Kansas Softball Signs Chapple & Crisosto
Nov. 11, 2004
LAWRENCE, Kan. – University of Kansas head softball coach Tracy Bunge announced Thursday the signing of Val Chapple (Overland Park, Kan.) and Stevie Crisosto (Palo Cedro, Calif.) to National Letters of Intent. Chapple, an infielder from Olathe East High School, and Crisosto, an infielder/pitcher out of Foothill High, will join the Jayhawk squad in 2005.
“We are so excited to have two kids that are both excellent athletes and students,” Bunge said. “Val and Stevie have great passion for the sport and come from great families. They are both very versatile and athletic and will provide much-needed depth in the infield next season.”
Chapple (R/R) is a 2004 National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-America First-Team selection at third base. In addition to her all-state, all-county and all-league accolades, Chapple is also a member of the 2004 NFCA Scholastic All-American team. She holds eight school records at Olathe East including batting average (.598), slugging percentage (.978) and on-base percentage (.602).
A member of the KC Peppers club team, Chapple will compete for the Jayhawks’ third base position but can also play in the outfield and behind the plate.
Crisosto led the Foothill High Cougars to a league championship each season she played and was named all-conference, all-section and player of the year. As a member of the California Chaos club team (northern California), Crisosto was named Outstanding Pitcher and Most Valuable Player for four consecutive years and led her them to top-five finishes in the 2002 Triple Crown World Series, 2003 ASA Western Nationals and 2004 18U Nationals.
Crisosto, who chose KU over Washington, will contend for any spot in the Jayhawk infield and could be utilized on the mound.
“I would really like to thank my assistant coaches for all their hard work recruiting, especially over the summer months,” Bunge said. “The quality of these signees is a reflection of what a great staff and group of players we have here at the University of Kansas.”
Kansas softball opens its regular season Feb. 4-6 at the Arizona Pepsi Classic in Tuscon.
