No. 7 recruiting class of 2010 
January 6, 2010 12:16 PM
NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern brings in a class of impressive athletes including two pitchers and some big bats. The depth and athleticism that they are bringing to their team in 2010 gives them the No. 7 spot on the list.
| |  |
| | Courtesy of the Albanese family. |
| | Sammy Albanese |
Sammy Albanese (Belmont, Calif.) has been a dark horse throughout her career. Maybe not the most celebrated pitcher in her class, but Albanese led all of California as a junior with a 0.06 ERA and 18.2 strikeouts per seven innings. She isn't the hardest thrower, but she can spin the ball and keep batters off balance. With her ability to hit her spots and throw breaking pitches, Albanese has proven to be a top pitcher in her class and will be an asset to the Wildcat roster.
Marisa Bast (Orange, Calif.) is rated by OnDeck Softball as one of the top ten shortstops in the country in her class. She has a commanding presence not only on the field but at the plate as well. For Villa Park High School last season she batted .459 with an on-base percentage of .521 and a slugging percentage of .902. Her sophomore and junior seasons she led her high school team in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI and runs scored.
Mari Majam (Pine Valley, Calif.) batted .545 with a 1.205 slugging percentage and a .630 on-base percentage as a junior at Mountain Empire High School. Majam also has two sisters that play Division I softball. She is her class valedictorian, a member of the Honors Society and a member of BEWISE (Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering.
Jenny Tyler (Glendale, Ariz.) is a two-time All-State pitcher with Deer Valley High School. A force on the mound, she recorded 164 Ks in 108 innings in 2009 and had 0.45 ERA with a .385 batting average. She also ran cross country for four years at her high school.
Lauren Tyndall (Edmond, Okla.) last year for Edmond Memorial High School, Tyndall batted .434 with a .651 slugging percentage and a .510 on-base percentage. Tyndall is a solid athlete and proves this with her experience in sports. She has played almost every sport imaginable including sailing, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, basketball, soccer and gymnastics.
With these five athletes coming in, Northwestern is looking at a bright future. They recruit athletes that have played tough competition and that have the experience to contribute to a winning program.
IL, CA, OK, AZ, recruiting
Top 10 recruiting classes of 2010
December 16, 2009 12:37 PM
ESPN RISE has ranked the top recruiting classes for the 2010 season. After receiving emails from readers, researching players and contacting coaches, we have determined the ten best classes.
This year is a tough one when it comes to determining who has the top recruiting class for 2010. Several teams will have a strong freshman class next year and it will be exciting to see who sinks and who swims.
We will start from the bottom of the list and work our way up. Keep checking in for more updates and more ranked classes.
NUMBER 10:
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma brings in another solid class in 2010. Last year they had the No. 1 recruiting class with the addition of catcher Jessica Shults and pitcher Keilani Ricketts. This year, while still bringing in exceptional athletes, they didn't make the top five.
| |  |
| | Courtesy of the Henson family. |
| | Javen Henson |
Javen Henson is an infielder out of Red Oak, Okla. She was a four-time All-Conference selection and won her team's Golden Globe award for three consecutive years. Throughout her career she hit an impressive .463 with 146 runs scored and 24 homeruns.
Destinee Martinez played in the outfield for the Corona Angels out of Corona, Calif. She was a Cal Hi Second Team All-State selection in 2009. For her high school, Roosevelt, she batted .516 this past season and recorded a .622 on-base percentage. For the Corona Angels during the summer she batted .480.
Haley McGregor plays in the infield and is from Wichita, Kan. She plays at The Independent School and has been all-state, all-region, all-metro, and all-league for three consecutive seasons. For the past three seasons, McGregor batted .589 with 107 runs scored and 72 stolen bases. In the summer of 2009 McGregor played for the SoCal Pumas. She hit .305 with 42 hits and 26 runs scored. She also recorded 21 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.
Brittany Williams is a utility player out of Santa Clarita, Calif. She has been a three time All-Foothill League selection and a two-time All-Santa Clarita Valley selection. She batted .472 with 29 RBIs and 11 homeruns her junior season with Canyon High School. She played travel ball with the SoCal Pumas and batted .395 with 58 hits and 30 runs scored. She knocked in 40 runs and hit 15 homers during the 2009 summer season.
With four solid athletes, Oklahoma slides its way in as the tenth best recruiting class of 2010.
OK, recruiting, CA, KS
2011 infielder commits to Oklahoma
December 8, 2009 6:50 PM
| |  |
| | Courtesy of the Reeves Family. |
| | Kelly Reeves |
Kelly Reeves, a 2011 infielder out of Colorado, has committed to play softball at the University of Oklahoma.
Reeves has started every game at shortstop at Ralston Valley High School. She has been a three-time All-Conference selection was First Team All-State for her junior campaign and Honorable Mention All-State for her freshman and sophomore years. She helped lead her team to a 4A State Championship in 2007 and Runner Up finishes in 4A in 2008 and 2009.
During the 2009 season Reeves batted .460 with 16 homeruns.
An all-around athlete, Reeves has lettered in track and basketball for the past three years and is the varsity basketball team captain.
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OK, CO
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
ESPN RISE Softball | Promote Your Page Too AK, AL, TN, OK, TX, LA, FL, GA, KY, MS, IL, IN, IA, MI, OH, PA, WI, KS, NE
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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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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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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Trent pushes Blanchard to semis
October 12, 2009 7:23 PM
Sophomore Ashley Trent was the hero for Blanchard High School (Okla.) today after she hit a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 10th inning. Her homerun, which cleared the left-centerfield fence put the Lions up 1-0 against Little Axe High School in the state quarterfinals.
Trent told News OK Online, "I knew it was gone as soon as I hit it.
