Pac 10 signings 
November 19, 2009 2:17 PM
PAC 10
Arizona:
Chelsea Suitos
Shelby Babcock
Arizona State:
Dallas Escobedo
Bailey Wigness
Mary Spiel
Alix Johnson
Cal:
Ashley Decker
Alex Robben
Arianna Erceg
Victoria Jones
LaRisa Jones
Oregon:
Courtney Ceo
Alexa Peterson
Oregon State:
Hannah Bouska
Isabelle Batayola
Stanford:
Michelle Prong
Danielle Miller
Caitlyn Pura
Corey Hanewich
Jamie Millwood
UCLA:
Kellie Fox
Jessica Hall
Talee Snow
Alyssa Tiumalu
Washington:
Whitney Jones
Kaitlin Inglesby
Marki Creger-Zier
Victoria Hayward
Who has the best recruiting class? Email garland@studentsports.com with your nomination!
WA, CA, AZ, OR
More college signings: Big East, Big South 
November 18, 2009 7:17 PM
Big East
Connecticut:
Courtney Collins
Andrea Huelsenback
Madeline Schiappa
Audrey Grinnell
DePaul:
Kirsten Verdun
Megan Coronado
Hannah Penna
Allie Braden
Georgetown:
Jenna Stark
Allie Anttila
Louisville:
Caralisa Connell
Katie Keller
Maggie Ruckenbrod
Hannah Kiyohara
Taner Fowler
Notre Dame:
Chloe Saganowich
Laura Winter
Lauren Stuhr
Monica Torres
Pittsburgh:
Karlyn Jones
Providence:
Marie Flego
Morgan Culver
South Florida:
Kourtney Salvarola
Sara Nevins
Ashli Goff
Courtney Goff
Stephenie Medina
St. John's:
Jaclyn Reed
Michelle Tilson
Syracuse:
Kealy McMullen
Katelyn Pires
Jazmine Watson
Big South
Coastal Carolina:
Beth Kassuhn
Gardner-Webb:
Christen Moon
Liberty:
Sammi Shivock
Alyssa DiMartino
Presbyterian:
Maggie Gilliland
Jennifer Marshall
Kaitlyn Sambito
Katie Seabrook
Codee Yeske
Radford:
Jessica Hutchens
Frankie Martinez
Samantha May
Winthrop:
Lauren Beaver
NY, FL, CT, PA, KY, IL
Epic Mascots 
November 16, 2009 3:44 PM
Do you think your school has an awesome mascot? Check out this link and see if you can beat any of these.
My personal favorite: The Atom Smashers (#17)
AWESOME MASCOTS!
Send in your funny mascots to garland@studentsportscom!
ACC signings 
November 13, 2009 4:46 PM
ACC SIGNINGS
Boston College:
Brianne Tanke
Nicole Koszowski
Megan Scanlon
Tory Speer
Alana DiMaso
Florida State:
Ashlyn Masters
Maddie O'Brien
Kelly Hensley
Hannah Rogers
Evelyn Morgado
Celeste Gomez
Georgia Tech:
Lindsey Anderson
Ashley Thomas
Alysha Rudnik
Hayley Downs
Maryland:
Candice Beards
Kelly Trimble
Jessica Warner
Nicole Mantheiy
Jessica Butler
Amanda McCann
North Carolina:
Sara Bucholz
Amy Nece
Lori Spingola
Ashley Bone
Jordan Scarboro
North Carolina State:
Chelsea Hartsell
Kayla Cox
Chelsea Tate
Albernice Drayton
Virginia:
Erica Cippoloni
Alex Rodriguez
Stephanie Harris
Marcy Bowdren
*For additions, corrections, or comments contact: garland@studentsports.com
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NC, MD, VA, GA, FL, MA
Big 10, Big 12, SEC NLI Signings 
November 12, 2009 5:56 PM
*Below are the names of the athletes signed to schools in some of the conferences across the country. This list is a work in progress, so feel free to send additional signing information to garland@studentsports.com.
