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University of Houston Athletics
Softball Inks Four in Early Signing Period
11/12/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 12, 2010
HOUSTON - University of Houston head softball coach Kyla Holas announced the addition of four new Cougars to next season's roster Friday morning.
Taking advantage of the National Letter of Intent's early signing period that opened up Wednesday morning, Holas gathered signatures from Jaime Edwards, Kayla Holland, Jennifer Hooker and Summer Groholski. According to Holas, the four Texas natives are already familiar with the program, which will ease their transition into life as a student-athlete and add another dimension to the team's solid chemistry.
"This class is one of the earliest committed we have ever had," Holas said. "They have been Cougars for a very long time and we are excited to finally have them on campus next fall. We are looking for them to come in and really challenge the current players for their positions in order to have the best nine people on the field."
When the foursome takes the field for the 2011-12 season, they will become a sizeable part of a youthful roster. Holas and her staff welcomed six newcomers, including five freshmen, in last year's signing class.
The lone Houstonian of the group, Jennifer Hooker will begin her collegiate career upon the completion of her senior year at Katy Taylor High School, where she served as the team's MVP last season. Hooker also played summer ball for the Houston Power. One of two pitchers in this year's class, Hooker will look to make an impact as a lefty in the circle, with an additional skillset to also play either infield or outfield.
"Jennifer has the most passion and work ethic of any signee we have had in years," Holas said. "Her pride in being a Cougar makes our excitement for next fall rise every time we see her."
Another specialist in several areas, Kayla Holland will come to UH as a utility player. The Katy, Texas, native readies for her senior season at Cypress Springs High School after back-to-back team MVP honors in her sophomore and junior seasons. Holland spends her summers playing for the Cy-Fair Intruders.
"Kayla is the big time player in a small package," Holas said. "She finds a way to do more than she should every time I see her play. She has a great knowledge of this sport and such a commitment level that we are excited for her to be a Cougar and leader in this signing class."
Jaime Edwards will make the biggest move of the class as she comes to Houston from Austin, Texas to play for the Cougars. The Academic All-District player will likely catch or play infield for UH after posting a strong career through her junior season at Austin Bowie High School. She and fellow signee Groholski played summer ball for the Round Rock Blaze. The duo played in the ASA Gold Nationals this summer.
"Jaime is such a gamer," Holas said. "She has really had a break-out senior year so far and we are excited for her to come and compete for the Cougars. Pitchers are going to be frustrated pitching to her and we hope she keeps that kind of confidence once she steps in to compete for a position next fall. "
Aside from being a teammate of Edwards' in the summer, Summer Groholski also stands out as one of two pitchers in the 2011 signing class. A product of Grapeland High School in Grapeland, Texas, and the 2010 District MVP, Groholski and Hooker will help replenish a staff that will lose seniors Amanda Crabtree and Baillie Lott to graduation at the conclusion of the season.
"We are looking for Summer to be the type of pitcher that dominates hitters," Holas said. "She brings some raw materials that we are hoping mature into a real threat on the mound. She has had to grow and grow over the course of time since her commitment and we hope she sees what capabilities lie within her."
Watch for more news this week on each incoming player by visiting UHCougars.com and checking out the softball home page.
The 2011 Signing Class:
Summer Groholski • P • Grapeland, TX (Grapeland HS) • Round Rock Blaze
Jaime Edwards • C/IF • Austin, TX (Austin Bowie HS) • Round Rock Blaze
Kayla Holland • UTL • Katy, TX (Cypress Springs HS) • Cy-Fair Intruders
Jennifer Hooker • IF/OF/P • Houston, TX (Katy Taylor HS) • Houston Power
