The Winslow Lady Bulldogs have been a quality softball team for decades and won a state championship last season. There have been an increasing number of players from the program attracting attention and offers from colleges, including three seniors from the 2012 edition of the Winslow Lady Bulldogs. Arianna Huerta, Karly Gilbert and Kelley Pugh have all accepted scholarship offers from colleges. Gilbert and Pugh will likely play against each other at the next level of competition.

Kelley Pugh signed with Mesa Community College and will play for their new coach, Wayne Hill, formerly of Dobson High School.

“Coach Hill had his eye on Kelley from games that Winslow played against them in the Payson Tournament and continued his pursuit of her this past fall while Kelley played in club tournaments with Mountain Thunder out of Show Low,” said WHS Coach Becky Barris. “Kelley has been an instrumental part of the Bulldog pitching staff for the last three years and has done a great job. She will likely pitch against her former battery mate, Karly Gilbert, on several occasions for the next two years.”

Karly Gilbert has signed with Scottsdale Community College.

“Karly has been an instrumental part of the Bulldogs during her career. She is the team’s catcher this year and brings a ton of energy and dedication to the game,” said Coach Barris. “Karly is very hard working, and does what-ever it takes day in and day out to make herself and our team better. She spent the last two years playing with the Arizona Cheetahs, and has worked really hard to improve her game and become a leader for the Bulldogs as well. She will likely have the opportunity to bat against Kelley Pugh, a pitcher she will spend this season catching.” Arianna Huerta has signed to play at the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls.

“Arianna has been a four-year starter and team captain for the Bulldogs and has led our team defensively. She has an outstanding glove and her range is incredible. She is our number two hitter this year, and she is so solid at the plate and so versatile,” said the coach. “Arianna has played with the Arizona Cheetahs and Mountain Thunder from Show Low in her travel ball career. She has great softball instincts, and is one of the most consistent players that we have ever had. Arianna has been on the 3A North All Region Team, as well as the 3A Conference All State Team.”