FOURNIER, NELSON COMMIT TO MINOT HONEYBEES SOFTBALL
Minot State Pitcher, Miles CC Infielder to Play in Historic Season
MINOT, ND – Kierra Fournier and Shannon Nelson have signed with the Minot Honeybees ahead of the softball team’s inaugural season. The Minot State pitcher and Miles Community College infielder traveled with the team to Mankato for the Honeybees’ first games against the Habaneros.
Fournier comes to the Honeybees from in town at Minot State University. Originally from Victoria, British Columbia, the sophomore right-handed pitcher had an active debut season with the Beavers, starting in 18 games in the 2023 season and appearing in 21. Across her pitching career at MSU, Fournier has appeared in 34 games and pitched 122.1 total innings, striking out 55 players. She has pitched five complete games and one shutout. She has maintained an ERA of 4.29 across two seasons.
On the fielding side of the stat sheet, Fournier has recorded 3 putouts and 35 assists in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. She has recorded no errors, resulting in a fielding percentage of 1.000.
Fournier was noted as a top pitching prospect out of Canada for the 2022 recruiting class, signing a letter of intent to sign with the Beavers in late 2021. While finishing her foundational education at Lambrick Park Secondary in British Columbia, Fournier was among only 25 softball players invited to the U19 Team Canada Selection Camp. As a club softball player, she has also played for the Delta Heat 04, Langford Lightning Elite, and Victoria Devils. While at Lambrick Park Secondary, Fournier also played basketball and field hockey. She hopes to one day play for the Canadian National Team.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to play high level ball this summer while getting to know all these amazing girls,” Fournier said. “It is competitive and fun!”
Nelson can typically be found in the infield at second base for Miles Community College. Through her two seasons with the Pioneers, Nelson has appeared in 70 games, resulting in 71 total hits, six doubles, and two home runs. With 36 RBIs, Nelson maintains a career batting average of .368 and an on-base percentage of .506.
Across her 70 games, Nelson holds a fielding percentage of .878 and an impressive 149 putouts. She has recorded 60 total assists and 29 career errors.
Nelson, a native of Billings, Montana, attended high school at Park High School in Livingston, Montana, where she played both varsity softball and varsity basketball. In high school, she recorded a batting average of .286 and two RBIs. She scored eight runs and held an on-base percentage of .500. Her fielding average was . 941 and she achieved 13 putouts. Nelson also participated in club ball, playing for the Montana Xtreme.
“I’m looking forward to getting better, competing with new people, and getting the chance to play more!” Nelson said. “I love to compete, and softball lit a fire in me. The feeling of getting the perfect grounder and perfect throw is mesmerizing.”
Fans eager to see Fournier, Nelson, and the Honeybees play in their debut season can visit honeybeessoftball.com for tickets, game schedules, and group opportunities. For real-time updates on all roster announcements and team news, follow the Honeybees on social media or sign up for their e-newsletter.