SEC
| |  |
| | Steve Johnson for ESPN RISE |
| | Ryan Iamurri, Univ. of Alabama signee, played in the 2009 Under Armour All-America Game. |
University of Alabama: Kaila Hunt
Ryan Iamurri
Jackie Traina
Jordan Patterson
University of Arkansas:
Jayme Gee
Breanna Lynn Hutchinson
Macy Burr
Chloe Oprzedek
Amanda Geile
Jennifer Rambo
Clarissa Navarro
Auburn:
Hilary Mavromat
Alyssia Palomino
University of Florida:
Kasey Fagan
Cheyenne Cole
University of Georgia:
Morgan Montemayor
Julia Echols
University of Kentucky:
Lauren Cumbess
Ellen Weaver
LSU:
Kaley Coonce
Tammy Wray
Simone Heyward
Whitney Miller
Ole Miss:
Mallory McNeal
Natalie Nimmo
Rebecca Taylor Cantillo
Allison Brown
Tennessee:
Madison Shipman
Courtney Thomas
Ellen Renfroe
Melissa Davin
Tory Lewis
Chelsea O'Connor
Big 10
University of Illinois:
Jenna Mychko
Alex Booker
Jessica Perkins
University of Indiana:
Kristy Pasley
Shelby Gogreve
University of Iowa:
Kayla Massey
Katie Kroeger
Nikki Gentile
Brianna Luna
University of Michigan:
Lyndsay Doyle
Mandy Gardner
Caitlin Blanchard
Brandi Virgil
Nicole Sappingfield
Michigan State:
Cassee Layne
Sarah Bowling
Samantha Findling
Northwestern:
Samantha Albanese
Marisa Bast
Mari Majam
Ohio State:
Evelin Carillo
Leesa Gresham
Kasie Kelly
Melissa Rennie
Penn State:
Jordan Wheatley
Kasie Hatfield
Purdue:
Danielle Fletcher
Lindsey Raines
Laura Hurndon
University of Wisconsin:
Stephanie Peace
Mary Massei
Big 12
Baylor:
McKenzie Robinson
Chelsea Kovich
Shlebi Redfern
Claire Hosack
Iowa State:
Sara Rice
Breeana Holliday
Sara Davison
Evan Folks
University of Kansas:
Kendra Cullum
Ashley Newman
Elsa Moyer
Kristin Martinez
Laura Vickers
Collen Hohman
University of Nebraska:
Tatum Edwards
Taylor Edwards
University of Oklahoma:
Javen Henson
Destinee Martinez
Brittany Williams
Haley McGregor
Oklahoma State:
Tarrah Ettinger
Arianna Morrison
Morgan Hawkins
Texas:
Rachel Fox
Brejae Washington
Taylor Thom
Karina Scott
Mandy Ogle
Texas A&M:
Nicole Morgan
Amber Garza
Taran Tyler
Cassie Tysarczyk
Emily Albus
Texas Tech:
Kristin Martinez
Laura Ann Phillips
Brittany Talley
Kermitria Ward
Taylor Powell
*Stay tuned for updates on the list including signings from other conferences, information on the players and ESPN RISE Rankings of the best recruiting classes.
Who do you think has the best recruiting class? Email your answer to: garland@studentsports.com
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AK, AL, TN, OK, TX, LA, FL, GA, KY, MS, IL, IN, IA, MI, OH, PA, WI, KS, NE
Jefferson City (Mo.) wins state 
November 6, 2009 6:23 PM
Oakville High School lost to Jefferson City High School in the Class 4 State Championships. Oakville could not get their bats going and the Jays capitalized on mistakes made by the Oakville squad.
Click here for the full story!
MO
Lembeck dominates the diamond 
November 3, 2009 5:40 PM
While Mullen High School did not win a state championship, they came close.
Part of the reason they made it that far is because of junior Shannon Lembeck.
Going into playoffs Lembeck was batting .545 with 28 runs scored, seven doubles, six triples, 19 RBIs, and seven stolen bases.
| |  |
| | Courtesy of the Lembeck family |
| | Shannon Lembeck |
During the state tournament she continued her streak batting .600 against the best competition in the state. She also had a triple, three doubles and four RBIs in her ten at bats.
Her triple came in the quarterfinals. Her team was losing 3-2 in the seventh inning and she hit a triple to tie the game and send her team into the semis.
Coming third in state isn't bad for a team full of underclassmen. Mullen graduates only one senior and will bring back an experienced squad next season.
Lembeck's athleticism goes back to when she was very young; 12 to be exact.
"I started playing when I was 12. I was on my dad's baseball team and I was always playing with the boys at school. As I got older, I became more serious about the sport and wanted to play softball.”
From there, it escalated quickly. Lembeck always was doing something sports-related whether she was playing basketball at school, or playing catch with her brother.
As she got older, her talent came through. She played varsity basketball and varsity softball and excelled in both. This past year her high school basketball team was second in state and they finished third in softball. Despite her success in both sports, softball was the obvious choice.
"Basketball is more to stay in shape. My family is a big baseball family and I grew up watching it. I just love the game.”
