George Washington University Athletics
Softball Loading Up For Season Number Two
5/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
May 27, 2003
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington University Softball head coach Leslie King Moore has announced a 12-member recruiting class for next season. The class consists of four players from Pennsylvania, three from New Jersey, two from Connecticut and one each from New York, North Carolina and Texas.
The class is headlined by Texas product Gabby Culp, a pitcher out of Bishop Dunne High School. Culp, a second team All-State performer, led her district with a .609 batting average while firing 20 no-hitters in 35 starts. As King Moore put it, "It isn't everyday that you find a player that can throw 67 mph and hit the ball out of the ballpark."
The state of Pennsylvania will supply the 2004 Colonials with an influx of talent. First to sign was Ashley Horner, an All-State outfielder from State College, PA. Horner batted .348 while posting a .537 on-base percentage during her junior season. As a pitcher, Horner established a 23-7 record over three summers playing with the Central Pennsylvania BLAZE.
Colleen Kegler, a catcher from Yardley, PA, also signed with the Colonials. Coach King Moore considered the signing of Kegler very important because the Colonials will graduate both of their catchers from the 2003 squad. Kegler anchored the Pennsylvania AAA State Championship team at Pennsbury High School and also led them to two District Championships in 2001 and 2002.
GW will add some depth at first base with the signing of Bala Cynwyd, PA's Erica Miller. She holds the area record for highest single-season batting average with an astronomical .810 as well as the single-season home run record with 17. Coach King Moore felt that Miller's experience in building The Baldwin School's program will transfer well as the GW Softball program grows.
- more - The last recruit from Pennsylvania is Lisa Cohen, a utility player from Langhorne, PA. Cohen was named MVP of her state runner-up Neshaminy High School team and King Moore is excited about her versatility.
The state of New Jersey also has a strong presence in the 2003 class. Kim Dupak, a catcher from Chatham, NJ, will battle with Kegler to fill the void behind the plate. Dupak batted .376 during her last season while tallying 22 RBIs and was named to the All-County and All-Conference first teams.
The Colonials will get help on the mound from North Brunswick, NJ product, Jennifer Hrycyna. She will transfer the skills that earned her All-Middlesex County honors to the mound at the GW-Mount Vernon Softball Field, while adding depth to the staff.
Kristin DiMeo, a utility player from West Orange, NJ, will add versatility to the Colonials' 2004 roster. She can play catcher or outfielder and spent time at second base during her high school career. DiMeo was a part of two New Jersey Parochial B State Championship teams.
Adding more depth and versatility will be Jessica Troy from Stamford, CT. Troy has played second base and outfield and will have the chance to make a solid contribution to the 2004 squad.
The Colonials will add another second baseman to their roster with Sara Neumann from Trumbull, CT. Sara hit a personal best .387 her sophomore season while transitioning into an everyday player at second base. Coach King Moore considers Neumann a very solid ball player, who will be a nice addition to the program.
The pitching staff will get another strong contributor with Melanie Lewis from Charlotte, NC. Lewis, a first team All-Mecklenburg selection, allowed just 11 runs during her 2002 campaign while establishing a miniscule 0.34 ERA.
The last member of the 2003 recruiting class is Mount Vernon, NY product, Janelle Parker. Parker plays catcher and third base and was voted All-League four times while at Mount Vernon High School.
The group of 12, along with the remaining Colonials, will look to improve on the 3-36 record of the inaugural squad.
