Chris Rouppet, our Director of College Services, and The San Jose Sting would like to congratulate the 2008 Seniors and their Families who signed National Letter of Intents this past November during the early signing period.
Jane Alexander (Harvard)- Jane will be playing softball for the 2007 champions of the Ivy League, Harvard University in the fall of 2008. The smooth gloved Alexander who was one of the top hitters on this past summers 7th place Gold team was a heavily recruited middle infielder who wanted a strong academic school with a competitive softball program. It was a very difficult decision for Jane as Princeton and Penn were definitely top choices for her as well. Jane eventually chose Harvard who annually ranks at the top of all academic categories and has a nationally recognized pre med program. Alexander will bring her hot bat, gritty play and leadership to the Crimson.
Congratulations to the Alexander family.
Alicia Noriega, Alyssa Nakken, Kelly Shepard & Marissa Navarro (Sacramento State) - Coach Strahan has recruited some of the strongest athletes in the 08'class. These players can play multiple positions and look to make an immediate impact for the Hornets in 2009. Sacramento State University leads the PCSC conference with highest placement of student athletes into the Commissioners Honor Roll and has competed every year for the league championship including a 2nd place finish to league champion Loyola Marymount this past 2007 season.
Alicia Noriega, a Sting veteran for five years, is an OF/2B who brings athleticism, speed and a powerful bat for her size. She is a true example of hard work and dedication that ultimately paid off! Alyssa Nakken, who joined us this past Fall from Gabe Abelia’s California Flames team, can play IF, OF & P. She is very athletic and can swing a tremendous bat. Alyssa has the ability to close out a game with her pitching, hit a game winning RBI or fill any defensive slot that is needed. Kelly Shepard, who also joins us from Gabe’s California Flames team, is an OF/1B who is a force with her bat speed and power. She can also run fast for her 5’-10” build and has the ability to throw a seed to home plate when needed. Marissa Navarro is an aggressive, rifle-armed catcher who loves to pick off base runners and swing the big bat. Her dedication and enthusiasm will definitely bring leadership to the Hornets.
Congratulations to the Noriega, Nakken, Shepard and Navarro families. A special thanks to Gabe Abelia for his hard work and efforts.
Caitlin Steele & Ashley Rose (San Diego State) - Defense and Offense are covered for the Aztecs with these two recruits. Caitlin (Nater) is one of the top defensive catchers in her class and commands respect from opposing team’s base runners. Nater was instrumental behind the plate last summer whenever we needed a key out at any bag. Ashley is a power hitting utility player who knows the game and gets respect at the plate. She has the attitude any coach would want as she always wants to play no matter what position it is. SDSU Head Coach Kathy Van Wyk, the highest wins for a coach in school history looks for impact players and has found it again with these two players.
Congratulations to the Steele and Rose families. Special Thanks to Phil Mumma for his hard work and efforts.
Stephanie Ricketts (Hawaii - Manoa)- The #12 ranked Hawaii Wahines was one of the strongest offensive teams in the country this past 2007 season and eventually lost the deciding 3rd game to the NCAA runner-up U of Tennessee in the super regionals. Banging on the championship door every year, Coach Bob Coolen might have found the one who will knock down the door with Stephanie Ricketts. The hard throwing, 6'1 RHP/1B will make an immediate impact as a freshman with her ability to win the big game. Stephanie also brings a huge bat and looks to be an everyday player.
Congratulations to the Ricketts family.
Sarah Hassman (Stanford)- Sarah is one of the best all around athletes in the entire 2008 class proven by her SPARQ test ranking of No. 2 in the Nation. The multi-sport athlete had a dream to always play for the Cardinals and that dream became a reality last month during the early signing period. Speed, Athleticism & ESPN web gem glove are just a few of the many words to describe Sarah. She will be a tremendous asset for the USA Olympic Asst. Coach John Rittman.
Congratulations to the Hassman Family and Special Thanks to Debie Smith, our 16U Head Coach, for her development of Sarah the past few years.
Jessica Barry (UNLV)- The UNLV Coaching Staff wanted a left-handed batter who has speed, can get on base, and is athletic. Jessica Barry was exactly what they needed. Jessica chose UNLV over many other schools to play for a program that was serious about winning and where she felt comfortable. UNLV has been just that since the arrival of head coach Lonni Alameda, who happened to be the former Asst. Coach at Stanford where Jessica was once a ball girl. Jessica will come into the program and give them the boost that will take them over the top.
Congratulations to the Barry Family and Special Thanks to Debie Smith, our 16U Head Coach, for her development of Jessica the past few years.
Sarah Locarnini (Purdue)- Sarah will be joining the Boilermakers in the fall of 2008 and competing in the always-competitive Big 10 conference. Former CAL Assistant and current Purdue Head coach Kim Mahr loved her confidence and always-persistent triple-threat at the plate. Sarah can always make something happen in every at bat.
Congratulations to the Locarnini Family and Special Thanks to Coach Tom Sorci for his development of Sarah.
The Sting also wants to congratulate the following 2009 athletes for their commitments:
Keilani Ricketts – University of Oklahoma
Molly Medeiros – Loyola Marymount University
