Ball State University Athletics
Softball Signs Six Players For 2011 Roster
November 18, 2009 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State softball coach Craig Nicholson has announced the signing of his 2011 recruiting class. Audrey Bickel (Munster, Ind./Andrean), Jennifer Gilbert (McKinney, Texas/McKinney), Alanna Haskell (Tenecula, Calif./Chapparal), Taylor Rager (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern), Lauren Schroeder (Greenfield, Ind./New Palestine) and Audrey Workman (Wickenburg, Ariz./ Yavapai College).
"We have some power players coming in that will add depth and experience to our team immediately next season," says Nicholson.
"Bickel has led the state in home runs the past two years of her high school career. She provides big time power and will find her way into the lineup early because of her hitting potential. Bickel also adds depth that we are looking for in the corner infield position," said Nicholson.
"Gilbert is a pitcher that is very versatile not only on the mound but can also excel at other positions. She is a strong hitter that could be at the top of the batting order for us," said Nicholson.
"Haskell is a middle infielder that swings the bat very well. She provides depth in the infield and her athleticism could also allow her to play at the short or second positions," says Nicholson.
"Rager is one of the best pure hitters in the state. She has the best hand-eye coordination I have seen in long time. Rager is a gifted athlete that has the ability to do a lot for us," says Nicholson.
"Schroeder is another kid that fits into what we are looking for as far as adding power to lineup. She had a great year last year as a high school junior. Schroeder will help us in the corner position. She also has strong hitting capabilities which will add depth to our lineup," says Nicholson.
"Workman is a kid that is going to be able to come in and pitch right away. She won a National Championship at her junior college and earned First Team All-America honors. Workman throws the ball hard with a very intimidating force on the mound," said Nicholson.
"Our recruiting philosophy was to add pitching depth and bring hitting power to Ball State softball," says Nicholson. "We did that with this 2011 class. The other big factor is that we brought in people who have experienced success in the past. Three of these players have won championships at the high school or national levels and have the makeup to continue to succeed."