Leslie Miller dominated the mound giving up only one hit and recording 16 Ks
Blanchard is now 25-11 and is picking up steam in the playoffs. They are looking to win their second title, their first was in 1983.
ESPN RISE Softball | Promote Your Page Too OK
Player to watch
October 5, 2009 4:02 PM
Sierra Bronkey – P – Edmond Santa Fe High School (Edmond, Okla.)
Bronkey, an Arkansas recruit, dominated the Yukon Tournament after hitting a homerun and scoring her team's only two runs in a 2-0 win over 5A second-ranked Lawton MacArthur. She also allowed only one hit on the mound.
OK
Player to watch
September 30, 2009 1:28 AM
Name: Madison Thompson
Position: Pitcher
Class: Junior
School: Sand Springs High School (Okla.)
Stats: The Junior hurler was undefeated in four games pitched last week at the Yukon Tournament and finished with 46 Ks through 25 innings pitched.
She led the Sandites to impressive victories over 6A Jenks (3-0 Shutout with 14 Ks), versus Stillwater (2-1 victory with 14 Ks), over Choctaw (3-0 Shutout with 10 Ks) and versus 6A Norman North (finished with 8 Ks).
Thompson is an uncommitted Junior who recently joined the Tulsa Elite Gold 18U Travel Softball Team. She ranks #1 in her class out of 413 Juniors; carries a 4.64 GPA and scored a 25 on the ACT as a sophomore.
OK
In the spotlight
September 24, 2009 7:54 PM
ON THE RISE
Peyton Watson – Shortstop – Little Axe High School
Oklahoma had a tough week because of the weather, but it didn't stop Peyton Watson from dominating at the plate.
The junior shortstop played in two games and was on fire. She was four for six with a homerun and three runs scored. She also knocked in four runs. She is batting .522 on the season.
ON A ROLL
Holy Family High School, out of Broomfield, Colo., might be a young team but you would never guess that after watching them play.
After being in the state championship game four years in a row, Holy Family has only two girls playing the same position and three freshmen starting.
Despite their youth, the Tigers are ranked fifth and have an 8-3 record. Two of their three losses came in one run games to teams in the 4A division, and their third loss was to second-ranked Valley High School.
Just this past week they defeated Eaton High School 3-0. They continue to improve and gain valuable experience with each game.
Pitcher Rachel Boothe leads the force for the Tigers and, as a senior, provides leadership for the young team.
CROSS-TOWN SHOWDOWN
In a cross-town rivalry, Calhoun High School defeated Sonoraville High School (Calhoun, Ga.) 5-0.
Syanne Dobson led the force for the Lady Jackets, allowing only two hits in the game. Offensively, Morgan Hill dominated at the plate. She was involved in every run that scored in the game. She knocked in three of the runs and scored two herself.
GA, OK, CO
Update on Tulsa Elite club out of Okla.
September 22, 2009 4:45 PM
The Tulsa Elite softball program had a phenomenal summer with 100% of its Gold's 2010 Senior Class committed to Division I schools. They currently have two of their 2011s committed to Big 12 programs and many other 2011s and '12s starting visits.
| |  |
| | Courtesy of Coach Jeff Filali |
| | Shelbi Redfearn |
TULSA ELITE GOLD's 2010, 2011 VERBALS Bailee Cartwright - 2010 - Moss High School - Northwestern State University
Javen Henson - 2010 - Red Oak High School - University of Oklahoma
Shelbi Redfearn - 2010 - Stillwater High School - Baylor University
Tarra Underhill - 2010 - Henryetta High Sschool - University of Central Arkansas
Callie Parsons - 2011 - Pryor High School - University of Oklahoma
Taylor Woodall - 2011 - Meeker High School - Oklahoma State University
Along with their committed athletes, they have several players that have not made their decision.
Kaytie Spencer, a very solid 2011 uncommitted catcher and outfielder with pop-times in the 1.8s, will start visits this fall. In addition, they have added 2011 right-handed pitcher and infielder
Madison Thompson. Thompson has a lot of movement on the ball and a very unique style.
The Gold squad moved up several athletes from the 16U program including
Kayla Ratliff a 5'9'' 2010 corner infielder and switch switch-hitter with a strong arm;
Tiffany Roby, who is one of the Fastest 2011 middle infielders in the region;
Cheyanne Stone, a very strong 2012 shortstop with a lot of potential;
Julana Shrum, a 2012 left-handed pitcher already being recruited by several Top 25 programs.
The 16U Elite has also reloaded after moving four of their leaders up to the 18U Gold. The 16s have two 2012 speedsters and middle infielders in Breona Jones and Kali Romine. They have also added a 2013 pitcher Shyanne Wells, along with Haley Blackwood a 2012 right-handed pitcher and infielder who moves the ball well. They add 2011 catcher and third baseman Chelsey Littlefield, Ashley Boswell a 5'10'' 2011 infielder with a lot of power, Kelsie Fitch another 5'10'' 2011 infielder, 2012 centerfielder Macheala Hazlett, 2012 outfielder Jenna Reed and 2013 lefty outfielder Tylor Dodson.
The 14U Elite has three solid young pitching prospects with Taylor Gammon, Olivia Zimmerman and Heather Wagnon, along with top catcher Hannah Swafford. Jessica Killer brings speed to the line up, while Creston Knuckles, a 5'9'' 2014 shortstop brings the power.
OK
Who's hot?
September 14, 2009 6:21 PM
By Garland Cooper
1) Gordon Lee High School (Chickamauga, Ga.)
