University of Memphis Athletics
Prater Announces Pair of Infield Transfers
Jun 11, 2025 | Softball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis softball head coach Trena Prater announced the signings of Rani Meaux and Zereniti Sousa, Thursday afternoon.
Meaux and Sousa become the third and fourth signees in Memphis softball's transfer class.
Rani Meaux | Junior | Infielder | Chipola College | Maurice, La.
Meaux has spent her collegiate career at the junior college level with her most recent season spent at Chipola College after stops at Northwest Florida State and Dodge City Community College.
"Rani Is going to be a perfect fit for our infield," said Prater. "She is a fierce competitor that is hungry to compete for championships. I am expecting her to come in and be a big offensive threat in the lineup."
In Meaux's sophomore season at Chipola, the infielder held a .250 batting average, recording seven extra-base hits, 13 RBI and 13 runs scored in 36 games played for the Indians. She helped Chipola win the NJCAA South Atlantic District B Championship, eventually reaching the fourth round of the 2025 NJCAA DI Softball World Series.
The Maurice, La. native spent the 2023 season at Northwest Florida State, playing in 50 games and recording a .266 average with seven home runs, five doubles and 25 RBI. Meaux helped the Red Raiders to a 57-11 record during the 2023 season, reaching the NJCAA DI Softball World Series Championship Game in the program's first appearance in the NJCAA DI Tournament.
Meaux resides from the same town and attended the same high school, North Vermilion High School, as current Tiger, Kennedy Semien.
Zereniti Sousa | Redshirt Sophomore | Catcher/Infielder | Utah State | Wheatland, Calif.
Sousa is set to join the Tigers after two seasons at Utah State, appearing in 31 games for the Aggies during the 2024 season.
"Zereniti felt like the right fit for the program from our first conversation," head coach Trena Prater said. "She has a very high softball IQ and knows how to articulate the little things that are important offensively, defensively and off the field. She's had to overcome some hurdles at her previous school that have allowed her to see the game through a different lens. She is a gritty player that is ready to come and compete and fight for an opportunity to play. She will bring depth to our infield and power potential to our lineup."
In her lone playing season at Utah State, Sousa posted a .250 batting average with one double and four RBI. She made 11 starts during her true freshman season, making first collegiate start against California State University, Bakersfield. She collected her first career hit and RBI against California Baptist on Feb. 17, 2024.
Sousa, a native of Wheatland, Calif., was named to the All-Mountain West Academic Team in 2024, along with being named a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete. She was also recognized by Utah State as a Joe E. and Elma Whitesides Scholar-Athlete during her freshman campaign.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Meaux and Sousa become the third and fourth signees in Memphis softball's transfer class.
Rani Meaux | Junior | Infielder | Chipola College | Maurice, La.
Meaux has spent her collegiate career at the junior college level with her most recent season spent at Chipola College after stops at Northwest Florida State and Dodge City Community College.
"Rani Is going to be a perfect fit for our infield," said Prater. "She is a fierce competitor that is hungry to compete for championships. I am expecting her to come in and be a big offensive threat in the lineup."
In Meaux's sophomore season at Chipola, the infielder held a .250 batting average, recording seven extra-base hits, 13 RBI and 13 runs scored in 36 games played for the Indians. She helped Chipola win the NJCAA South Atlantic District B Championship, eventually reaching the fourth round of the 2025 NJCAA DI Softball World Series.
The Maurice, La. native spent the 2023 season at Northwest Florida State, playing in 50 games and recording a .266 average with seven home runs, five doubles and 25 RBI. Meaux helped the Red Raiders to a 57-11 record during the 2023 season, reaching the NJCAA DI Softball World Series Championship Game in the program's first appearance in the NJCAA DI Tournament.
Meaux resides from the same town and attended the same high school, North Vermilion High School, as current Tiger, Kennedy Semien.
Zereniti Sousa | Redshirt Sophomore | Catcher/Infielder | Utah State | Wheatland, Calif.
Sousa is set to join the Tigers after two seasons at Utah State, appearing in 31 games for the Aggies during the 2024 season.
"Zereniti felt like the right fit for the program from our first conversation," head coach Trena Prater said. "She has a very high softball IQ and knows how to articulate the little things that are important offensively, defensively and off the field. She's had to overcome some hurdles at her previous school that have allowed her to see the game through a different lens. She is a gritty player that is ready to come and compete and fight for an opportunity to play. She will bring depth to our infield and power potential to our lineup."
In her lone playing season at Utah State, Sousa posted a .250 batting average with one double and four RBI. She made 11 starts during her true freshman season, making first collegiate start against California State University, Bakersfield. She collected her first career hit and RBI against California Baptist on Feb. 17, 2024.
Sousa, a native of Wheatland, Calif., was named to the All-Mountain West Academic Team in 2024, along with being named a Mountain West Scholar-Athlete. She was also recognized by Utah State as a Joe E. and Elma Whitesides Scholar-Athlete during her freshman campaign.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Softball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
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