Softball Announces 2009-10 Recruiting Class

When the West Georgia softball team steps onto the diamond this year, much more than the field will be a new sight. Along with the brand new University Athletic Complex, head coach Erika Swanson has announced 12 additions to the six returnees for the 2010 campaign. 

 

“There is definitely a lot of potential with this recruiting class,” said Swanson. “We have several players who have the ability to make an immediate impact on this team and in the Gulf South Conference.”

 

Of the newcomers, nine will be stepping onto a collegiate diamond for the first time. In the outfield, Swanson brought in five potential stars. Kristin Hall roamed the outfield at North Gwinnett High School, and her switch-hitting ability and speed has the potential to make her one of the immediate impact players. 

 

Joining Hall in the outfield is Kelsey Francen from Sequoyah, Meagan Sitton from Sandy Creek, Chrissy Rainwater from Darton College and Megan Simmons from Georgia Military College.

 

“I am excited about my outfielders for this season,” Swanson said. “They all come in with good credentials and each of them has the ability to step into a starting role.”

 

In the infield, Swanson will have the pick of seven different players, led by Megan Garcia from Sequoyah. Garcia batted .423 in an All-Region season as a senior shortstop for the Chiefs. Joining Megan will be first baseman Jordan Bohannon from Gordon Lee, Ashley West from George Walton Academy, Kate Gorczyca of Creekview, Holly Barnlund from Medina High in Medina Ohio, Hollie Veal and Megan Simmons from Georgia Military College and Rainwater.

 

“I’m pleased with the versatility of my recruiting class this season,” said Swanson. “Most of my girls can play multiple positions and will be called upon to do so.”

 

On the mound, Swanson has a trio of recruits in Rachel Segers, Gorczyca and West. Each had an ERA of less than 1.13 in high school and all were standouts. Segers, a true freshman from Tift County, collected 160 strikeouts and just 21 walks as a senior in 2008.

 

Log onto www.uwgsports.com for game stories, stats and all the action from the softball diamond throughout the 2009-10 academic year.