MOREHEAD, Ky. - Morehead State softball coach
David Williams announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent in the early signing period on Tuesday.
The 2012-13 class includes infielder
Jordan Boone (Sarasota, Fla./Sarasota HS), utility player
Samantha Howard (Pembroke, Ga./Waycross College), infielder
Dana Hutchins (Bradenton, Fla./Lakewood Ranch HS), outfielder/pitcher
Tressa Watson (Kennesaw, Ga./Allatoona HS) and pitcher
Cori Williams (New Port Richey, Fla./J.W. Mitchell HS).
“I am very excited about the addition of these young ladies to the Morehead State softball program,” said head coach
David Williams, who was hired in September. “Each one of these young ladies has the potential to contribute to the program immediately.”
Boone hit .388 as a junior, with 32 RBI’s and eight homeruns for Sarasota High School. She was named All-County in 2011 and has played competitively in tournaments across the country. Boone plays travel ball for the Sarasota Heat Gold, coached by Mark Dover.
Coach Williams on Boone:
“Jordan has the ability to hit for average and provide extra base hits. She has gained valuable experience playing against some of the top teams across the nation. This will definitely prepare her for the transition to the college game. She is a strong hitter that has the ability to produce a big hit at any moment.”
Howard is strong on both offense and defense and can play several positions effectively. As a freshman, she batted .484, scored 40 runs and had 25 RBI’s. She also added six doubles, six triples and five homeruns for the Swamp Foxes, giving her a .797 slugging percentage for the year. For her efforts she was named First-Team All-Region as a freshman. She prepped at Bryan County High School and played travel ball with the Angels Gold.
Coach Williams on Howard:
“Samantha brings a passion for the game that is reflected in her play. She will bring two years of college experience with her, playing in a very competitive Georgia Junior College system. She has the ability to play several positions and produce offensively, which makes her a valuable asset.”
Hutchins hit .481 as a junior, with 26 RBI’s, which led her to being named All-State and the Lakewood Ranch high school MVP. She has been named All-County as well as her team’s Offensive Player of the Year in each of her first three high school seasons and has twice been named Brighthouse Sports Network All-Area. Along with fellow signee Boone, Hutchins plays travel ball for the Sarasota Heat Gold, coached by Mark Dover.
Coach Williams on Hutchins:
“Dana is an excellent offensive and defensive player that will bring a consistent bat and solid glove with her to Morehead next fall. She has a great eye for the ball and is a very patient hitter, who will find a way to get on base. She too has gained valuable experience playing against some of the top teams in the nation, which will aide in her transition.”
Watson is a versatile player that will be able to help out in a variety of areas upon her arrival. This fall she helped lead her high school to the Georgia Class AAA state finals. In 2011 she compiled a .350 batting average with six homeruns and 33 RBI’s. For her efforts she has been named First-Team All-Region. In 2010, as a junior, she was named All-County and All-State as an outfielder. Her team also appeared in the 2010 state finals. She competes with the Georgia Fire Gold in travel ball.
Coach Williams on Watson:
“Tressa has experienced success in both high school and travel ball. She has a winning mentality that a coach loves to have. She can play multiple positions in the field and is a solid hitter.”
During her junior season in 2011, Williams had a 2.07 ERA in the circle, finishing with an 11-5 record. She posted 150 strikeouts, seven shutouts and three no-hitters, which led her to be named First-Team All-North Sun Coast League. Williams was also named All-Pasco County following her junior campaign. She currently plays travel ball for Team F.L.A., coached by Sherrie Allbritten.
Coach Williams on Williams:
“Cori has all of the tools necessary to compete and will be a good addition to the MSU pitching staff. She has pitched at the Gold Level with a tremendous amount of success. Facing that level of competition allows her to continuously work on her skill set. She throws with good velocity and great control.”