This past weekend Gordon Lee High School won its second consecutive Cherokee Invitational tournament. The Trojans finished the tournament an undefeated 6-0 and plowed through three state-ranked teams on Saturday. The Trojans have depth on the mound in the form of Jonia Taylor and Brenna Nation. Taylor gave up only two earned runs and had 27 strikeouts in her three games, and Nation gave up no earned runs and recorded 20 Ks. They combined to allow ten hits. Sam Taylor batted .611 on the weekend, Lesslie Bohannon batted .500 and Holli Brooks batted .389. Their strong offensive leads them to score an average of 7.4 runs a game. With the combination of hitting, pitching, and depth on the mound this team will be hard to beat in the post season. They improved to 15-2 and have won 14 consecutive games! They are HOT HOT HOT!
2) Kayla Wyatt – P – Purcell High School (Purcell, Okla.)
Kayla Wyatt pitches for the No.1 team in 3A Oklahoma softball, Purcell High School. She is 15-1 on the season and has a 0.31 ERA. She has struck out 134 batters in 81 innings. Needless to say, she is the driving force behind the tough Dragons squad. In her last outing she led her team to a 3-0, ten-inning win over Newcastle. She struck out 14 in the game. Purcell is now 18-1 on the season and will vie for a state championship.
3) Legacy High School (Broomfield, Colo.)
This team is 6-0-1 on the season so far behind all-star pitcher Shelby Babcock. Babcock, an Arizona recruit, has a 0.00 ERA on the season and is batting .444. She has struck out 51 batters in five games and 35 innings pitched. Between Babcock's strength on the mound, and the team's offensive strength (they have outscored opponents 35-2) watch for the Lightning to take their third straight 5A state title.
4) Kelsey Kessler – P – Blue Springs High School (Blue Springs, Mo.)
Kessler went her whole freshman season undefeated on the mound (30-0). While she has lost one game so far this season, she is still 7-1 and dominant from the circle. It won't be another undefeated season, but Kessler will give the Wildcats a chance to repeat as state champs.
5) Webster Groves High School (Webster Groves, Mo.)
Before losing to 3rd seed Summit last week (a team they had previously beaten) the Webster Groves high school team, who came in as the 11th seed, had proven it could play with the best. They went on an eight game winning streak playing a tough schedule. They beat the 3rd seed Summit, 6th seed Lafayette, and the 2 seed Oakville (1-0 in nine innings). Their record is 11-2 and their only losses come from two teams that they also have beaten. Their success comes mostly from their big bats. They have scored 74 runs on 13 games. The top half of their lineup include Medina West, Cassie Rizzo, Katie Heidinger, and Emma Buckles have a combined average of .428 with 47 RBI. If they can stay hot and keep scoring runs and blowing out opponents, things are looking good for them in the post season.
CO, MO, GA, OK
2011 Players to watch: Taylor Woodall and Erin Stidham
March 5, 2009 12:52 PM
By Garland Cooper
Our players in the spotlight today are Tulsa Elite Gold's sophomore catcher and pitcher combo Taylor Woodall (C/IF) of Chandler, Okla. and Erin Stidham (RHP) of Morrilton, Ark.
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI |
| | Taylor Woodall on the field. |
Taylor Woodall is a powerful 2011 catcher and infielder who has recorded consistent pop-times in the 1.7s-1.8s and has been clocked as high as 63 MPH at camps last summer. She also brings a consistent force to the plate with big time power and the ability to hit homeruns and drive in a lot of RBIs.
During this past summer, Woodall attracted a lot of attention as a freshman starter for her previous 18U Gold team (OK Original Ultimate Gold). She finished the summer with a .486 batting average, eight homers and 43 RBI. She followed that up with a strong sophomore season in high school with a .403 batting average, .786 slugging percentage, eight homeruns and 28 RBI.
Woodall attends Meeker High School in Okla. where she carries a 4.00 GPA and recently scored a 23 on her ACT test.
Elite coach, Jeff Filali on Woodall: "Taylor is a phenomenal catcher or corner infielder with a very strong arm and advanced defensive skills. She adds an additional power threat with the ability to hit a lot of homeruns and drive in a lot of RBIs. She works very hard on her own and will be a very strong addition to the team. She's already hearing from a few Big 12 and SEC schools after they watched her this fall."
Erin Stidham is a 2011 power pitcher who has been clocked consistently in the 62-64 MPH range and has a lot of potential. She attends Morrilton High School in Ark., where in her first high school game this spring she was clocked at 64 several times and ended up with 16 Ks on the night. She is a promising student of pitching Coach Nikki Barrett who is originally from Mission Viejo, Calif., where she attended Trabuco Hills High School before pitching for Florida International.
Filali on Stidham: " Erin is a new member to our team, but is a very strong kid who is consistently in the 60s already and has the potential to get even stronger. Erin works very hard off the field to continue to improve all aspects of her game and just continues to impress us. We were looking to make a key addition to our pitching arsenal and Erin was by far the best we scouted all winter. With her consistent velocity and work ethics, she should do very well and learn a lot this summer while pitching behind Kelsie Armstrong.”
These girls will certainly have a chance to be seen a lot this summer as the Elite has a strong schedule planned including Southern Gold Qualifiers (Ga. and Okla.), the National HOF Gold Qualifier (Okla.) and Region 6 Gold Qualifier (La.) along with Team NJ Showcase (N.J.), Independence Day (Colo.) and the NFCA Elite Showcase (Texas).
OK, AR
Underhill commits to play at the next level
February 2, 2009 1:02 PM
By Garland Cooper
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI |
| | Tarra Underhill will join the UCA in the fall of 2010. |
Tarra Underhill of the Tulsa Elite Easton Gold and Henryetta High School, has verbally committed to accept a softball scholarship to attend NCAA Div I University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Ark. Underhill, a 2010 graduate out of Henryetta, Okla., will play third base for the Bears.
...
(Read full post)
OK, AR
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em
January 27, 2009 4:05 PM
By Garland Cooper
| | |
| | COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI |
| | Tarra Underhill is a 2010 graduate for the Tulsa Elite. |
There has been much discussion on the early verbal fad over the past 18 months as more and more underclassmen continue to verbally commit to college programs earlier and earlier.
