FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 5^th, 2026
 
Portland, Ore.| Warner Pacific Softball is proud to announce the signing of true freshman catcher, Daphnie Heckel to the 2027 roster.
 
"Daphnie is coming to us as an elite hitter as well as behind the plate," Head Coach Ashton Porter said. "She will be joining our freshman class who are eager to play college ball. She will be bringing great command and intensity to this program."
 
Heckel is from down south in from just outside of Eugene in Springfield, Oregon and attends Thurston High School until completion this spring of 2026. While in high school, Heckel was a four sport athlete playing basketball and softball all four years as well as soccer and flag football for three years. Heckel racked up the awards earning First Team All-League as a third baseman her freshman year, First Team All-League as a catcher her sophomore year, Second Team All-State as a junior, and First Team All-State also as a junior.
 
Heckel will be coming to Warner Pacific as a true freshman and will play catcher for the Knights. Heckel plans to major in criminal justice. A couple of fun facts about Heckel is that she has a golden retriever named Liberty and is a certified welder.