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Softball Signs Eight for 2013
Lawson hauls in eight heralded players from across the country
LEXINGTON,
Ky. – After racking up the best season in school history in 2011,
UK softball coach Rachel Lawson has inked a heralded class of eight
highly-touted athletes from across the country for the 2013 season.
The
Wildcats have signed Katie Henderson (Hixscon, Tenn.), Kelsey Nunley
(Soddy Daisy, Tenn.), Darington Richardson (Duluth, Ga.), Nikki
Sagermann (Budford, Ga.), Sylver Samuel (Simpsonville, S.C.), Ansley
Smith (Newnan, Ga.), Maisie Steed (Powder Springs, Ga.) and Christian
Stokes (Chesterfield, S.C.).
“The 2013 class is arguably
the most balanced class to ever sign with Kentucky softball,” Lawson
said. “Collectively, the class has speed and power and can
dominant in the circle. And without question, the athletes in this
class love being on the ball field and they know how to win.”
Henderson
is a pitcher who has led the city of Chattanooga in strikeouts during
her prep career. She has earned All-District Tournament team honors
three times in her career and also been tabbed the Defensive Player of
the Year in her high school career. Also a terrific student, Henderson
is an honor roll student who has also been inducted into the National
Honor Society as well as Mu Alpha Theta which is a mathematics honor
society.
“Katie adds the depth needed to compete against
the great hitters in the SEC,” Lawson said. “She is a strong pitcher
who loves to challenge batters.”
Nunley is a dual-threat
with talented abilities as both a pitcher and an infielder. Nunley is a
two-time All-State performer and has been tabbed the Chattanooga City
Player of the Year twice. The dynamic athlete has also captured nine
state titles and three national championships with her club team. An
honor roll student and a member of the National Honor Society, Nunley
is also involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“Kelsey
is one of the most complete athletes to sign with the Wildcats,” Lawson
said. “A three sport athlete in high school, Nunley not only knows how
to dominate in the circle but can also provide power in the heart of
the lineup.”
Richardson is an outfielder who has twice
been tabbed the All-Region utility Player of the Year. Richardson has
played in multiple positions throughout her prep career. As a junior,
she was named the All-Region Offensive Player of the Year, while also
seeing action in the pitching circle.
“Darington has all of the
tools necessary to become a great outfielder in the SEC,” Lawson said.
“She has both speed and power. When Dari adjusts to the speed of
the SEC, she has the ability to develop into one of the toughest outs
in the conference.”
Sagermann is an infielder who has
three-time All-State performer and a Georgia state champion during her
high school career. She has been named the Offensive Player of the Year
twice and became the first player in her school history to pitch a
perfect game and connect for a home run in the same outing. She has
been nominated as the Gatorade State Player of the Year which will be
announced later this fall.
“Nikki is one of the best power
hitters in the country,” Lawson said. “She not only is incredibly
strong, but she has the innate ability to hit many different pitches in
all zones. The best part about Sagermann is her competitive nature and
her knack for performing at the highest level in all types of pressure
situations.”
Samuel is an outfielder who charted a 22-game
hitting streak in her high school career. She is a two-time All-State
performer and a three-time All-Region team member. She has already
achieved a record for most career stolen bases and boats a near .500
batting average.
“Sylver is arguably one of the fastest
athletes in the country,” Lawson said. “In the outfield, Sylver has
great range and a strong arm. A natural lefty, Sylver has power
and a great short game which creates match-up issues for any defense.”
Smith
was the most valuable player for her high school state champion squad
as a dynamic shortstop. She has been named an All-County team performer
in all four seasons of action and twice has been tabbed the All-County
Player of the Year. She is also a member of the Beta Club and the
Student Alliance for Green Earth (SAGE).
“Ansley is one of
the most dynamic infielders in the country,” Lawson said. “A great
shortstop, I have no doubt Ansley has the game sense required to play
any position in the field at an elite level. Offensively, Ansley
is strong has good speed, and is an outstanding base runner.”
Steed
is an athlete who can play in either the outfield or the infield. She
is an All-State performer and a Wendy’s High School Heisman School
winner. She has set career records for hits, stolen bases, runs scored
and doubles. Also an excellent student, she was named the math student
of the year in back-to-back years as well as the Sophomore of the Year
in 2010.
“Maisie has the ability and desire needed to
develop into a dominant player within the SEC,” Lawson said. “Our first
pure switch hitter, Maisie has the ability to generate runs many
different ways. Defensively, Steed has great speed, a strong arm
and can play any position on the field.”
Stokes
is a two-sport star in volleyball and softball. She has signed to play
infield for the Wildcats after lettering for six seasons and capturing
two state titles. Stokes is an All-State performer and has twice been
named the All-Region Player of the Year. She is also an
exceptional student who ranks in the top-five of her graduating class.
“Christian
is undoubtedly one of the most exciting defensive shortstops in the
country,” Lawson said. “She has tremendous range and arm strength
second to none. Christian has a keen sense of the game and
already understands the value of fielding every ball that is hit up the
middle and towards the left side of the field.”
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