Rarely does a day go by now, that someone is not reporting another junior or even sophomore committing to the college where they believe they want to spend their college years. Many people have weighed in on the pros and cons of this practice and the college coaches are forced to commit to kids earlier and earlier to try to stay one step ahead of the competition in the recruiting process.
ESPN RISE recently interviewed Tulsa Elite Gold coach Jeff Filali, who is very knowledgeable on the entire early verbal transition and has said he saw it happening and decided you can either set back and watch it go by or you can change the way you do things. "If you can't beat 'em, you might as well just join 'em,” was the way Filali summed up his philosophy.
...
(Read full post)
OK
Top five signed pitchers
December 31, 2008 1:50 PM
By Garland Cooper
| |  |
| | ESPN RISE |
| | Oklahoma bound Kealani Ricketts. |
1. Kenzie Fowler - Arizona
2. Kealani Ricketts - Oklahoma
3. Jolene Henderson - Cal
4. Rachele Fico - LSU
5. Destiny Rodino - UCLA
Questions or comments? Email garland@studentsports.com
OK, CA, LA, AZ
In the spotlight: Carly Skinner
December 30, 2008 5:34 PM
By Garland Cooper
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF THE SKINNER FAMILY |
| | Carly Skinner. |
Today the spotlight is on Carly Skinner out of Okla. Skinner plays all over the field as a catcher, third baseman, shortstop and outfielder. She is a member of the Oklahoma Ultimate Gold squad and the Varsity team at Verden High School.
Skinner has excelled on the field and in the classroom at her high school. The 2010 graduate was named the Offensive Player of the Year for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons. This past season she was the MVP and also received the Tiger Award.
These awards were well earned since Skinner has led the team offensively since joining the squad in 2006. Her freshman year she batted an impressive .352 only to improve her average her sophomore year batting .407. What is even more remarkable is that her senior year she bumped up here average again to a whopping .582 with a state leading 45 RBI and nine triples. She also ranked third in the state in hits with 53. Skinner has a good eye at the plate and knows how to put the ball in play having only struck out seven times in three years!
A well-rounded student-athlete, Skinner also excels in the classroom. She is a member of the National Honors Society, and the Principal's Honor Roll.
Comments or questions? Email garland@studentsports.com
OK
Q&A with Ashley Brokeshoulder
December 27, 2008 12:43 AM
By Garland Cooper
Ashley Brokeshoulder is a pitcher and 2009 graduate out of Shawnee, Okla. She plays for Shawnee High School and the Oklahoma Jitterbugs 18U Gold. She is an all-star pitcher and an uncommitted senior!
*****
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF THE BROKESHOULDER FAMILY |
| | Ashley Brokeshoulder. |
Q: How old were you when you started playing softball and how did you get started?
A: I was three years old. My parents encouraged me to try many different things even dancing and gymnastics and they entered me in t-ball.
Q: What did you have to do and how did you train to stay in shape when you were younger? What do you do now?
A: When I was young I just practiced everyday and now I do the same. I also run and lift weights now to stay in shape.
Q: What are some accomplishments you have had on the field so far, and what are your goals for the future?
A: I was the MVP of our conference and All-State and All-Region last season. In the future I want to attend a four-year university and play softball.
Q: What is your favorite accomplishment or accomplishment you are most proud of?
A: Winning Big City Pitcher of the Year last year.
Q: What is your favorite softball moment?
A: Our first game of state was my favorite softball experience. We had come close to making it the last few years but my senior year we finally made it and it was an awesome feeling.
Q: What is your most embarrassing softball moment?
A: Once when I was younger the field was really muddy and I ran up on a grounder to field it from the mound. It was so muddy that I slipped and I overthrew the ball to first. From there the first baseman overthrew second and the girl ended up getting a homerun out of it!
Q: Where are you in the recruiting process?
A: I'm a senior now and I still haven't decided. I have been taking some visits.
Q: What factors do you consider when looking at a college?
A: They have to have my major: physical therapy or communications. I also look at the class size.
Q: How has the recruiting process been for you?
A: It has been good. It has been a lot of pressure but it just takes time to find out what you're looking for.
Q: Was there any moment in the recruiting process that has impressed you so far?
A: When we first were allowed to receive letters I got two from two top Division I programs.
Q: What is most important in your decision making process?
A: Academics.
Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome?
A: Regaining my confidence has been really hard. I lost some confidence when I played in the big Boulder tournament a couple of years back. I got really nervous and didn't do as well as I should have. In order to regain my confidence I am just going to work on being mentally tougher and prove that I am better than that.
Questions or comments? email: garland@studentsports.com
OK
Final signing class rankings
December 22, 2008 10:29 AM
By Garland Cooper
**Over the past week ESPN RISE has highlighted the top signing classes in the nation. These classes were outlined after intensive research including consultation with club coaches, college coaches and ESPN affiliates.
Below is a final outline of the top early signing classes.
1. Oklahoma
Oklahoma makes the top spot after signing two pitchers, a righty and a lefty, and a catcher, adding depth and diversity to their battery. All three can hit also adding a punch at a plate.
2. Arizona
Arizona brings in one of the best pitchers in the nation along with some power and speed at the plate. They cover almost all aspects of the game with their signing class.
3. Cal
Cal brings in a pitcher-catcher combo that has worked together successfully for years. They also bring in a bat to help in the lineup.
4. Florida
Florida has a big class with five athletes. Three of the five have won a championship in the last two years. It is a diverse and talented class that will give Florida depth at the plate, on the field and on the mound.
5. Tennessee
The Lady Vols bring in a couple of pitchers that will add some depth as well as some speed on the base paths. With the hard outs in the lineup and some depth on the mound, Tennessee looks like a tough competitor.
