MIAMI – FIU softball has signed four standout student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2024-25 academic year, FIU head coach
Mike Larabee announced on Monday.
Included in the recent signings are Ciera Diaz (SS/2B) (Brandon, Fla., Newsome HS), Jensen Luke (INF) (Eustis, Fla./Eustis HS), Kendall Catherwood (UTL) (St. John's, Fla./St. John's River State College) and Samantha Zelenka (INF/OF) (Miami, Fla./Florida Christian).
Each of the new student-athletes will join the Panthers' program beginning in Fall 2024.
"We are excited to announce the addition of Ciera, Jensen, Kendall and Sammy to our program," Larabee said. "This group will continue to bolster our offensive production and brings with them the defensive versatility to compete for playing time and provide depth at a number of positions. Most importantly, this is a group of determined young women that chose FIU in order to chase perfection and catch excellence in their academics off the field and compete for Conference USA championships on it."
Ciera Diaz – Brandon, Fla.
Diaz is a 5'2 middle infielder who was member of back-to-back District Championship squads at Newsome High School in 2022 and 2023. She was honored as a First Team All-Western Conference selection in 2023 and was a second-team choice in 2022.
Diaz has recorded a batting average of .350 or better in each of her last three prep season with Newsome, posting a .350 clip in 2021 before following that with a .367 average in 2022 and .472 in 2023.
Also, an outstanding student, Diaz is a member of the National Honor Society and was a regular member of the Principles' Honor Roll at Newsome.
Larabee on Diaz
"Ciera is very competitive, hardworking, and has a very high softball IQ. She came to several of our Elite Camps and each camp she just continued to impress our staff. She can play several infield positions and will bring a lot of energy to our program."
Jensen Luke – Eustis, Fla.
Luke is a 5'2 versatile infielder that is capable of playing at third, second and shortstop. She helped guide Eustis High School to the 2021 Florida State 4A Championship as well as district titles in 2022 and 2023. She was recognized with 2021 All-State honors and was selected to the 2022 and 2023 All-District squads.
Luke recorded a .347 batting average during the 2022 campaign as a prep and was Eustis' leader in hits and doubles in 2021 as well as leading the squad in RBI during both the 2022 and 2023 postseason runs.
Academically, Luke has also excelled as she won the AP Scholar Award, was Key Club President and served as treasurer for the National Honors Society.
Larabee on Luke
"Jensen is a hard-nosed infielder that can drive the ball from the right side of the plate and is also very good at dropping a bunt for hit. She has a love and passion for the game and I'm excited for what Jensen will add to the Panther lineup."
Kendall Catherwood – St. John's Fla.
Catherwood is a 5'7 utility player who is expected to compete for time at numerous infield positions. She was a first-team All-County selection during her senior prep season, while competing at Creekside High School and spent last season competing for St. John's River State College in Jacksonville.
A very disciplined hitter, Catherwood only struck out seven times over 229 plate appearances in 2023 while at St. John's River State College. She is also a threat on the basepaths with a perfect mark of 30-for-30 on steal attempts during the 2023 campaign at St. John's.
She was honored as a NJCAA All-Region choice in 2023 and was named to the 2023 NJCAA All-Tournament squad. In addition, Catherwood was recognized as the St. John's River State College Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2023. Catherwood will join the FIU program as a sophomore.
Larabee on Catherwood
"Kendall is an outstanding athlete who can get the job done both on the dirt and the grass. She is an outstanding left-handed hitter who very rarely strikeouts. She has gap power and will continue to add speed to our program."
Samantha Zelenka – Miami, Fla.
Zelenka is a 5'5 middle infielder and corner outfielder who possess a power bat. During her prep career at Florida Christian, she unloaded for a .552 batting average and drove in 97 runs, while scoring 107. She amassed 137 hits during her prep career and ripped 17 home runs. She recorded a total of 63 extra-base hits and only struck out nine times in 289 career prep plate appearances.
Larabee on Zelenka
"Sammy has the ability to hit for tremendous power at our level. She is a right handed hitter with an explosive bat and has an absolute cannon for an arm. She can play a very high level of catch."
TICKETS
For more information on FIU Softball season and individual tickets, including student ticketing, call 305-FIU-GAME or visit the
FIU Athletics Online Ticket Office.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Panthers on Instagram
(@FIUSoftball), Twitter (
@FIUSoftball), and Facebook (
Facebook.com/FIUSoftball) for all the latest FIU Softball news.
