Kansas Softball Signs Four
Nov. 15, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
University of Kansas head softball Tracy Bunge announced Wednesday the signing of Allie Clark (Hesperia, Calif.), Kolby Fesmire (Round Rock, Texas), Brittany Hile (Olathe, Kan.) and Liz Kocon (Katy, Texas) to National Letters of Intent.
“We are very excited about these four young ladies joining our program,” Bunge said. “They will not only help us on the field, but they will also bring a lot to our program in other areas, such as in the classroom and in the community. All four are a great fit with our team and I know they are looking forward to the challenge of winning more championships in the future.”
Clark, a 6-0 pitcher out of Hesperia, Calif., posted a .56 ERA and batted .493 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in her junior season at Hesperia High School. She led her team to a 16-0 conference record and Mojave League Championship in 2006, earning league MVP honors. Also a member of the Minor’s Gold, 18 Gold club team, Clark was named the Victorville Daily Press Athlete of the Year and First-Team All-CIF (California Interscholastic Federation).
“Allie has the ability to help us not only in the pitching circle, but at the plate as well,” Bunge added. ‘She has tremendous power at the plate and is a true competitor. I love her drive and her love for the game.”
A 5-4 middle infielder, Fesmire is a Georgetown High (Georgetown, Texas) product who batted .372 as a junior in 2006. Fesmire was tabbed team MVP, first-team all-district, All-Williamson County and All-Centex honorable mention. She also competes for the Austin Storm (18-under Blue) club team.
“Kolby brings some tools to us that we need in our program,” Bunge commented. “She plays the middle infield very well and will come in and compete for playing time right away. Offensively, she is a threat with great speed and should give our lineup a spark.”
Hile, a 5-10 catcher, chose to stay close to home after success at nearby Blue Valley West. Hile hit .435 with 27 hits and 15 RBI, compiled a .576 on-base percentage and .597 slugging percentage in 2006, helping her team to a 19-4 record and sub-state championship. The Olathe, Kan., native holds 10 school records and also plays club ball with the Wichita Mustangs.
“Brittany has one of the best arms in the game and will help us behind the plate and offensively,” Bunge said. “She is very athletic and can help us in a lot of different ways. We are thrilled to have one of the most talented players from Kansas stay home.”
Kocon comes to Kansas as one of the top left-handed hitters in the Houston area. The 5-8 true lefty plays both first base and outfield at James E. Taylor High School and for the Houston Power Gold club team. A two-time first-team all-district selection, Kocon earned offensive team MVP honors as a junior in 2006. This summer, Kocon helped Houston Power Gold to a seventh place finish at Nationals and in 2005, competed against Chinese national and Olympic team players on a trip to China.
“Passionate, competitive, dedicated are just a few words that I would use to describe Liz,” Bunge added. “She is a true outfielder and lefty that will bring some pop to our lineup and will help with our depth in the outfield.”
Kansas welcomed eight newcomers to its 2007 roster and will graduate two seniors, including All-Big 12 First Team pitcher Kassie Humphreys, this season. The Jayhawks were presented with their 2006 Big 12 Conference Championship rings Wednesday night at halftime of the Kansas-Oral Roberts men’s basketball game in Lawrence.
-KU-