6. Texas
The addition of two pitchers will give Texas some strength and depth on the mound. They also bring in two hitters to help put at the plate. Two pitchers and two hitters will really add some power to the Texas roster.
7. ASU
ASU brings in three of the best from Ariz. With the help of the these three ASU will bring in what it needs to get back to the WCWS within the next few years.
8. Michigan
The Wolverines bring in an ace pitcher as well as a hitter and some speed. They have really covered all their bases with the class and will be tough to beat.
9. UCLA
They only signed two, but they are important additions. The pitcher and hitter they signed will go a long way to improve the Bruin roster.
10. Northwestern
The Wildcats bring in speed, pitching, and power to round out their 2009-2010 roster. This will be an important class for NU and adds a little bit of everything to help them on the field.
Honorable Mention: LSU
LSU has signed an important all-star pitcher and a catcher that will a huge addition to the lineup. With these two athletes they have created a tough combo on the field and a tough out at the plate.
Up-and-coming: Mississippi State
Mississippi State brings in two lefty pitchers and some force at the plate. This entire signing class is stacked with top athletes that will take the Bulldogs far into playoffs.
MI, CA, IL, LA, MS, AZ, TX, FL, OK, TN
Top signing classes
December 11, 2008 6:00 AM
By Garland Cooper
** The next few days the top ten signing classes will be posted. Below are the first two of ten.
1. OKLAHOMA
OU gets the top spot because they bring in depth. They have signed two all-star pitchers: Michelle Gascoigne and Kealani Ricketts. Ricketts is a righty and Gascoigne is a lefty, providing diversity on the mound.They round out the battery with catcher and power hitter Jessica Shults. What also puts them at number one is the fact that both the pitchers can perform at the plate and with Shults they bring in three big bats.
2. ARIZONA
Arizona, once again, brings in am impressive class. They signed Kenzie Fowler, one of the best pitchers in the nation, and power-hitting Baillie Kirker who is on her way to breaking the Calif. state career homerun record. In addition to these two who will be huge contributors, the Wildcats have signed Bridgette DelPonte who batted over .500 this past season and helped her high school two their second Ariz. 5A State Championship. Lastly, Rebecca Tikey completes the class providing speed and agility on the base paths. Between these four, the Wildcats have really covered all their bases for the 2009-2010 season.
Stay tuned for 3-10 of the top signing classes!
AZ, CA, OK
Best signing class 2009: Oklahoma
December 10, 2008 6:00 AM
By Garland Cooper
| |  |
| | GARLAND COOPER/ESPN RISE |
| | Brick house Jessica Shults. |
Oklahoma takes the number one spot with the best signing class for the 2009-2010 season. The players that have earned them the top ranking are: Jessica Shults, Kealani Ricketts, and Michelle Gascoigne.
(Read full post)
CA, OK
More college signings
December 9, 2008 6:00 AM
By Garland Cooper
TEXAS
Four athletes have signed the NLIs to become a Longhorn. They are: Kimberly Bruins out of Redlands, Calif., Taylor Hoagland from Flower Mound, Texas, Blaire Luna out of Austin, Texas, and Torie Schmidt from Yorba Linda, Calif.
Bruins, a pitcher, plays for Redlands High School and the Calif. Cruisers. Last season she batted .412 and also dominated on the mound with 227 Ks.
Hoagland is a third baseman for Flower Mound High School and the Schutt Avengers Gold. She was an All-State player this past season.
Luna pitches for Bowie High School and the Round Rock Blaze. She boasts only three earned runs in 137 innings pitched, which helped her team to the class 5A state championship game.
Schmidt is s second baseman and outfielder for the Calif. Raiders and Valencia High School. Schmidt has helped to lead her high school team to two CIF championships.
KANSAS
Kansas has signed six athletes to round out their 2009-2010 roster. The players include: Kalum Haack out of Katy, Texas, Maggie and Rosie Hull from Lawrence, Kan., Mariah Montgomery from Ralston, Neb., Alex Jones out of Edin, Okla., and Kendall Patterson out of McLouth, Kan.
Haack is a shortstop for Katy High School. In 2007 Haack was the leader in hits, RBIs, total bases, doubles and runs scored in the whole Houston area. She has been All-District the past three seasons.
The Hull sisters play the outfield for Free State High School. Maggie was First Team All-State, All-Kansas City, and All-League in 2007. In 2006 Rosie was a Second Team All-League selection.
Jones pitches for Enid High School where she has been the MVP of her league the past two years and was the Offensive Player of the Year this past season. She recorded a 0.11 ERA with a .643 batting average. She was awarded All-State honors for her efforts.
Montgomery has been First Team All-State the past three seasons. In 2008 she hit ten triples, a state Class B record. She also broke the school record for homeruns with seven and for RBIs with 41. She ended the season with a .414 batting average.
Patterson catches for McLouth High School where she has been an All-State selection for three seasons. She hit 23 doubles in 23 games and had 17 RBIs and a.810 batting average.
OKLAHOMA STATE
The Cowgirls have signed four for their 2009-2010 campaign. The athletes include: Katie Asher out of Tucson, Ariz., Kat Espinosa from Houston, Texas, Amy Graham from Hominy, Okla., and Taylor Smith from Newcastle, Okla.
Asher plays third base for Canyon Del Oro High School. She was First Team All-State as a junior and has led her team to back-to-back state championships.
Espinosa is a righty hurler for Bellaire High School. In 2008 she went 20-8 on the mound with a 0.80 ERA and 291 Ks. For her efforts she was named the District MVP, First Team All-Greater Houston, and First Team All-District (third year running).
