George Washington University Athletics
GW Softball Inks Four In Early Signing Period
11/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 21, 2007
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington University softball coach Kim Staehle has announced that four high school seniors have signed National Letter-of-Intents to play softball for the Colonials in 2008-09. Among the signees are Kristina Mackiewicz (Arroyo Grande, CA), Jordyn O'Donnell (Irving, TX), Jillian Stanley (Mission Viejo, CA) and Lauren Wilson (Arlington, VA). All four athletes also are strong in the classroom and will be instrumental in leading the Colonials on and off the field.
Mackiewicz is a multi-tool shortstop who led her league in home runs as a junior and was named All-Area MVP, First-Team All-PAC 7 and Offensive Player of the Year. Mackiewicz also runs cross country for Arroyo Grande High School and plays her travel ball with the California Waves. "Krissy will be one of our strongest additions to the infield mix and certainly will be looked upon for her athleticism," said Staehle. "I'm confident she will provide solid defensive skills on the diamond and consistent offensive contact at the plate."
O'Donnell is a 2007 First-Team All-State and All-District Performer for Ursuline Academy. She led her area in home runs and RBIs as a junior and was also among the leaders in batting average. O'Donnell also is an infielder for the Texas Schutt Avengers. "Jordyn is simply a spark-plug! We're very excited to have her join our team and will look for some strong defensive versatility from her," said Staehle. "Her work ethic along with her potent bat will impact us immediately."
Stanley is a catcher who is well coached at Mission Viejo by Troy Ybarra, former US Pan-Am Team member Toni Mascarenas, and Washington Glory second baseman Nichole Thompson. Named the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year after leading the Diablos to a 22-6 record, Stanley also plays her travel ball for the California Cruisers, the same team which produced Jennie Finch. "Jillian is a tremendous defensive catcher and has the offensive power to produce exciting things at the plate," said Staehle. "She is just an all-around gifted athlete and will certainly be exciting to watch her develop at this level."
Wilson is a three-time NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-South Region catcher from nearby Arlington, VA. Named First-Team All-Region in 2005 and 2007 for Yorktown High School, Wilson also catches for the Virginia Blue Jays travel team. "Lauren should provide some solid offensive power at the plate," said Staehle. "She is very athletic and could be used in many defensive roles. Lauren is a great athlete to be around and has an incredible personality and work ethic!"
The Colonials open their 2008 season when they travel to Chapel Hill, NC, at the 2008 Carolina Classic hosted by NCAA Tournament qualifier North Carolina from February 8-10. GW will open the classic against Kent State, which was featured on ESPN.com as a `sleeper' team on the national stage. The Colonials also will take on the host Tar Heels, East Carolina and North Carolina Central at the three-day tournament.
GW's home opener is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 27, against Towson in a 2:00 pm doubleheader.
2009 Colonials' Softball Recruiting Class
Kristina Mackiewicz - SS - Arroyo Grande, CA/Arroyo Grande
Jordyn O'Donnell - INF - Irving, TX/Ursuline Academy
Jillian Stanley - C - Mission Viejo, CA/Mission Viejo
Lauren Wilson - C/OF - Arlington, VA/Yorktown
