LAS CRUCES, N.M.-- New Mexico State head coach Kathy Rodolph announced Tuesday that she has inked four standouts during the early signing period. Utility players Teresa Conrad and Lauren Morizi, along with outfielder Amber Olive and right-handed pitcher Alex Newman have all signed National Letters of Intent to play softball and attend NMSU starting in the fall of 2009.
Rodolph said that over the past four years, a solid foundation has been laid in the program and she believes that this signing class has the potential to take the Aggies to the next level.
“We are very happy with our 2009 signing class,” Rodolph said. ”Each athlete brings something unique to the table. They are all talented and versatile athletes that understand our vision, our goals and they are determined to help take the program to the next level.”
Conrad graduates from Notre Dame Academy in Los Angeles, Calif., in June 2009. Over the summer, the utility player was the primary short stop for the California Combat Panther’s 18 and under squad. She led the Panthers to a 2008 Armature Softball Association Gold National Championship Tournament appearance and a National Softball Association California Mirage Thanksgiving Classic Championship. Conrad hit .536, had an on-base percentage of .581 and a slugging percentage of 1.071. She was also named as a first team all-league honoree and a first team All-California Interscholastic Federation selection for Notre Dame Academy.
“We expect Teresa to step in and compete right away,” Rodolph said. “She is a tough, hard working and gifted athlete who has the ability to play multiple positions in the infield and also hit for power. She demands only the best from herself and I know she will fit right into our Aggie softball family.”
Morizi graduates from Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, Calif., in June 2009. Last season, the utility player had a .213 batting average, a .306 slugging percentage and a .321 on-base percentage, while registering 16 hits, nine RBIs and a pair of homeruns. During her first two seasons of high school, Morizi led the Falcons to the California Interscholastic Playoffs and was named to the All-Palomar League Honorable Mention team both years. As a junior, Morizi was named as a San Diego Union Tribune Athletic of the week for her impressive efforts and was voted the teams most valuable defensive player as a sophomore and junior. During the summer months, Marizi is a member of the prestigious San Diego Renegades softball club.
“Lauren is an athlete who can play anywhere on the field. She is a speedy left handed hitter who has some pop for her size,” Rodolph said. “She has a “can-do” attitude and will play anywhere her team needs her. I am excited to see Lauren compete as an Aggie.”
Olive graduates from Simi Valley High School in Simi Valley, Calif., in June 2009. The outfielder has lettered in softball for three years, while posting a .358 bating average, 34 hits and crossed the plate 25 times as a junior. She led the Pioneers to a 2008 Marmonte League title and was named to the first team All-Marmonte League as a junior and to the second team All-Marmonte as a sophomore. Simi Valley was also a California Interscholastic Federation Finalist in 2008. Olive also assisted the Pioneers to the 2008 Best of the West Championship, Arroyo Grande Tournament by the Sea Championship and back-to-back Susanne Manlet Invitational titles, where she was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player.
“We believe that Amber Olive will push for playing time right away in an already talented outfield,” Rodolph said. “She is very versatile offensively as she has speed and power from the left side of the plate. Her work ethic is outstanding and she embraces our vision of excellence in all she does.”
Newman graduates from Rio Linda Senior High School, in Rio Linda, Calif., in June 2009. As the starting right-handed pitcher for the last two seasons, Newman led the Knights to back-to-back Capital Valley Conference Championships (co-Champions in 2007), while being named the league’s most valuable player as a junior. Newman was also a CalHi sports all-state player nominee, a two-time All-Metro Sacramento Bee honorable mention honoree and named to the All-Capital Valley Conference team all three years of high school. As a freshman and sophomore, Newman led the league with an ERA of .859 and .693, respectively. As a junior Newman had a batting average of .458, including 44 hits, 16 RBIs and scored 29 runs. In the circle she had an ERA of 2.51, while only allowing seven earned runs in the 195 innings action.
“Alex has the ability to come in and pitch right away for us,” Rodolph said. “She has the potential to really be something special in the circle as an Aggie. She is a right-handed pitcher who has proven herself in high school and on the ASA Gold level. I look forward to working with Alex.”
Courtesy: Sam Wasson