Graham plays infield and outfield for Hominy High School. She was an All-State selection this fall season and has been the MVP of the Varsity squad the past three season. Her impressive .667 batting average her sophomore year was a state leader as well as her 76 stolen bases.
Smith is a utility player for Newcastle High School. She was an All-State selection as a senior and was also the conference MVP.
MISSOURI
Missouri has signed five to join them in 2009. They are: Rachel Hay out of Kansas City, Mo., Nicole Hudson from Webb City, Mo., Jenna Marston from St. Louis, Mo., Lindsey Muller from Stilwell, Kan., and Ashlie Oretga out of Brighton, Colo.
Hay plays for Oak Park High School and the Olathe Rockets. She was an All-District selection the past three years, and was All-Region for two years. In her high school career she has recorded an impressive .425 batting average. In 2008 alone she batted .470 with seven homeruns.
Hudson is a third baseman and outfielder for Webb City High School. She has been a First Team All-State selection since 2005 and holds several state records. She can be found in the record book under Career RBIs (185), Career Walks (77), and Career Homeruns (40). Her career batting average is a whopping .593 and on the mound she has accumulated 73 wins and only eight losses throughout her time on the varsity squad. Her efforts helped her team to a State Championship in 2007.
Marston is a shortstop and utility player for Principia High School and the Mo. diamond Cats. She has been First Team All-League since 2005 and was First Team All-State in 2007 and Second Team All-State in 2008. She has over a .600 batting average the past three years of high school and recorded a .486 batting average in club play.
Muller is a utility player for Blue Valley High School and the Olathe Rockets. She was First Team All-League in 2007 and 2008 and batted .493 her senior year. In club play she was .413 at the plate this past season with nine homers.
Ortega is a shortstop and utility player for Erie High School and the Colo. Stampede. She was a member of the All-Colorado Team in 2008 and has a .431 career batting average. Her senior year she recorded a .576 slugging percentage, a .773 on-base percentage, and hit nine triples. Her efforts led her team to a 2008 Colo. State Championship.
GEORGIA
The Bulldogs bring five new players to their 2009-2010 squad. They are: Alison Owen out of Sharpsburg, Ga., Katie Rietkovich from South Guyton, Ga., Amberlie Saxton out of Jefferson, Ga., Sara Sikes from Douglasville, Ga., and Laura Trout from Summerville, S.C.
Owen is a pitcher and utility player for East Coweta High School and the Georgia Impact. Her senior year she dominated on the mound with a 12-6-1 record and a 0.65 ERA. For her efforts her team named her Pitcher of the Year. She also did well at the plate, leading her team in homeruns her senior year. She has been an All-County selection the past three seasons.
Rietkovich is an infielder for South Effingham High School and the Angles Gold. She holds several school records including single season batting average (.467), hits (46), doubles (16), homeruns (3), RBI (28), and stolen bases (20). She holds career records as well including batting average (.386), hits (151), doubles (37), homeruns (5), RBI (66) and stolen bases (56). She was First Team All-Region and First Team All-State for her efforts.
Saxton is an infielder for Mill Creek High School and the East Cobb Bullets Gold. She led her team to a State Championship this past fall season. Her team named her the Offensive Player of the Year for all four of her years on the varsity team. Three seasons she was an All-County selection and twice she was a First Team All-State selection and County Offensive Player of the Year.
Sikes is an outfielder for Chapel Hill High School and the Georgia Elite Gold. At the plate, Sikes recorded a .457 average with 30 doubles, five triples, two homers, 30 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. She was her team's Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and was the team MVP as a junior.
Trout is an infielder for Spartanburg Methodist College. She led her community college in batting average (.492), triples (9), homeruns (10), and RBI (33). She was an All-Region, and a NJCAA Second Team All-American.
NEBRASKA
The Huskers will bring five athletes to round out their 2009-2010 roster. They are: Gabby Banda out of Texas, Kylee Muir from Ore., Keela Scott from Mo., Megan Southworth from Neb., and Brooke Thomason out of Kan.
Banda is an infielder for Angleton High School and the Texas Sudden Impact Gold. She was First Team All-County and All-District this past season.
Muir is an infielder for Lincoln High School and the Northwest Bullets Gold. She has been All-State for three seasons and was Fist Team All-League for three seasons as well. She was league MVP in 2007.
Scott is an infielder for Liberty High School and the KC Zephyrs Gold. She was First Team All-District and Second Team All-Conference for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
Southworth is a catcher for Papillion LaVista High School and the Omaha Select. She led her high school team to a second place finish in the state championships this fall season after taking the title in 2006 and 2007. She was a two-time First Team All-State selection in 2007 and 2008. She put up impressive numbers her senior year batting .422 with 29 RBIs and 11 doubles.
Thomason is an outfielder for Blue Valley Northwest High School and the KC Peppers. She batted .470 in 2008 earning First Team All-Metro and All-League honors. She also recorded a .742 slugging percentage, .527 on-base percentage, nine doubles, three triples, 22 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.
**For more information, refer to each college's athletic website.
CA, OK, TX, KS, MO, NE, GA, OR, SC, CO, AZ
Calif. standout commits to OU
December 8, 2008 12:31 PM
Jessica Vest, 2011 graduate and middle infielder, has verbally accepted a scholarship to attend and play softball at the University of Oklahoma. The Sooners compete in the highly competitive Big 12 Conference and are coached by Patty Gasso.
Vest is a first year member of the Grapettes Gold after a successful stay on the 16U Grapettes. When asked why she chose to be a Sooner, Jessica said, "Oklahoma was my first choice. Oklahoma was a home away from home. I felt so comfortable walking around on the campus. I loved Coach Gasso and her Staff. It was very easy for me to see myself playing out on the OU field. I know that I will receive a great education there."
