OREM, Utah — Utah Valley softball head coach Cody Thomson has announced the signing of five athletes as part of the class of 2027 signing class, including reigning Utah Gatorade Player of the Year KJ Blackmer.
Along with Blackmer (Willard, Utah), Thomson also signed Emma Parker (Mililani, Hawai'i), Mariah Holguin (Phillips Ranch, Calif.), Leila Stevenson (Nephi, Utah), and Jaydan Bushman (Riverton, Utah).
KJ BLACKMER - RHP/1B | Box Elder HS | Willard, UT
Blackmer was named the 2026 Utah Gatorade Player of the Year after an outstanding season on both sides of the ball that helped propel Box Elder to a region title and a state runner-up finish. Blackmer hit 26 home runs — one off the state record for all levels — and drove in 68, while also posting a 1.35 ERA with 221 strikeouts. Blackmer posted a pair of double-digit strikeout games as the Bees knocked off perennial power Spanish Fork to advance to the state finals. Blackmer currently plays her club softball for USA Athletics Embrey.
EMMA PARKER - INF | Mililani HS | Mililani, HI
A three-time state champion, Parker has been the starting first baseman for the Trojans the last two seasons. Across the last two seasons, Parker has hit .471 with eight home runs and 43 RBIs in 37 games played. Parker was named to the state championship All-Tournament team and first team All-OIA this past season. Her twin brother, Jonah, is committed to play baseball at Hawaii Pacific and also helped lead Mililani to a state title this past season. Parker currently plays her club softball for Firecrackers Brashear.
MARIAH HOLGUIN - OF | Diamond Ranch HS | Phillips Ranch, CA
Holguin was named first team All-League at Ayala HS before transferring to Diamond Ranch, where she'll play her senior season this spring. Holguin helped lead Ayala to a league title this past season, posting a .604 batting average with three triples, two doubles, 14 RBIs, and 22 runs scored across 23 games. Holguin plays her club softball for Firecrackers Brashear.
LEILA STEVENSON - UTL | Salem Hills HS | Nephi, UT
Stevenson was one of the driving forces behind Salem Hills' state-championship team that defeated Blackmer and Box Elder HS this past spring. Stevenson was named first team All-State in 5A. Stevenson hit .478 with 15 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a 1.677 OPS, leading the Skyhawks to a perfect 14-0 record in region play and a 32-2 overall record. Stevenson plays her club softball for USA Athletics Embrey.
JAYDAN BUSHMAN - INF | Riverton HS | Riverton, UT
A three-time state champion entering her senior season, Bushman has been one of the top offensive threats in the Silverwolf lineup. As a junior last season, Bushman was named first team All-State after hitting .409 with eight home runs, eight doubles, and 33 RBIs across 33 games played. Bushman currently plays her club softball for USA Athletics Embrey.
