BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky's women's softball coach Tyra Perry announced the signing of four student-athletes for the 2012 season.
Taylor Borders (Scottsville, Ky.; Allen County-Scottsville HS), Preslie Cruce (Empire, Ala.; Corner HS), Jacqueline McGill (McLeansboro, Ill.; Hamilton County Senior HS) and Shawna Sadler (Chicago, Ill.; Marian Catholic HS) all signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Lady Toppers for the 2012 season.
"We are very proud of our 2011 signing class," said Perry. "Each young lady brings something to the table that will help our program continue to perform at the highest level. Our focus was to bring speed, power and lefty hitters into our system and we have without a doubt achieved that goal. Taylor, Preslie, Jacqueline and Shawna are women of character and it will be an honor working with them next season."
Borders is a three-year starter for the Patriots of Allen County Scottsville High School. She was named All-District, All-Region, All-Tournament Team MVP, and All-State. She helped lead her team to a fourth-place finish in the state tournament her sophomore year and a third-place finish her junior year. Borders holds several records at Allen County Scottsville HS in softball with most hits in a season (67), most doubles in a season (14), most pick off's in a season (24) and highest batting average in school history (.438).
"I am very excited to be signing with Western Kentucky University and the opportunity Coach Perry has provided me to further my softball career at the collegiate level," said Borders. "The opportunity to stay close to home and play in front of my family and friends is extremely exciting. I am looking forward to being a member of the Hilltopper family."
Borders is the daughter of Spencer Borders and Amy Borders and plans to major in Education at Western Kentucky.
"We are so excited that Taylor has decided to join our program," said Perry. "She is an outstanding performer at one of the top high schools in the state, Allen -County Scottsville. She also led her travel team, the Louisville Sluggers to a top ten finish at 16U Nationals this summer. Taylor is a hard worker and she is dedicated to becoming the best she can be on the field and in the classroom."
Cruce is a three-year starter for the Corner High School Yellow Jackets. A three-time All-Jefferson Team member, Cruce was also named to the 2009 and 2010 Birmingham All-Metro Team. Cruce received First Team All-State honors in 2009 and 2010. Cruce has tallied a total of 179 hits in her three seasons with a batting average of .416. Cruce is a member of the Thrillers GenX
Cruce is the daughter of Jimmy and Missy Cruce.
"Preslie is as tough as they come," said Perry. "She is the type of player that gives you 100% from start to finish. She will be an impact player and we are glad she has chosen to become a Hilltopper."
McGill is a product of Hamilton County Senior High School in McLeansboro, Ill. A three-year starter for the Foxes, she is a three-time All-Conference player. McGill received the team MVP and offensive award her junior year. In her junior season she led the team with a batting average of .577 with eight homeruns, a slugging percentage of 1.054 and 45 RBI, setting school records in all four categories. McGill is also a member of the Illinois Southern Force.
"When I visited WKU's campus I loved it and everyone I met," said McGill. "After visiting, I wanted to become a Hilltopper. I wanted to fulfill my dreams at Western Kentucky University and become the first one from my school to play D1 softball."
McGill is the daughter of Jerry and Staci McGill and plans to major in nursing at Western Kentucky.
"I always describe Jacqueline as the 'glue' that holds her team together," said Perry. "She is a true utility player that can legitimately help you at each position. Her work ethic and business-like approach to the game will take her all the way to the top."
Sadler is a starter for the Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill. Sadler was named to the 2010 ESCC All-Conference team, the 2010 Southtown Star All-Area Team, and the 2010 Chicago Suntimes All-Area team honorable mention. She was also named the Marian Catholic Offensive Player of the Year in 2010. Sadler is a member of the Illinois Southern Force. In the 2010 ASA Nationals, Sadler had a .423 batting average, placing 13th in the country in College Station, Texas. Sadler has been named team captain for 2011.
Sadler is the daughter of Errick and Deundrea Sadler.
"Shawna brings much needed speed and a lefty presence to our line-up," said Perry. "She is an aggressive player with very good instincts. Shawna is also an excellent student and will without a doubt do great things here on the Hill."
The WKU softball team opens up the 2011 season on Feb.11 when they head to Santa Barbara, Ca., to take part in the UC Santa Barbara Tournament.