Vest is a three-sport athlete at San Benito High School in Hollister, Calif. In addition to softball, she plays volleyball and basketball. In 2008 Jessica was a Second Team All-League selection for her softball varsity squad and led her team to a league championship. She was also the MVP of her volleyball team and selected as female athlete of the year. This fall, Vest attended the prestigious West Coast All Stars Softball Camp.
Vest also shines in the classroom and is currently ranked number one in her class. She chose Oklahoma over Fresno State, Stanford, CSU Northridge, San Diego State, UNLV, UOP, and Long Beach State.
CA, OK
Player to watch: Ashley Brokeshoulder
December 3, 2008 12:12 PM
By Garland Cooper
| | |
| | COURTESY OF THE BROKESHOULDER FAMILY |
| | Ashley Brokeshoulder. |
In the spotlight today is Ashley Brokeshoulder, a 2009 graduate out of Shawnee, Okla. She is a pitcher for Shawnee High School and the Oklahoma Jitterbugs 18U Gold.
This past fall season Brokeshoulder dominated her opponents on the mound. As the Varsity ace, she recorded a 0.31 ERA, and a whopping 413 strikeouts in 223 innings pitched. She pitched 19 shutouts and ended up with a 25-10 record on the year.
Brokeshoulder led her team to the 5A State Championships, but they fell short in the final game. However, for her efforts on the season, she was named All-State, the conference MVP and her team's Defensive Player of the year.
In 2007, her junior season, Brokeshoulder again put up some impressive numbers. She finished with an ERA of 0.38, a record of 15-5, and 265 Ks in 160 innings pitched. Her performance earned her All Big City Pitcher of the Year honors.
2006 was much of the same. She was the conference MVP and her high school's Defensive Player of the Year as well. In 2005 she was named the conference's Newcomer of the Year as a freshman and earned her starting spot on the Varsity squad.
In her spare time, Brokeshoulder works in the the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program doing community service and attending youth leaderhsip conferences all over the world.
Although Brokeshoulder's high school career has come to an end, look for her this summer on the mound with the Okla. Jitterbugs 18U Gold!
*Keep checking in for more updates and more information on Ashley!
OK
Sophomore commits to become a Sooner
December 1, 2008 12:35 PM
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI |
| | Callie Parsons. |
Sophomore centerfielder,
Callie Parsons out of Okla., has committed to play at the Univ. of Oklahoma. Parsons plays for the Tulsa Elite Easton Gold and for Pryor High School. The 2011 graduate will join the NCAA Division I school for the 2011-12 season.
Parsons is the daughter of Gary and Lori Parsons of Pryor, Okla. and becomes the nation's first Class of 2011 member to verbal to OU. She joins Tulsa Elite teammate Javen Henson who was the nation's first Class of 2010 member to commit to OU back in June.
When asked about her decision Parsons said, "I have always dreamed of going to OU and am just so excited right now. They have so much to offer."
Even though she's only a sophomore, many top 25 programs have heavily recruited the left-handed, power-hitting Parsons since joining the Tulsa Elite. These colleges include several programs in the Big 12 and SEC.
Elite Coach Jeff Filali on Parsons: "We are very proud of Callie's accomplishments on and off the field. She is quiet and humble, but very consistent at the plate with a very strong arm in the OF and just gets the job done. I asked her at the end of summer where she really wanted to play college ball and she didn't hesitate to say the University of Oklahoma. I told her I couldn't promise her anything, but if she would work hard, I would let them know about her abilities and do everything in my powers to make sure they had a chance to come watch her play this fall."
OK
Player to watch: Kaytie Spencer
November 29, 2008 12:42 PM
Our player in the spotlight today is Tulsa Elite Gold's sophomore catcher Kaytie Spencer of Purcell , Okla.
The sophomore has recorded consistent pop-times in the low 1.7s and is very quick behind the plate. She also is very consistent at the plate and finished the fall with a .463 AVG for the Elite.
During this past summer, Spencer attracted a lot of attention as the only freshman to start for her previous 18U Gold team (OK Ultimate Gold, coached by Jaime McCoy and former Sooner Maria Mena).
Elite coach, Jeff Filali on Spencer: "Kaytie is one of the best defensive catchers we have ever seen, especially for her age, and should be our starting catcher this summer. I remember watching Ivan Rodriguez, back when he was a teenager, coming up in the Rangers organization and her quickness reminds us so much of him. She is very, very quick behind the plate, with a quick release and strong arm and can pick-off a lot of runners. Our pitchers just love having her behind the plate and really open up with their full potential. She is also very consistent at the plate and is a huge asset to the team. She is very aggressive on the bases, has a great eye at the plate and is quickly learning how to use her eye and patience to place-hit the ball to opposite field when asked."
She'll certainly have a chance to be seen a lot next summer as the Elite has a strong summer Gold and college exposure schedule planned including three or four Gold Qualifiers, along with Exposure Tournaments in Colo. , N.J. and Texas .
OK
Okla. pitcher signs with UCA
November 20, 2008 5:00 AM
The Tulsa Elite Easton Gold pitcher, Kelsie Armstrong, has signed with D-I Univ. of Central Arkansas.
Armstrong is a right-handed pitcher and 2009 graduate from Lake Hamilton High School in Ark.
| |  |
| | COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI |
| | Kelsie Armstrong will join UCA for the 2009-10 season. |
Armstrong, who was heavily recruited, chose UCA over several other programs around the country. When asked about her decision Armstrong said, "I just love it there, the campus, the team and the coaches. Everything about UCA is absolutely perfect and exactly what I really wanted in a school."
The coaching staff and the opportunity to make an impact early in her career also attracted Armstrong to UCA.
She continued, "Coach Kuhn is great and all the girls really like playing for him. I look forward to being an immediate impact player for UCA and helping the team compete nationally over the next four years."
