BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University Head Softball Coach Tyra Perry announced on Wednesday the signings of three student-athletes for the 2013 season. Brooke Holloway (Flower Mound, Texas; Flower Mound HS), Bethany Oglesby (Knoxville, Tenn.; Carter HS), and Kelsi Pardue (Scottsville, Ky.; Allen County-Scottsville HS) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play softball for the Lady Toppers for the 2013 season.
"We are very excited about our 2012 signees," said Perry on her most recent recruiting class. "They will instantly bring character and depth to our program."
Holloway is a two-year starter for Flower Mound High School. As a sophomore, she was named Second Team All-District 211 and tied for her team lead in home runs. Last season Holloway was once again a Second Team All-District 211 selection. Over her last two seasons, Holloway has batted .332 with 13 home runs and 16 runs batted in.
"I feel like my life-long dream of playing softball in college and being able to get an education that will lead me on into the future has come true," said Holloway. "I can't wait to see what my future holds and it all starts here at WKU."
Holloway is the daughter of Mark and Kelly Holloway and plans to major in business and kinesiology at WKU.
"Brooke comes from the same travel program, TX Rapid Fire, as current infielder Amanda Thomas," said Perry about Holloway. "She is a great defender that has a true love for the game of softball. She will without a doubt make an immediate impact on our team with her work ethic and commitment to being the best."
Oglesby is a three-year starter for the Hornets of Carter High School. She has been an All-District and All-District Tournament Team selection in each of her first three years and has been a team captain the last two years. Last season, Oglesby hit .521 with an on-base percentage of .547 on her way to garnering All-State, All-Prep Xtra, and All-KIL honors. She has also earned four letters in volleyball and was named the District Defensive Player of the Year and All-Region this past season, as well as the 2010 District Hitter of the Year. Both she and Kelsi Pardue have played for the KY Sluggers, along with current freshman Taylor Borders.
"After visiting WKU, I knew this was the place for me," said Oglesby on her decision. "It has been a dream of mine to play softball at the Division-I level. I appreciate Coach Perry, her staff, and Western Kentucky University for giving me the opportunity. I look forward to becoming a part of the Hilltopper family."
Oglesby is the daughter of Terry and Tammy Oglesby.
"Bethany is the true definition of an athlete," said Perry about Oglesby. "She competes in three sports at her high school and plays a key role on each team. Bethany is a winner on all accounts and we are proud to have her in our program."
Pardue is a three-year starter for the Allen County-Scottsville Patriots. She has been named to the 15th District All-Tournament Team in each of the last two seasons, as well as the Fourth Region All-Tournament Team in each of the last three seasons. Pardue was the MVP of the 2010 Fourth Region Tournament. She has led Allen County-Scottsville to the Kentucky State Tournament in each of the last three years, and was named MVP of the tournament in 2011. Pardue was named the Fourth Region Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and was First Team All-State in those years as well.
In three seasons Pardue has amassed a record of 82-16 in the circle, a career earned run average of 0.90, 885 strikeouts, and 34 shutouts. She pitched a perfect game in the 2011 State Tournament, and set single-season school records for wins and strikeouts in 2011 too. Pardue has played for the KY Sluggers in 2009, 2010, and 2011. In 2010, the Sluggers finished ninth out of 160 teams in the ASA Nationals.
"I'm very excited to be playing at Western Kentucky next season," said Pardue. "I know it's a place I can call home."
Pardue is the daughter of Kevin and Kristi Pardue.
"Kelsi Pardue is a fighter on the mound," said Perry. "She competes on every pitch and is as consistent as they come. We are very excited that Kelsi will be joining the Lady Toppers next season."
