OMAHA, Neb. - Southwestern Head Softball Coach Danny Jensen recently announced the signing of a pair of catchers from the Nebraska Thunder Gold Softball Club.

Lily McCrae and Calie Allen both signed National Letters of Intent to join the Spartan softball team for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Allen is a 2023 graduate of Millard South High School, while McCrae graduated from Millard West High School in May 2023.

Allen is the daughter of Michelle and Rob Safford and Chris Allen of Omaha. McCrae is the daughter of Rachel and Paul McCrae of Omaha.

At Millard South, Allen was a member of National Honor Society, DECA Club, and was on the honor roll.

"Calie is an outstanding power-hitting catcher playing with the Nebraska Thunder Gold softball program," Jensen said. "Calie will bring some much-needed power to our lineup."

McCrae has earned multiple academic letters at Millard West, where she was also a member of the DECA Club and the Millard Business and Entrepreneurship Academy, and earned a specialty business diploma. She was a four-year member of the varsity lacrosse team, including two years as team captain. She earned all-conference honors in lacrosse.

"Lily has been an outstanding catcher with the Nebraska Thunder Gold softball program for several years," Jensen said. "She is a very successful lacrosse player. She will bring some toughness to our team."