George Washington University Athletics
GW Already Strengthening Program
12/10/2002 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 10, 2002
WASHINGTON, DC - Head Coach Leslie King Moore has announced the signing of two recruits, who will join the Colonials next season. Ashley Horner of State College (PA) Area High School and Gabby Culp of Bishop Dunne (Dallas, TX) High School have chosen to bring their skills to the new program.
Horner made her mark by being named an All-State outfielder as a junior. She was a member of the State AAAA Final Four team that won regional, district and league championships. That season, she had a .348 batting average which included two home runs, 13 RBI and 15 runs scored, to go along with her .537 on-base percentage. In the playoffs, Horner's batting average jumped to .500 and she tallied seven of the team's 13 hits.
Horner is not only solid at the plate. Over the past three years with her summer team, the Central Pennsylvania BLAZE, she was 23-7 as a pitcher. Her record is highlighted by a perfect game in the PA Firecracker Invitational and a combined perfect game in the FAST Championships, where her team reached the "Elite 8" and "Final 4" in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
"She's such a solid, versatile athlete. She will strengthen our squad just with her ability to play so many positions," said coach King Moore. "Her clutch hitting in the PA State Championships last season was very impressive. Not only is she a fine softball player, but she brings a wonderful enthusiasm to our program."
Culp, an All-State selection and District MVP, is a pitcher and also played first base and outfield during her stellar high school career. As a pitcher, Culp holds the career record for most wins in Bishop Dunne history. Last season, she had 345 strikeouts while tallying a miniscule .58 ERA.
At the plate, Culp was amongst the leaders in all hitting categories, that included players from all 3A, 2A and 1A public schools and all private schools in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. For the season, she led the district in batting average at .609 and homeruns with five, while amassing 45 RBI.
"It is not every day you find a pitcher who can throw 67 mph and also hit the ball out of the park," explained Coach King Moore. "Gabby has enormous talent. She makes her craft look very easy with her smooth style, but don't let that fool you, she is a fierce competitor! We are very excited to have her join the GW community."
The GW Softball team will open its inaugural season on Feb. 22, 2003 with a doubleheader against Norfolk State at the Mount Vernon Athletic Complex located at 2100 Foxhall Rd. in northwest Washington, DC.
