LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- New Mexico State head softball coach Kathy Rodolph announced Tuesday morning, that pitcher/utility player Celisha Walker and catcher/infielder Alyssa Ruiz have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball at NM State beginning in the fall of 2010.
"This signing class is small but significant for us," Rodolph said. "Celisha and Alyssa are both competitors and will work to move our program to a new level."
Walker was named to the 2007, 2008 and 2009 All-CIF and All-League team. She helped lead the Combat Panthers 18-Gold team to 18-Gold National Championships in 2008. With Santa Monica High School, Walker hit .361 at the plate with 10 extra bases hits. As a pitcher, Walker recorded a 1.39 era in 136 innings pitched. She tallied 123 strikeouts and 12 walks on her way to a 17-4 record, including nine shutout performances.
"Celisha has great athleticism and we feel her upside is huge" Rodolph said. "She can run very well and has good power potential at the plate. I think she will make her biggest strides at our level in pitching. She is a fierce competitor in the circle, can keep hitters off balance and will only get better when she can train everyday. I know she will compete everyday for us as an Aggie and help move our program forward."
Ruiz is very driven and has really taken control of her own destiny as an athlete by making training choices over the past few years. She has a great presence behind the plate, works well with her pitchers and has the leadership qualities all coaches want in their catchers. She has consistently competed for some of the top tier travel teams nationally through hard work and athleticism. She currently trains and competes with the California Cruisers.
"I felt like we need some depth in our catching staff," Rodolph said. "I was really looking for someone who is passionate about the little things with the position and Alyssa fits this perfectly. She thrives on hard work and details. I think her work ethic and maturity will make her a solid contender for catcher next year."
Courtesy: New Mexico State University
