November 09, 2026 | Softball
Wisconsin's Midwestern Pipeline Remains Strong
MADISON, Wis. - The Wisconsin softball team and Head Coach Yvette Healy announce the signing four new athletes Wednesday morning. of Tamari Christopher, Ella Heimbuch, Soleil Tate and Ava Bobb all signed their national letter of intent to join the Badgers' program as the class of 2027.
Ava Bobb
Hometown: Chatham, Ill
High School: Glenwood High School
Position(s): INF
Bats/Throws: R/R
Bobb's Why Wisconsin:
"Stepping on Goodman diamond for the first time was an extraordinary feeling. The business programs blew me away, and the campus and surrounding area had me in awe. I was able to make connections with the players, which led me to see the hard working and genuine team culture that the coaches have constructed. I felt that the coaches cared about me as a person and wanted to help me grow on the field and in the classroom. I'm so excited for the opportunity to be able to compete in the Big Ten and be surrounded by people who are going to push me to be better every day."
Coach Healy on Bobb
"Ava is a power-hitting shortstop from Chatham Glenwood High School in Illinois. She helped lead Coach Von Edgar's Titans to a state championship in 2025 and a second-place finish last year. She is a strong, physical athlete who loves to win. She's been an impact player on the Glenwood basketball team, finishing as state runner's up two of the last three years. Ava brings competitive drive to the field each day, excelling in the classroom, weight room and in her community."
Last but certainly not least👏 @ava_bobb rounds out our newest class of commits!! https://t.co/TZS0Uhnk0x
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 11, 2026
Tamari Christopher
Hometown: Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
High School: Simley Senior High School
Position(s): INF
Bats/Throws: R/R
Christopher's Why Wisconsin:
"I chose UW-Madison because it felt like a place where I could grow as a student and athlete. The first time I stepped on campus I felt at home. The coaches were so encouraging, and after meeting the team I could really see myself going to Madison."
Coach Healy on Christopher:
"Tamari is a speedy centerfielder and shortstop from Tori Holt's Midwest Speed program. She brings leadership and energy to the field, making everyone around her better. She knows how to play Badger softball, diving, stealing and making WebGem catches for her team. She cares deeply about growing the game and being a role model for her community."The first look at our 2027 recruits😁 Welcome to the 608 @tamari_02 https://t.co/0W45nwZiBV
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 11, 2026
Ella Heimbuch
Hometown: South Elgin, Ill.
High School: St. Charles North High School
Position(s): C/INF
Bats/Throws: L/R
Heimbuch's Why Wisconsin:"I can't wait to be a Badger! Wisconsin's outstanding academics, vibrant campus, and strong sense of community are just a few reasons why I chose Wisconsin. I am especially excited about the opportunity to play softball and be part of a family-oriented program that values both athletic development and community involvement. Madison's wide range of academic opportunities, campus atmosphere, and year-round activities make it an ideal fit for me. I plan to major in biology, with a possible focus in chemistry, as I hope to pursue a career in medicine, specifically dermatology. My passion for science grew through my experiences in AP Biology and AP Chemistry, and I look forward to expanding that knowledge at UW-Madison. With its respected medical school and countless opportunities for personal and academic growth, I believe Wisconsin is the perfect place for me to succeed both on and off the field."
Coach Healy on Heimbuch:
"Ella is a lefty-hitting catcher and shortstop who helped lead St. Charles North High School to a state championship her freshman year. She brings speed, power and hustle to the field. Ella is a tremendous leader on and off the field, and she's committed to giving back to her community."
It's official ✍️ @EHeimbuch_2027 is a Badger! https://t.co/uTVVeCTsEe
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 11, 2026
Soleil Tate
Hometown: Woodridge, Ill.
High School: Marist High School
Position(s): RHP
Bats/Throws: L/R
Tate's Why Wisconsin:
"It's easy to say, 'I'm going to Wisconsin to play softball.' While that is true, there is more than just softball that makes me eager to attend. Wisconsin is what my family does. It has always been a meaningful part of my family, and I hope to carry on that Badger tradition. While softball is a major reason, I am equally excited about Wisconsin's academic opportunities, especially its highly regarded psychology program. I hope to better understand the human mind and use that knowledge to help others feel seen and supported. Growing up surrounded by hard work, determination, and Wisconsin pride has taught me to push myself both academically and athletically. I know being a student-athlete at Wisconsin will challenge me, but I am ready to embrace those challenges, find my community, and make the most of every opportunity. To me, Wisconsin isn't just a school—it's home, and it has always been Wisconsin."
Coach Healy on Tate:
"Soleil is a lefty-hitting, drop ball pitcher from Coach Colleen Phelen's nationally ranked Marist High school in Chicago. She is a leader and competitor, helping pitch Marist to IHSA state playoffs the last three years. Soleil comes from a proud Wisconsin family, following in her mom Paula's footsteps as a Badger. Soleil brings warmth and positivity to the field every day, bringing out the best in her teammates and coaches."
Keeping the legacy alive💪 Happy to have you home @SoleilTate https://t.co/IBaKsIij5V
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) November 11, 2026