With her background, softball has always been her focus and this season she has had some personal and team successes of which she is especially proud.
"Our team made it to the top four, which we haven't done in the past five years. I think I just became a better hitter. I led the state in triples and had a stronger arm and became a smarter player on the field.”
A self-proclaimed sports fanatic, Lembeck will tell you herself that sports are her life. In fact, when looking at colleges one the most important factor in her list is the strength of the football team…behind academics of course!
All in all, Lembeck has become a force to be reckoned with. Motivated by her competitiveness, she continues to improve and set goals for herself.
"My goals are to keep working hard at shortstop, become a DI player and play at the highest level that I can.”
At this rate, Lembeck will reach her goal, no problem.
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CO
Player to watch 
November 2, 2009 6:31 PM
Shaylah Goodson is this week's player to watch. This class of 2010 star plays at Ninnekah High School in Okla.
Her junior year she batted an impressive .337 with an on-base percentage of .463. In 86 at bats she recorded 40 runs scored and 25 RBIs.
Her high school pitcher quit that season and gave her a chance to pitch, although she was not used to this position. Even with her inexperience, she was able to record an ERA of 2.45 with a record of 10-5.
Her freshman year she was named her team's Defensive Player of the Year and her sophomore year she was the team's MVP. She was unable to receive awards this past season because she has transferred schools (from Verden HS to Ninnekah).
Maybe more impressive, is that Goodson is an all-around athlete. She was her team's basketball MVP last season and was All-Conference since her freshman year.
Keep an eye on Goodson as she continues to tear up the fields this travel ball season!
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OK
Player of the week 
October 26, 2009 7:38 PM
Senior shortstop Gianna Duncan of Wheat Ridge High School (Colo.) hadn't hit the ball out of the infield in her previous at bats when she walked up to the plate with two on, two outs, down by one in the seventh inning. That wouldn't matter...she only needed one hit. She hit a double over the centerfielder's head on Saturday and sparked a five-run rally during the seventh inning as Wheat Ridge won its second consecutive Class 4A state softball title and fourth championship overall since 2002.
CO
Tulsa Elite dominates showcase 
October 23, 2009 6:18 PM
Elite Diamond Sports College Showcase-Plano , TX
Tulsa Elite Gold Results
Tulsa Elite 3, C C Panthers 0 (Two-hit shutout)
Madison Thompson (2011) pitched the first three shutout innings for Elite allowing only one hit while striking out five; then Julana Shrum (2012) closed the final inning allowing one hit and striking out three. Tiffany Roby (2011) was two-for-two and stole one base, Taylor Woodall (OSU) was two-for-two with a homerun and a double, Cheyanne Stone (2012) was two-for-two with an RBI double.
Tulsa Elite 5, Houston Power 0 (One-hit shutout)
Madison Thompson (2011) pitched the first two shutout innings for Elite allowing only one hit while striking out two; then Julana Shrum (2012) closed the final inning allowing no hits and striking out two. Tiffany Roby (2011) was two-for-three scored two runs and stole three bases, Callie Parsons (OU) was two-for-three with a stolen base, Cheyanne Stone (2012) was two-for-two and scored a run, Jenna Reed (2012) was two-for-two and scored a run.
Tulsa Elite 0, Texas Eclipse 0
This was a pitching duel that attracted a lot of coaches as Elite's uncommitted Madison Thompson (2011) and Eclipse's Morgan Hawkins (OSU) were very impressive. Hawkins pitched the first 4 1/3 innings allowing only two hits while striking out 11; Thompson tried to match her pace pitching the first five shutout innings for Elite allowing only one hit while striking out seven.
Tulsa Elite 3, Texas Heat 1 (Two-hitter)
Julana Shrum (2012) pitched the first three innings for Elite allowing only two hits while striking out three and giving up one unearned run; then Madison Thompson (2011) closed the final two innings allowing no hits and striking out two. Tiffany Roby (2011) was two-for-three scored one run and stole two bases.
Tulsa Elite 3, Texas Sting 0 (Combined No-Hitter Shrum and Thompson)
Julana Shrum (2012) pitched the first two no-hit innings for Elite allowing no hits while striking out three; then Madison Thompson (2011) closed the final three no-hit innings allowing no hits and striking out two. Tiffany Roby (2011) was two-for-three scored one run and stole two bases.
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OK
Quit is a four letter word 
October 22, 2009 6:17 PM
Seventh inning, down by three.
The easy route is to give up, but Parkway Central High School out of Chesterfield, Mo. never says die.
