Snow College Softball Player Paige Rydalch Dies In Car Accident
Jan 16, 2023, 6:42 PM
The campus of Snow College in Ephraim. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Snow College announced the passing of Paige Rydalch, a member of the Badgers’ softball team. On Monday, January 16, Rydalch passed away following a car accident on SR-132.
“It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the death of one of our softball players. This morning, Paige Rydalch, a sophomore from Stockton, Utah, was traveling south on SR-132 and was involved in a two-car accident,” Snow College announced.
Rydalch was an infielder for the Badgers.
Snow College vice president for external affairs Rob Nielson shared the following statement on Rydalch’s death:
“This has shocked and saddened our softball family. We know Paige, and we love her. She was a dedicated player who always put in the extra mile. She made others feel loved and had a work ethic like no other.” – Rob Nielson
Nielson helped coach the Badgers’ softball team a season ago.
In a statement, Snow College said that members of its athletic department contacted the college’s public safety department to report a missing person after Rydalch was not in attendance for softball practice on January 16. Family later notified Snow College of Rydalch’s passing.
“A tragedy like this impacts all of us. We are grieving the loss of a beloved young woman. We will do all we can to support Paige’s coaches, teammates, classmates, and family during this difficult time,” Snow College president Stacee McIff said of Rydalch’s death.
Snow College shared that the Badger softball team “will dedicate their season to Paige in honor of the way she lived her life on and off the field.”
In 2022, Rydalch recorded a hitting average of .338 in 27 games, including 20 starts. She had 23 hits, 22 runs, three home runs, 16 RBIs, 11 walks, and seven strikeouts in 68 plate appearances.
Prior to her time at Snow College, Rydalch attended Tooele High School and played for the Buffaloes.
