There’s always something fascinating about twins it seems and that doesn’t stop when it comes to the softball field.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights are on an upswing, putting together back-to-back 30-win seasons for the first time in school history, and the future looks bright especially with Head Coach Kristen Butler and staff pulling in some impressive recruits.

The Big Ten program got two top players in the Class of 2025 to stay close to home—well an hour or so, depending on East Coast traffic—when twins Eva and Etta Garofalo chose Rutgers.

With the 2025 Line Drive HOT 100 rankings starting next Monday (Oct. 17), don’t be surprised (wink, wink) if you see these twins coming up in the next few weeks as two of the top prospects in the senior class.

Here’s a closer look at the terrific twins who committed a year ago this month:

I am so overjoyed to announce my verbal commitment to Rutgers University!! I am so happy to commit with my twin. Thank you to my amazing moms and all of my coach who have helped me throughout this process! Let’s go Scarlett Knights ! @CoachButler12 @_Nat_Yo @Coach_mcGuem pic.twitter.com/CVmvFfHH1O

— Eva Garofalo (@eva__garofalo) October 17, 2023

*****

EVA GAROFALO

City/ST: Warwick, NY
Grad Year: 2025
Position(s): Catcher

College Committed To: Rutgers
School: Warwick High School
Club Team: Empire State Huskies National
Club Head Coach: Shana O’Gara/Joseph Porcelli
Division age: 18U

Top travel stats:

• .414 batting average, 9 HRs, 58 hits, 15 doubles 35 RBIs
• Clearwater Invitational:
  • 1^st Team All-Tournament
  • tied for 4^th with 7 hits
  • tied for 9^th with .500 batting average

Top honors & accomplishments:

• five-year varsity starter
• led team in home runs
• sophomore year selected as 4^th Team All-State

GPA: 4.0

Scouting Report:

“Eva is an energetic, explosive performer that can change a game with one swing at any at bat. She is very versatile defensively as she catches primarily but is moved to middle infield, third base and the outfield in preparation to be a utility player at Rutgers University.”

“She is the heartbeat of any team she is on as she brings the energy and enthusiasm for the game to dugout and on the field.”

— Penny Roberts, Empire State Huskies assistant coach

Off the Field:

• the twins’ mother played softball at Div. I St. Francis
• Eva enjoys weightlifting,
• She is a black belt in tae kwon do
• Eva also volunteers with the local Little League

*****

ETTA GAROFALO

City/ST: Warwick, NY
Grad Year: 2025
Position(s): Infielder

College Committed To: Rutgers
School: Warwick High School
Club Team: Empire State Huskies National
Club Head Coach: Shana O’Gara/Joseph Porcelli
Division age: 18U

Top travel stats:

• led the 16U national team (2024) in batting average at .477
• also led the team in OPS with a 1.248
• on-base percentage of .520
• batted over .400 in every tournament in the 2024 season
• Top 2 in hits and slugging percentage this year
• Team New Jersey All-Tournament Team (2024)
• Highest batting average and most hits at Clearwater Invitational (2023)

Top honors & accomplishments:

• five-year varsity starter
  • junior year unable to play full season due to ACL injury
• Honorable Mention in 8th grade
• All Section freshman & sophomore year
• Scholar athlete – four years in a row
• Academic All American- junior year

GPA: 4.0

Scouting Report:

“Etta brings power and consistency as a left-handed hitter to our top of the lineup and is an outstanding defense player solidifying our infield at first base.

“She is a leader in every way: vocally, physically and emotionally. She will be attending Rutgers University where she will no doubt be a contributor as a constant threat from the left side of the plate.”

— Penny Roberts, Empire State Huskies assistant coach

Off the Field:

• the twins’ mother played softball at Div. I St. Francis
• Etta gives hitting lessons to younger players to “spread the love of the game!”
• She helps coach a Little League softball team