DAYTON – University of Dayton softball head coach Cara Clark has announced the commitment of four players to continue their academic and athletic careers at UD. Chayse Adkins (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville), Christine Chmiel (Crystal Lake, Ill./Marian Central Catholic), Emma Gibson (Denver, Colo./Denver South) and Zoe Trunk (Orland Park, Ill./Carl Sandburg) will join the Flyers' roster for the 2027 season.

"This class embodies a unique combination of competitive success, academic rigor and leadership qualities," commented Clark. "The future of our team has been strengthened by the addition of these four high character student-athletes. We look forward to welcoming each of them and their families to the Flyer program."

Chayse Adkins, a native of Centerville, Ohio, is a 5-7 infielder set to graduate from nearby Centerville High School in May 2026 and is heading into her final season with the Elks under head coach Wendell Hutchison. Adkins, who has been named a team captain ahead of her senior season, was named All-GWOC Special Mention in 2023 and 2024 and to the GWOC Second Team in 2025. During her junior year, she helped lead her team to the Ohio Division 1 state finals, the program's first appearance in the state semifinals and finals. Most recently, Adkins has played club ball with coach Hutchison's Miami Valley Xpress National team.

Christine Chmiel, a 5-9 pitcher from Crystal Lake, Illinois, is playing her prep career at Marian Central Catholic High School under head coach Paul Sandall. She helped lead the Hurricanes to a second-place finish in the Chicagoland Christian Conference this past season, earning All-Conference honors for the third-consecutive year. The three-time captain has also been named to the All-State Second Team (2025) and Third Team (2024). Chmiel plays club ball on Hannah Clark's Select Fastpitch 18U squad.

Emma Gibson, who hails from Denver, Colorado, is a 5-10 infielder at Denver South High School under the tutelage of head coach Greg Hogan. Following her senior season this past fall, she was named to the 2025 CHSAA 5A All-State First Team, her fourth-consecutive mention on an all-state team. Gibson is also a four-time All-Denver Prep League honoree and has twice been named Conference Player of the Year. She holds several Denver South program records, including home runs (37), hits (179) and RBI (229). She plays club ball with Colorado Batbusters National 18U under coach Joe Smith.

Orland Park, Illinois, native Zoe Trunk rounds out the Flyers' incoming class. She is set to graduate from Carl Sandburg High School in May 2026 after a prep career with head coach Amanda Allison. Following her junior season, she was named to the 2025 ICA Class 4A All-State Third Team. Trunk is a two-time member of the SWSC All-Conference Team and was named the Eagles' Team MVP this past season. She plays club ball on Joe Tholl's Sparks 18U team.

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