She had a phenomenal summer for the Elite with a 22-8 Record, 0.81 ERA and 219 Ks through 170 innings pitched. Armstrong has pitched her high school team to four straight High School State Tournament appearances and will be going for her fifth this spring. Armstrong was the 6A State Championship pitcher in 2007, was named State Tournament MVP the same year, and is a two-time All-State Pitcher.
UCA's new Head Coach David Kuhn is a very successful coach and brings a winning tradition from Delta State where he had a 368-222 (.624) record over the past ten years. He was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Coach of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and led the Lady Statesmen to the NCAA South Regional in 2002 when they posted a 42-17 overall record.
Elite Coach, Jeff Filali, has watched Armstrong perform on and off the field in the past ten months and is happy with her decision.
He stated, "We are very proud of Kelsie's accomplishments on and off the field. She is a leader, who always wants the ball in the big games and always puts her team first. Coach Kuhn is a great coach with a history of winning and is making all the right moves to make UCA a top competitor."
OK, AR
Four Calif. athletes make it official
November 18, 2008 12:48 PM
By Garland Cooper
Monday morning, at Hart High School in Newhall, Calif., four elite softball players signed their National Letters of Intent to play D-I ball.
The athletes included Jessica Shults (Okla.), Destiny Rodino (UCLA), Emily Henry (Chico State), and Melissa Brown (Tenn.). All four are starters for the Hart High School squad; Shults and Rodino make up the battery for the Indians while Henry and Brown round out the infield.
Signing their National Letters of Intent sealed the deal for the athletes and it seemed to put everything in perspective.
| |  |
| | ESPN RISE |
| | (L-R:) Emily Henry, Destiny Rodino, Jessica Shults, and Melissa Brown. |
"It is unreal," stated Rodino at the signing ceremony, "Everything that we have worked for has finally paid off. All the hours spent practicing and the missed events finally have paid off. It is such a blessing!"
Rodino chose UCLA over a plethora of schools including LSU, Wisconsin, Florida, and Cal State Fullerton. She wasn't the only one with schools breaking down her door, all three of the girls had to turn away several prospects. Shults turned down UCLA, Washington, Texas and Oregon State, Brown turned down Cal State Fullerton and Washington and Henry said goodbye to Farleigh Dickinson.
With so many offers, it must have been a difficult decision for the girls, but each of them were able to give several reasons explaining why their school was the right fit for them.
"I liked the small-town atmosphere, the girls and the coaches; it just felt like a good fit," Henry stated, remembering her time at Chico State.
Shults decided on Oklahoma after visiting the campus. "I just felt really welcome there, and it felt like they really wanted me to play for them."
Brown, like Henry and Shults, also based her decision on feeling when visiting Tennessee. "I saw the way they treated athletes and students and I wanted to be a part of it. I knew the second I got there that Tennessee was the place for me."
Finally, Rodino, who lives not far from the UCLA campus, saw the appeal in being close to home. "Being in Southern Calif. my parents will be able to come to the games," she stated. However, the bigger reason laid in UCLA's history. "I want to be a part of the legacy that comes with being a softball player at UCLA."
They each have their reasons for choosing their collegiate programs, but they all agree that the focus is different now since the dream of playing in college has become a reality.
"My focus now is just preparing for college and working to be the best I can be," said Shults.
The other girls agreed that preparing was most important, but Rodino was quick to add that, while they would be starting a collegiate career next fall, this year is not over. "I want to win! I want a ring before I leave!" Rodino added enthusiastically.
With these four seniors, a ring at the end of the year is not completely unrealistic for the Hart High School Indians.
On the mound, Rodino held opponents to only 11 earned runs and had an ERA of 0.405 last season. Shults, Brown, and Henry led the offensive push for the Indians with Shults and Brown batting well over .400. Shults also hit ten homers and had 31 RBI while Brown led the team with 13 stolen bases. Henry scored 13 runs and played in every game for the Indians while leading defensively.
Look for these four Indians and the whole Hart squad tearing up the field come spring. As Rodino stated, these girls have some unfinished business to take care of before they leave their high school careers behind.
CA, OK, TN
Early signings from Oklahoma
November 17, 2008 5:49 PM
By Garland Cooper
** Below are some more early signing seniors out of Okla. in alphabetical order:
Ryan Allen - Westmoore High School - Southeast Oklahoma State
Andrea Barber - Mannford High School - Western Oklahoma State
Megan Bly - Skiatook High School - Univ. Missouri Kansas City
Cassidy Bowen - Claremore High School - Tulsa
Stephanie Brewer - Broken Arrow High School - Arkansas
Alyssa Freiling - Seq Claremore High School - Ball State
Amy Graham - Hominy High School - Oklahoma State
Kelsi Hilderbrandt - Broken Arrow High School - Northeastern State Univ.
Alex Jones - Enid High School - Kansas
Amanda Karth - Choctaw High School - Cameron Univ.
Tiffanie Knox - Westmore High School - Western Oklahoma State
Katrina Loy - Seq Claremore High School - Rogers State
Katie Lynn - Moore High School - Southern Nazarene
Chelsea Lyon - Broken Arrow High School - Iowa
Amy Madden - Yukon High School - Southern Nazarene
Ali Manship - Harrah High School - Southeastern Oklahama State Univ.
April Marsee - Purcell High School - Northeastern State Univ.
Hannah Martin - Owasso High School - Drury
Hope McLemore - Ringling High School - Arkansas
Shelby Meadows - Choctaw High School - Cameron Univ.
Jessica Orr - Choctaw High School - Cameron Univ.
Kalynn Schrock - Choctaw High School - Tulsa
Sydney Shannon - Marlow High School - Texas A&M
Taryn Smith - Pawhuska Hgh School - Labette
Brittany Swartz - Perry High School - Northwestern Oklahoma State Univ.
OK
H
