.png&width=48&height=48&type=webp)
Softball Signs Five to To National Letters Of Intent
11/14/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 14, 2008
HOUSTON--The University of Houston softball team signed five players to National Letters of Intent Friday afternoon, as announced by head coach Kyla Holas.
The new signees include, Holly Anderson, Reina Gaber, Ashleigh Jones, Brooke Lathan and Bailey Watts.
"This class has some big shoes to fill," Holas said. "The class before them stepped onto this campus and raised the bar higher than ever before. We recruited this class for their work ethic, values and potential. I believe we have a strong core of people who are willing to step up to the challenge and keep this program where it is now nationally."
Anderson is coming to UH from Dickinson, Texas.
"We are looking for Holly to replace Christa (Raley) at third base. She has that same aggressiveness we are use to having, and we are looking for her to step into the lineup and immediately help our team improve. She is a solid athlete that plays larger than her size shows," Holas said.
Gaber, a left-handed outfielder, is coming to the program from Whittier, Calif. She is a two-time Mission Valley League MVP and three-time All-California Interscholastic Federation Selection.
"Reina (Gaber) is another big step for us for the California softball recruiting market," Holas said. "She is going to have a great career here at Houston, and I look for a lot of the hitting records to be challenged once she puts on the Houston uniform. We are excited to have a lefty power hitter which will be the first for us in this program."
Jones played for Klein Oaks High School, who was the 2007 Bi-District Champions, as well as 2008 Quarter Finalist Champions. She was named to the First Team All-District in 2006 and 2007.
"We are looking for Ashleigh (Jones) to be a big time player for us. She is going to have to replace Katie Bush in centerfield and Jessica Valis in the lineup. Those are some tough standards, but game time is where Ashleigh shines," Holas said.
Lathan is an infielder from Livingston, Texas. Lathan was named 1st Team All-District Infielder in 2007 and 2nd Team All-District Infielder in 2006.
"We are looking for Brooke (Lathan) to step in and play shortstop. She has the potential to be great on the defensive side. We look for her to step out and be a leader in the infield. She has a big shadow over her because of Jessica (Valis). But if she rises to the challenge, I think we could see some amazing plays from her for four years," Holas said.
Watts comes to Houston from Smithson Valley High School. In 2008, she was named First Team All-District Pitcher, TGCA 5A All-State, and Texas Sportswriters Association Second Team All-State.
"Bailey (Watts) was one of the top pitching recruits in Texas last year. With her addition to the team, I am excited about the versatility we have. This should be our chance to establish our pitching staff as one of the top in the country," Holas said.
Next Up
Houston begins the 2009 season in California at the Cathedral City Kickoff, Feb. 6-8
