WESSON - Co-Lin head softball coach announces the 2011 Lady Wolves signing class.

Pictured with Co-Lin signee Ashley McCaffrey of West Lincoln (seated center) are her parents; standing from left, Co-Lin head coach Allen Kent and West Lincoln head coach Andrew Redd. Photo by Tom Goetz/The Daily Leader

“We are proud to have Ashley join us, said Co-Lin head coach Allen Kent. "She’s got a great attitude and approach to the game.  She is a hard-nosed competitor. Ashley is a natural outfielder with good instincts, a sure glove and a strong arm.  She has also done some catching, which is always a plus. I really like the way she swings the bat, we won’t have to tinker very much with her swing.She got additional valuable experience playing summer travel ball.  We saw a good deal of improvement from her just playing one summer with the Southern Ice 16 and under team.  Ashley’s got a lot of potential to continue to improve.”

Pictured with Co-Lin signee Sarah Anthony (seated center) are her parents, David Anthony and Vickie Anthony; standing from left, David Anthony (brother), Michelle Morris (head softball coach), Tracy McRae (principal), Co-Lin head coach Allen Kent, Tori Anthony (sister), and Heather Anthony (sister). Photo by David Normand

“We are very happy to have Sarah join our program," said Kent. "She is extremely versatile and will be able to help us in several areas. Sarah has good movement and is a very effective pitcher. She gained a lot of confidence last year and should only continue to improve in the circle. She also has a good stick, hitting .360 for Live Oak last season. Sarah has played second base when not pitching and is capable of playing a corner position.”

“We really look forward to her being able to help us in a variety of ways next season.  Sarah is familiar with our program and already knows several of our players, so it’s a good all-around fit for her.”

In addition to coming from a very successful program at Live Oak, Anthony has played travel ball with Southern Spice and the Patriots organizations.

Co-Lin signees seated from left, infielder Carrie Moak, pitcher Brooke Delaughter and outfielder/infielder Emily Smith, all of Loyd Star; standing from left, Co-Lin head coach Allen Kent and Loyd Star head coach Jan Delaughter. Photo by Tom Goetz/The Daily Leader

“We are glad to have Carrie join our program," said Co-Lin head coach Allen Kent. " She’s very athletic and has a great softball build.  Carrie’s got the potential to put up some good offensive numbers. She had a steady junior year and really came up with some clutch, confidence-boosting hits in the post-season. Carrie is a hard-nosed competitor with a solid work ethic.  She has played a lot at second base, but Coach Delaughter may use her at third this year.  She shouldn’t have a problem making the adjustment. It will also will help make her more versatile.”

“Brooke is arguably the best pitcher to have ever come out of our district," said Kent. "She is a hard thrower and has a good change-up and is continuing to improve her breaking pitches. She’s athletic and fields her position very well. Last year’s success obviously helped improve her confidence level, as she has always been a fiery competitor. It’s been great watching her progress over the years.  Summer travel ball has also helped her gain additional valuable experience against increased competition.

Delaughter has played with the 18 and under Southern Ice travel team since she was 16. “Brooke is also pretty good with the stick from both sides of the plate.  She should be able to help us in the field when she’s not pitching.”

“Emily swings the bat well from both sides, has exceptional speed and is a versatile fielder," said Kent. " She covers a lot of ground in the outfield, gets a good jump on the ball and has a solid arm.  Emily also has experience in the infield, making her even more valuable.”

“We’ve been watching Emily for a long time, as she’s been attending our camps for a good while now.  It’s been nice watching her progress and we’re looking forward to having her with us. She has enjoyed success at the high school level, winning a State Championship with Loyd Star in 2009.  Emily’s also played summer travel ball, gaining additional experience and will play with Southern Ice this summer.

“Jan has done a great job with the program at Loyd Star.  We hope we can continue bringing in girls from that program that will help us.”

Co-LIn signee Franklin County infielder Kacey Smith (seated center) pictured with her mother. Photo byTom Goetz/The Daily Leader

"Kacey is a very good all-around athlete," said Kent. "She has great hands and an accurate arm, to go along with good range.  She should really be able to help us in the infield. Kacey also has pitching experience, which is always a plus. She has proven to be very effective in the circle. Kacey’s hitting has improved and should only continue to get better.  She’s got the potential to be a consistent extra-base threat at the plate.

"Smith held her own last summer, playing travel ball against some pretty good competition. She plans to play with the 18 and under Southern Ice squad this summer."
Franklin County has produced some very good athletes.  We hope to continue to be able to bring in some of these girls who can really help the program.

Co-Lin signee Brookhaven High School outfielder Stevie Ann Wright (seated center) pictured with her parents. Photo by Tom Goetz/The Daily Leader

“We’re looking forward to Stevie Ann being able to help fill some holes in our outfield," said Kent. "She reads the ball well off the bat and covers a lot of ground.  It must run in the family. Her Dad, Steve, played next to me in the outfield at BHS and at Co-Lin.”

“Stevie is very athletic, with a lively arm and has the potential to really contribute. She is a strong girl with good bat speed.  
She’s played a year of summer ball and will play again this year with Southern Ice. Brookhaven High has produced a number of good athletes who have really been able to help us.”