Class of 2024: Paige Ernstes

STARKVILLE – One of the top catchers in the class, Paige Ernstes signed with Mississippi State softball in November.

The New Palestine, Indiana, native is considered the nation's No. 41 prospect nationally by Extra Inning Softball and the No. 21 catcher in the class.

"Paige immediately stood out for her elite skills behind the plate on defense," head coach Samantha Ricketts said. "She is a smooth receiver that understands the art of catching. She also brings a lot of power offensively and a mature approach to the game."

After missing her freshman season with an injury, Ernstes batted .433 as a sophomore at New Palestine High School. She posted a .672 slugging percentage and 1.191 OPS that season on her way to an all-county recognition. In 2023, the Dragons won their conference championship, and Ernstes was named All-Hoosier Heritage Conference and all-county. She batted .432 in her second campaign, while her slugging percentage climbed to .727.

On the travel circuit, she won a USSSA National Championship with the Indy Edge in 2019. After reaching high school, she moved to the Indiana Magic Gold where she hit .458 with a 1.313 OPS between her freshman and sophomore years. In the same season she posted an impressing .833 slugging percentage.

Ernestes' squad placed inside the top five at the 2022 IDT and won the Midwest PGF Firecracker Championship in 2020. Most recently, they finished 17th at The Alliance Nationals in 2023. Ernestes hit .500 in travel ball leading into her junior year and posted a .991 fielding percentage behind the plate.

"I chose MSU because of the amazing coaches that have created an environment that feels like family," Ernstes said.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and served as a DARE student ambassador off the field.

Mississippi State softball signed nine student-athletes on National Signing Day on Nov. 8. State's class was ranked No. 15 by Extra Inning Softball. Six of the newcomers have been ranked by Extra Inning Softball as top 100 prospects, marking Rickett's largest number of top-100 prospects since taking over as head coach in 2020. The Bulldogs will continue to release an in-depth look at each signee throughout the month of December.

For more information on the Bulldog softball program, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "HailStateSB."

Mississippi State University Athletics

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