The count was 3-2 and Alyssa Waitz started the rally reaching first on a walk. From there, it escalated quickly. Ali Gorman followed with a hit and Tia Pennington drew a walk to load up the bases with no outs. Cassie Rupel, the team's pitcher, helped herself by knocking in the first run, closing the gap to 4-2. Lori Jones and Emily Greenstein followed with walks with the bases loaded to score two more for the Colts.
With the score tied 4-4, the Fort Zumwalt South pitcher, Lexy Moore, threw a wild pitch and Rupel scored from third to win the game for the Colts.
In the beginning of the inning, the Bulldog fans had been chanting "State! State! State!” as this was the last inning of the game that would lead them to playoffs. Their fans were silent and the Colts took over the cheering.
What's the moral of the story? Never quit!
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MO
Underdogs come out on top 
October 19, 2009 6:28 PM
If you enjoy rooting for the underdogs, you might have stumbled across Blanchard High School out of Blanchard, Okla.
The team faced adversity all season including having to give up three wins after playing an ineligible player for three games. After that, their coach was suspended for the season.
Regardless, the Lions fought.
They went into the state championship with 11 losses. What is more important is that they finished their season on a win. With only one senior on the field, the Blanchard Lions took out defending champion Tuttle High School to take the 4A title.
The Lions took advantage of a unsteady Tuttle squad and scored three runs on errors.
Leslie Miller, the winning pitcher, is only a sophomore but played with the experience of a senior. She struck out four of the last eight batters including the final batter. She had 11 strikeouts on the game.
*****
When the No.19 out of 32 Highlands Ranch High School (Littleton, Colo.) team set to face the No.3 Chapparral (Parker, Colo.) squad, most people thought it would be an easy win.
However, after the Falcons rallied to win five in a row to even qualify for districts, people should have known they would not go down without a fight.
The district final nail-biter was tied 3-3 in the ninth inning. Sid Guitierrez, the winning pitcher, knocked in the game-winning RBI and pushed her team into the state playoffs.
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OK, CO
Oakville: Dramatic endings and recording breaking 
October 19, 2009 6:20 PM
Oakville High School (St. Louis, Mo.) won three games in a row to make it to the semi-finals of the state championship taking place this weekend.
In their quarterfinal game against Summit High School, Chloe Wolf hit a game-winning sixth-inning double to push Oakville 1-0 against Summit.
Wolf had struck out her previous two at bats, but with two outs and one swing she made up for it.
*****
Oakville senior Maggie Ruckenbrod broke the high school career hits record for the state of Missouri on Friday. She had four hits in a 12-1 win over Hillsboro.
In the sixth inning she hit a double to centerfield and that hit tied her with the record at 181 hits. Her next at bat she hit another double and it pushed her over the current record.
Nicole Hudson of Webb City held the previous record set last year. Ruckenbrod becomes the fourth player to break the record in the last decade.
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MO
Top Colorado players 
October 15, 2009 1:02 PM
Season is winding down for the states that play in the fall. Below are some of the top players out of Colo. this 2009 season.
SENIORS
Shelby Babcock - Legacy High School - Committed to Univ. of Arizona
Albernice Drayton - Cherokee High School - Committed to the Univ. of North Carolina State
Chelsea O'Connor - Windsor High School - Committed to the Univ. of Tennessee
Molly Mullervy - Arapahoe High School
Aubrey Mable - Eaglecrest High School
Lindsey Boyd - Stanley Lake High School
Sami Springer - Cherry Creek High School
Stephanie Routzen - Wheat Ridge High School
Jenna Engel - Heritage High School
Rheana Trujillo - Canyon City High School
JUNIORS
Shae Rodriguez - Legacy High School
Shannon Lembeck - Mullen High School
Kam Smallwood - Mountain Vista High School
Melanie White - Rock Canyon High School
Mikayla Duffy - Grand Junction Central High School
Emily Jennings - Liberty High School
Nicole Hudson - Stanley Lake High School
Raya Johnson - Eaglecrest High School
Lindsey Schell - Mullen High School
Kelli Eastman - Mountain View
Mary Towner - Ralston Valley High School
Buggz Torrez - Legacy High School
SOPHOMORES
Elle Madsen - Wheat Ridge High School
Jessica Ball - Legacy High School
Gia Marquez - Mullen High School
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CO
In the bullpen with Kelsey Schifferdecker 
October 14, 2009 12:41 PM
ESPN RISE takes a look at up and coming sophomore pitcher, Kelsey Schifferdecker. The Belton Lady Pirates took second in District this fall season and Kelsey put up some impressive numbers. She faced 569 batters in 2009 and struck out 254 of them. She allowed only three earned runs in 162 innings pitched. Her ERA was 0.13. Throughout the season there were several highlights including a 19-game winning streak, an 18-inning win, striking out 20 batters in one seven innings game, and recording 14 shutouts, five no hitters, and one perfect game.
