Hornets softball reloads for next SWAC title
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (bamastatesports.com) – Traveling across the country, the Alabama State softball team has no limitations when it comes to where they recruit from.
In 2017, the coaching staff has brought in eight additions to the roster in hopes of winning back-to-back SWAC championships.
“I am really excited about this group of young ladies,” said ASU head softball coach Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson.
“It adds depth to our lineup as well as depth to our infield. I am looking forward to seeing what they can contribute this season. They are really working hard and adjusting to the demands of the college game. They will be a great addition to our program.”
Natalia Rivera, who originates from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico is very excited to start her journey at ASU. The transfer from FIU believes that ASU was the perfect fit for her to move towards her law degree and to compete for a starting catching spot on the softball team.
“I am excited to be a part of a winning team who wants to get better every year,” Rivera said.
Moving from Austin, Texas, Hailey Walker enters ASU as a true freshman whose primary position is first base. Hailey is making a comeback after a sudden ACL tear and can’t wait to get back in the motion of softball. Her goals at ASU are to earn a starting position and to achieve a high grade point average to earn her a teaching credential in mathematics.
Justine Jean, from Long Island, New York, makes her way into the softball program with the goals of winning a SWAC championship along with improving her pitching skills.
Jean is very thankful for playing at ASU. It’s been her dream since she was a child to play at a D1 school in the South and she is proud she has made it come true.
Adding to ASU’s California girls, Ragan Olivia Lacy will the sixth player from the state on the roster. The freshmen catcher out of Pleasanton, California, can’t wait to make her mark on the field. She believes ASU was a great fit for her academically and athletically. She can’t wait to continue on the legacy of the past ASU Hornets.
Aimee Felices, who goes by “MiMi”, was one of the freshmen infielders recruited. MiMi was attracted to ASU because of the welcoming atmosphere she was presented with on her official visit. MiMi doesn’t only want to succeed athletically, but academically. Her goal is to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, become a civil lawyer and possibly run for congress one day.
Kimberlee Owens, from Ocala, Florida, gives more depth in the infield. She is primarily a third baseman and hopes to excel in both the classroom and softball field. Owens also looks forward to making friendships that will last a lifetime.
Georgia’s very own Vanessa Bradford aka “Bubba” was given the nickname before she was born. The name will stick since there are now two Vanessa’s on the team. Bubba, a power hitting lefty, looks forward to being dominant on the mound as a righty.
Bubba’s dreams of being a college softball player came true when ASU offered her a scholarship. Bubba says that ASU had everything she was looking for and it felt like home. Bubba, too, wants to join in on the fight for a second SWAC championship and build unforgettable friendships.
Marina Clark, out of Sarasota, Florida, adds onto the out fielding depth and can’t wait to compete. Marina is seeking her degree in biology then later becoming a dental hygienist. ASU was her first choice because of its’ amazing programs and she has always wanted to attend a HBCU.
