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Softball Inks Five for 2008 Season
11/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 21, 2006
HOUSTON - Head coach Kyla Holas and the University of Houston softball program signed five players to National Letters of Intent Tuesday afternoon during the recent early signing period.
The group includes Jennifer Klinkert, Baillie Lott, Christie Nieto, Angela Spittler and Katy Beth Sherman. All five players will compete as freshman for the Cougars during the 2008 season.
"This is a huge class for us, not only in size, but in talent," Holas said. "We have secured our success atop Conference USA for another year with this class of incomers. The talent and potential of these ladies is something that we hope for in each recruiting year. (Assistant Coach) Beth (McClendon) worked very hard on the recruiting trail last year and it shows with this class. I'm excited to have them as Cougars and look forward to having them in uniform next year."
Klinkert (Chino, Calif) was an All-Sierra League First-Team selection in 2004 and a CIF Champion last season at Chino Hills High School. She chose UH over Arizona State, Arizona, Washington and North Carolina State.
"Jennifer is the type of athlete and person we all look for in recruiting," Holas said. "She is the total package. She has the ability to do some great things in our conference and region. I look for her to come in and make an immediate impact at third base, not only with her glove but her bat."
Lott (Nashville, Tenn.) has been an All-District pitcher over the last three seasons at Brentwood High School. She was an All-Mid-State Second-Team pick in 2005 and moved up to the All-Mid-State First Team last season, striking out 166 batters in 157 innings of work. She also batted .399 and added 42 RBIs.
"Baillie is our first sign in program history out of the state of Tennessee," Holas said. "She will come in and compete both on the mound and in the lineup. We have managed to find another pitcher who is an athlete. Those are few and far between. With her skill base and knowledge we are going to have another candidate not only for C-USA Pitcher of the Year but someone who can make the All-Conference Team as a utility player."
Nieto (Yorba Linda, Calif.) was on a league-champion squad at El Dorado High School in 2004 and 2005. She has been an All-League and All-County honoree in addition to a Golden Bat and Big Stick award recipient during her career. She chose UH over Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio State and Georgia.
"Christie is a lefty power hitter and the first for us," Holas said. "In our park and in our conference, she is going to set some records on the field. I look for her to come in and compete on the right side of the infield and a big spot in the lineup. I am excited to see what someone of her talent and enthusiasm can do here."
Spittler (College Station, Texas) has been showered with a trio of 13-5A All-District awards during the last three seasons at Bryan High School. She was named 2004 Newcomer of the Year, 2005 Defensive Player of the Year and 2006 Offensive Player of the Year. She also garnered All-State and NFCA All-America status. She is the cousin of current Cougar Courtney Spittler, choosing UH over Wichita State, Iowa State, Boston University and Lehigh.
"Angela is just one of those players you like to watch," Holas said. "She plays the game with an attitude and hustle that a coach dreams of. She can make an impact in the infield and really compete for a spot in the middle of our lineup."
Sherman (Waller, Texas) has been a three-time 18-4A All-District pick and was named 2006 All-District Offensive MVP. She batted .423 and stole 18 bases last season at Waller High School. She chose UH over Arkansas.
"Katy Beth is going to be a big asset to our outfield," Holas said. "Her arm and aggressive approach to defense is what we pride ourselves on out there. She is going to add some quickness in the lineup and keep the defense moving. She does so much for this program, being a hometown girl who wants to be Cougar."
Houston begins the 2007 season playing host to the Wilson/DeMarini Invitational at the Cougar Softball Stadium on Feb. 9-10. The Cougars will square off with Texas-Arlington, Mississippi and Michigan.
