 
Hanna Bartels – OF – R/R – Weatherford, Texas (Weatherford HS) – Weatherford College
 
Prior to NSU
Played one season so far at Weatherford College…made appearances in 12 games during her freshman year, totaling six hits, driving in three and scoring five runs...Bartels will play her sophomore season for the Coyotes.
 
High School
Three-time all-district outfielder, once at each of the three positions…batted over .380 in each of her final two prep seasons with more than 40 total RBI and near perfect .980 fielding percentage in both seasons…earned All-Parker County honors following her junior and senior seasons as well as a Top 30 Preseason All-DFW outfielder recognition from the Forth Worth Star Telegram…named THSCA Academic All-State after her senior season.
 
Personal
Daughter of Amanda Gill and Chris Bartels…father Chris served in military for eight years and is now recruiting coordinator for Weatherford College softball…step father Jeff Garner played football at TCU and for the New Orleans Saints…plans to major in business administration and work as an investment banker in the global financial markets…weekly volunteer at animal shelter…life's ambition is to "glorify God in everything I do and continuously strive to be the best that I can be in my personal, spiritual and business life."
 
Coach Jenny Fuller on Bartels
"Hanna brings a lot of experience and athleticism to our program," Fuller said. "She plays with energy and can play any position in the outfield.  Hanna is also a player that I think (Associate Head Coach) Brad (Fuller) can really develop at the plate.  We are excited for Hanna to get to Demonland."
 
 
 
Grace Birk – P – R/R – Burlington, Kan (Burlington HS)
 
High School
Two-sport athlete at Burlington HS in softball and basketball…three-time All-Pioneer League selection on the diamond thus far…consecutive 100-strikeout seasons in her first two years before breaking a pair of single-season marks and career records during her junior year…struck out 243 batters with a 0.95 ERA, both school records…currently holds the career strikeout mark with 484 with her senior season still to be played…her 243 Ks during her junior season was among the top five in the state of Kansas and came in the course of 22 total games…earned her second straight second-team all-state honor…member of National Honor Society and Presidential A Honor Roll for three years…part of Student Athletic Leadership Team, Future Business Leaders of America and Fellowship of Christian Athletes along with three other student clubs and organizations. 
 
Personal
Daughter of Amy and Derek Birk…has three brothers, Caleb, Miles and Alex…plans to major in health and exercise science and become a physical therapist…loves spending time with her German shepherd Ellie…life's ambition is to "take life once day at a time, never give up and be there for my family and friends."
 
Coach Jenny Fuller on Birk
"Grace is a competitor on the mound and a pitcher that the defense wants to play behind," Fuller said. "She has had a high level of success in high school and travel ball, setting numerous records at her high school.  Grace is also a competitive hitter, and we plan on utilizing her at the plate as well."
 
 

Mckenna Rinewalt – UTL – L/R – Porter, Texas (Porter HS)
 
High School
Three-time all-district player thus far at Porter HS…burst onto the scene in her freshman season hitting .484 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs helping her earn Newcomer of the Year honors in the district and a second-team spot on the All-Greater Houston Area team…broke the Porter HS single-season home run record as a sophomore with 13 long balls and setting the career home run mark in the process…Rinewalt has hit 28 home runs in her first three seasons with more than 100 RBI…batted over .460 with on-base percentages over .540 in each of her first two seasons…named district offensive player of the year following her sophomore season...member of the National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America…named to the academic all-district team.
 
Personal
Daughter of Kristen and David Rinewalt…has one sister, Emma…plans to major in biology and wants to be an EEG technician…life's ambition is to combine her passion for athletics with a career that promotes physical and personal growth.
 
Coach Jenny Fuller on Rinewalt
"We just love the high energy McKenna brings to the field," Fuller said. "She is vocal, fast and can play multiple positions.  I can't wait for (Associate Head Coach) Brad (Fuller) to work with her on her swing because I know there is a lot of potential there."