Jennifer Woodson (middle) signing her Letter of Intent to play at C of I
CALDWELL, Idaho - College of Idaho softball coach Al Mendiola has announced the signing of ten players to NAIA Letters of Intent for the upcoming 2011 season.
Nine of the ten players hail from the Treasure Valley, nine of the ten are incoming freshmen, with nine of the ten earning All-Conference accolades during their prep careers.
Leading the group is Britney Croner, who is transferring to The C of I for her senior season after three years at NCAA Division I Towson University. Croner was the 2006 and 2007 Gatorade Player of the Year in Idaho, compiling a 56-5 record and a 0.45 ERA with 570 strikeouts, helping Bishop Kelly High to three-straight 4A state titles. While on the east coast, she made 25 appearances at Towson, compiling a 5-6 overall record.
Four players that have won 2A state titles in Idaho will join the Lady Yotes. Pitcher Janelle Wiebold and catcher Teah Marcotte were All-Western Idaho Conference selections at Melba High and helped the team win the 2009 state title, while catcher Kaitlyn Gray and All-WIC infielder Lauren Arnzen of New Plymouth High won the 2010 state title – over Melba.
Also heading to the Canyon County school are outfielder Jennifer Woodson, an All-Southern Idaho Conference selection, helped Rocky Mountain High to a runner-up finish in the 5A state tournament, and fellow All-SIC selection, infielder Julia Henrie, of Eagle High.
Three other outstanding prospects are heading to C of I – three-time All-Greater Spokane League infielder Kendall Pavey of Lewis & Clark High in Washington, All-Greater Oregon League outfielder Erika Hopper of Ontario, and All-Snake River Valley Conference shortstop Paige Gabiola of Payette High.
The newest additions boost the 2011 recruiting class to 12 players – joining Mountain Home’s Nickayla Skinner and Lewiston’s Kaci Baldwin as incoming Coyotes.
The Lady Yotes, participants in the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Women’s World Series’, will open their season in February.