The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Softball inks six to National Letters of Intent
11.14.2011 | Softball
Nov. 14, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas Softball program has signed six prep softball standouts to National Letters of Intent for the 2011-12 academic year, head coach Connie Clark announced Monday. Current high school seniors Stephanie Ceo (Lake of the Pines, Calif./Bear River HS), Holly Kern (Plano, Texas/Plano East HS), Taylor King (Gainesville, Fla./Oak Hall HS), Rachel Scott (Plano, Texas/Plano East HS), Erin Shireman (Pearland, Texas/Lutheran South Academy) and Lindsey Stephens (Hamshire, Texas/Hamshire Fannett HS) will join the Longhorns on campus next fall.
"Our 2012 signing class brings versatility and needed depth," Clark said. "Most recently we carried a roster of 15 and although it is a motivating factor for our entire team to make contributions on game day, it left us thin when faced with injuries. In the softball world, recruiting happens at such an early age now. It has been a process over the past two years to expand the roster to 18, but do it with quality student-athletes. We graduate three athletes this year in Lexy Bennett, Nadia Taylor and Courtney Craig, but we have signed six amazing young women."
Ceo, a middle infielder/outfielder, attends Bear River High School and plays her travel ball with All-American Sports Academy. She was an all-state first team pick among medium schools in 2011 and a second-team pick among all California schools. Ceo is a two-time all-league selection and was named league MVP as a junior. In 2011, she hit .549 with 39 runs scored, 23 RBI and 12 extra-base hits.
"Stephanie Ceo comes from a softball family," Clark said. "Her parents both coach and she has a sister who is currently playing at Oregon. She has a tremendous understanding of the game and is an amazing competitor. She plays middle infield and outfield, throws right handed, hits from the left side and runs well."
Kern is a pitcher/first baseman for Plano East High School and plays club softball for the Texas Glory Gold. In 2011 she was a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State First team pick after posting a 20-6 record in the circle with 131 strikeouts and hitting .427 with 37 RBI. She is a three-time All-District 8-5A selection and she garnered District MVP accolades in 2010.
"Holly Kern is an athlete who has the ability to dominate in the pitcher's circle," Clark said. "She swings with power and can play first base in addition to her pitching duties. Holly is someone I am looking forward to working with in the bullpen as she has tremendous strength, upside and competes hard."
King, a catcher, attends Oak Hall High School in Gainesville and plays her club softball for the Gainesville Gold. After playing her freshman and sophomore seasons at Lake Highland Prep in Orlando, King was a standout at Oak Hall in 2011, earning Miracle Sports Florida and Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State honors. As a junior she posted a .524 batting average, 27 RBI, 13 extra-base hits and stole 24 bases in 24 attempts.
"Taylor King is a catcher who possesses good size, strength and a solid `catcher mentality,'" Clark said. "She also has deceptive speed, runs the bases well and will be a great addition to our running game."
Scott, an infielder, attends Plano East with Kern and plays her club softball for Mizuno Impulse. She is a two-time All-District 8-5A First Team performer, earning honors in 2010 and 2011. As a sophomore, Scott was tabbed second-team all-district and as a freshman she teamed with Kern to help Plano East to the UIL semifinals.
"Rachel typically plays on the left side at 3rd or shortstop," Clark said. "She has a great approach to the game and is consistent day in and day out."
Shireman is a catcher/third baseman for Lutheran South Academy and plays her club softball for Impact Gold. A three sports standout in softball, basketball and track and field, she garnered all-state and all-district honors on the diamond in 2011. Shireman helped her Impact Gold team to a third-place finish at the 2011 ASA Gold Nationals and a fourth-place finish in 2010.
"Erin Shireman is a tremendous hitter, catches and she can play third," Clark said. "She is an extremely intelligent player with an amazing work ethic. She possesses very solid leadership qualities which make her a natural at the catching position."
Stephens, an infielder, attends Hamshire Fannett High School and plays travel ball with the Houston Power Gold. In 2011, Stephens was a TGCA 3A All-State First Team choice and garnered District 21-3A Co-MVP accolades. As junior she hit .595, posted a .667 on-base percentage and stole 18 bases and followed that with a stellar club season, hitting .429, slugging at a .573 clip and swiping 22 bags.
"Lindsey Stephens, like Ceo throws right handed but hits left handed," Clark said. "She has a lot of natural power and provides good versatility. She can play infield or outfield and has very good speed."
In 2011, Texas (46-10) reached the NCAA Regional for the seventh straight season. UT opens the 2012 season on Thursday, Feb. 9 when it hosts Cal State Fullerton at McCombs Field.