Graceland University Softball Season Outlook 2007-08
After enduring a hard fought season, ending in several injuries, the Graceland Yellowjackets are looking forward to their upcoming softball season. In anticipation for the upcoming season with their newly revived team, Graceland has been working hard on and off the softball field.
The 2007-08 Yellowjackets Softball Team will be returning 12 players from last years roster, 10 of which were starters and 2 that look to find a spot in the Graceland lineup.
Leading the way will be 2007 1st Team All-Conference and All-Region, senior Jennifer Soukeroff (Castlegar, BC) last year's starting 1st baseman, 2007 1st Team All- Conference and All- Region, junior Maria Barwig (Surrey, BC) last year's starting catcher and designated player, 2007 2nd Team All-Conference, senior Carrie Wilson (North Battleford, SK), the team's starting pitcher, 2007 Honorable Mention, junior Lynette Fine (Bloomfield, IA) also last year's starting catcher and designated player and NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete, junior Bryn DeGraw (St. Albert, AB) last year's starting short stop.
Rounding out the starting line up for the Yellowjackets, will be Senior Jodie Clarkson (Llyodminister, AB) the teams starting right fielder from last season's line up, Senior Tanya Oystrick (Mission, BC) last year's starting left fielder, junior Chantelle Daigle (Sherwood Park, AB) last year's starting third baseman, junior Carlene Nelson (Sherwood Park, AB) last season's starting center field and junior Sarah Lippold (Osceola, IA) one of the teams starting pitchers.
Trying to find their way to the top are sophomore pitcher, Jessica Brady (Lovilla, IA) and outfielder sophmore, Katie Mikulan (Kansas City, Kansas). Their hard work and dedication will without a doubt see them success in the upcoming season.
Joining us from Highland Community College are junior transfers Kelsey Johansen (Hiwatha, KS) and Jean Klamm (Barnard, MO). As competitive players, trying to earn their way, their extensive hard work and continued efforts have definitely impressed the Yellowjackets coaching staff this year.
Contributing to the Graceland University Softball Team are our fabulous freshman, Jill Crawley ( Cainsville, MO), Jaymi Crozier (Melcher Dallas, IA), Emily Jones (Union, IA), Theresa Laverty (Mississagua, ON), Shrista Little (Portland, OR), Caitlin Proudfoot (St. Charles, IA) and her sister Cheyenne Proudfoot (St. Charles, IA). These freshmen bring an abundance of talent and versatility, something the coaches look forward to seeing in the up coming season.
Joining us as Softball Head Coach is Bill Dudek. Coach Dudek was an associate head coach for the Yellow Jackets Softball Team for the past 2 years. We are excited to announce that he has decided to take on yet another year with the Graceland team. Along side Coach Dudek will be Jeff Douglas, an All-American Football and Baseball Player for the Yellowjackets, who spent last semester with the Graceland Football Team. His experience and coaching will indeed help the Yellowjackets see success early in the season. Joining the coaching staff again this year will be Pitching Coach Lee Spurgeon. Lee has helped the Yellowjackets for the past 2 years and we look forward to spending another season with him.
Andy Cole and Ashley Pilsbury will also be donating their time and effort to help the softball team achieve success in this upcoming season. We look forward to their presence and knowledge, as we hope this season will continue to be a success.