Name: Kelsey Schifferdecker
Year: 2012
Position: Pitcher
HS: Belton Lady Pirates
Club team: Originals (Waterbury)
| |  |
| | Courtesy of the Schifferdecker family |
| | Kelsey Schifferdecker |
ESPN RISE: How old were you when you started playing softball and how did you get started?
Kelsey Schifferdecker: I was five and started playing t-ball on a summer league.
ER: What did you have to do and how did you train to stay in shape when you were younger? What do you do now?
KS: When I was younger I also played basketball, volleyball and danced competitively. Now I follow the workout/conditioning routine from my club team. I also have a pitching workout I follow 4-5 times weekly year round.
ER: What are some accomplishments you have had on the field so far, and what are your goals for the future?
KS: I've had multiple shutouts, no-hitters and a few perfect games pitching. One thing I've enjoyed this year is the opportunity with my High School team to bat. There were two games this year where I drove in the winning/tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
My future goals are to lead my high school team to the state playoffs and my club team to a national title. After high school, my goal is to lead my college team to the World Series.
ER: What are some personal successes you have had on the field throughout your career, specifically this year?
KS: I set a goal to raise my strike out percentage by 10% this year on my high school team and achieved that by raising it from 28% to 45%.
ER: What is your favorite accomplishment or accomplishment you are most proud of?
KS: Receiving the Kansas City Star Player of the Week award.
ER: What is your favorite softball moment?
KS: Winning the District Title last year and taking third place in the 14A ASA Nationals in 2008. Also the team bonding events with my club team throughout the year.
ER: What is your most embarrassing softball moment?
KS: Once when a girl hit a ball towards me, it sounded and appeared to be a line drive so I ducked, but it turned out to be a pop up and I looked stupid.
ER: Do you play any other sports? What sports?
KS: I quit my other activities two years ago to concentrate on softball as we play and practice year round.
ER: What made you choose softball over the other sports?
KS: It's a team sport and I realized I had a natural talent for pitching. I enjoy the feeling I get when I'm on the mound.
ER: What are some other extracurricular activities that keep you busy off the field?
KS: I am in Student Council, Pep Club, A+, YouthFriends, Young Life and am active at church.
ER: Are there any academic accomplishments that you are especially proud of?
KS: I received an Academic Letter last year; receiving straight A's and am currently first in my class. I also was selected to First Team All State Academic for softball.
ER: Where are you in the recruiting process?
KS: I am unable to be officially recruited until next year; however I am sending my profile and information to various colleges.
ER: What factors do you consider when looking at a college?
KS: I am interested in a college that will offer challenging and rewarding academics and provide the opportunity for playing time all four years.
ER: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
KS: When I was younger, it was difficult for me to maintain focus and drive though the winter training. My parents supported me and worked to come up with innovative ways to make training more fun.
ER: What do you like to do when not playing?
KS: Hang out with my friends, go shopping and go camping and boating.
ER: What was the most memorable game you have played this season? Why?
KS: When my high school team won the 18-inning game. We beat one of the best teams in the area, stayed focused as a team and were able to work out of a few jams. It helped build trust on our team because nobody gave up.
ER: You were playing well together in the post season, but fell short of a state title. How did the season end for the team?
KS: We finished second in our District. While we enjoyed good pitching and defense, our offense struggled all year. We won the semi-final game by 1 run in the bottom of the eighth, but lost the title game 0-1 in nine innings.
ER: What are your goals for the future?
KS: To continue to improve my skills and to find a college that fits my academic and athletic requirements.
Now I will start the sentence and you fill in the blank:
If I could have only one material possession on a deserted island it would be…
My cell phone.
Something most people don't know about me is…
That I can't swim under water without holding my nose.
Something unusual about myself is…
I can beat anyone in Wii tennis playing left handed.
A food you couldn't pay me to eat is…
Raw fish
The best and worst movies ever are…
Best: A League of Their Own
Worst: Swing Vote
The hardest I ever laughed was when…
When my friends made cookies and watched HS Musical 3 and it was so bad we just laughed the whole time.
The topical issue that most interests me in the world is…
Environmental issue such as finding alternative energy sources.
The best thing about softball is...
Striking someone out on a really good pitch.
If I could have one superhuman power it would be…
To be able to travel back in time.
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MO