The East Carolina softball team has announced its 2025 signing class of Ella Tracy, Kendall Manos, Macey Ciamillo and Sydney Rainford on Wednesday.
“I’m excited about the athleticism and versatility that this class will bring to our program,” head coach Shane Winkler said. “This class is going to help us immediately mostly because they all work extremely hard. They are all passionate about Pirate Nation and it shows. They will be joining an established veteran group and the fact that they can help all over the diamond as well as in the circle will continue to help push our program towards the top of the AAC.”
Ella Tracy | 1B/OF | Waxhaw, N.C. (Marvin Ridge HS)
Helped lead Marvin Ridge to a 17-4 record in her junior season and a 4A Southern Carolina Conference Tournament Championship … Was named All-Conference, All-District, All-State, All-Charlotte Observer First Team, 2024 Silver Slugger of the Year, Hot Stove Gamer of the Year … Nominated for Hot Stove Outfielder of the Year … Batted .422 at the plate and recorded 17 RBI, six doubles and four home runs … In 2023, Tracy tallied a .438 batting average and hit 13 home runs to help guide Marvin Ridge to a 22-5 record and a 4A Southern Carolina Conference Championship … As a freshman, Tracy was nominated for the Hot Stove Youth Player of the Year … Won the 16U USA Nationals Championship in 2023 and the 16 USA Nationals Championship in 2024.
Winkler on Tracy: “Ella belongs in Purple and Gold. Her parents are Pirates and we’re excited to welcome her home. We are always looking for pure hitters from the left side and Ella is just that. She has that sweet lefty swing that allows her to square up balls consistently and will make her a tough out the moment she steps on campus.”
Kendall Manos | INF | Dublin, Ohio (Hilliard Davidson HS)
Started in all 82 games over the course of three seasons with Hilliard Davidson … Primarily played shortstop … Compiled a batting average of .415 with an on-base percentage of .510 in her three seasons with the Wildcats … Ranked in Athlon Sports’ Top Three Shortstops in the state of Ohio as a junior … Led the team in hits, doubles, triples, home runs, runs and RBI in two of her three seasons … Two-time Central Ohio District All-Conference and All-District … Played for the Ohio Lasers from 2021-24 and for Ohio Outlaws National who have won three of their four fall 2024 tournaments.
Winkler on Manos: “Kendall is a tough competitor that also has family ties to ECU. Her speed and versatility gives her the ability to make an impact all over the field. She can drive the ball all over the field and has stolen base and extra base speed that we always need more of on our roster. She does a great job in the middle infield, but also gives us another athletic option in the outfield as well.”
Kendall Manos’ Quote: “ECU has been in my family for over a decade; with my uncle and cousin both attending ECU. Since I was a little girl, I can always remember cheering for the Pirates. It wasn’t until my first visit to ECU, where I met the softball coaches, and KNEW I wanted to attend. I loved the campus and the coaches made me feel like family. I’m excited to start my journey!”
Macey Ciamillo | INF/UTL | Wilmington, N.C. (Hoggard HS)
Named Mideastern Conference First Team after batting .542 with 28 RBI and eight home runs in her junior season to go along with a 2.00 ERA and 121 strikeouts tossed in the circle … 2024 NCSCA All-District and All-State player … Two-time Coastal Preps Softball First Team … Coastal Preps Offensive Player of the Year and MEC Player of the Year in 2023 with a batting average of .519 and 41 RBI … Went 14-7 in the circle as a sophomore with a 1.54 ERA and 102 strikeouts … 2023 Star News All-Area Softball First Team … 2022 MEC Pitcher of the Year and MEC All-Conference as a freshman with 96 strikeouts.
Winkler on Ciamillo: “Macey grew up in a Pirate family so it’s exciting to bring her on board. She has a ton of athleticism and will bring a solid glove to our infield. Offensively, she has a lot of power potential and can beat you in many ways at the plate.”
Macey Ciamillo’s Quote: “From the first moment I stepped on the campus of ECU, even as a little girl, I knew it was where I was meant to be. ECU isn’t just a school; it’s home, and playing softball here is a dream come true. Once a Pirate, always a Pirate!”
Sydney Rainford | RHP | Lake Village, Ind. (North Newton HS)
Helped lead North Newton to a conference and sectional championship in 2024 after recording 500 strikeouts as the ace pitcher for the Spartans … Three-time Northwest Indiana Times, Journal and Courier All-Area Team … Two-time First Team All-State … Three-time 1A Midwest All-Conference … Three-time First Team All-Area … Won a conference and sectional championship in her freshman season with North Newton.
Winkler on Rainford: “I’ve been watching Sydney grow in the circle for years. Her desire to improve has made her one of the better pitchers in the 2025 class. Her ability to miss barrels consistently is going to make her a big addition to our talented staff.”
Sydney Rainford’s Quote: “ECU felt like my home away from home, filled with so many great people and opportunities.”
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