BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Western Kentucky University softball head coach Tyra Perry announced on Wednesday the signings of four student-athletes for the 2014 season, as Kaylan Davis (Laurel Hill, Fla.), Kelsey Jernigan (Adams, Tenn.), Andie Martin (Newnan, Ga.) and India Steward (Matteson, Ill.) have all signed National Letters of Intent to play softball for the Lady Toppers.
Davis is a three-year starter for Niceville High School in Floirda, as she helped her team to the state tournament three years, including winning the title her sophomore year and runner-up the other two years. Davis was named all-conference and all-area while being a second-team all-state selection her junior year and Rookie of the Year in 2010. During her career, Davis has tallied 45 runs, 82 hits and 62 RBI and led Niceville to a No. 7 national ranking.
"All the hard work has finally paid off," said Davis. "It is an honor and a privilege to be signing with Western Kentucky University."
Davis is the daughter of Dwayne Davis and Kimberly Bouhall and plans to major in criminal justice/law enforcement.
"Kaylan is a hard worker with a tremendous attitude," said Perry. "She has a deep love for the game of softball, and it shows in everything that she does. Kaylan has potential to be one of the premier hitters in our league."
Jernigan is a four-year starter for East Robertson High School in Tennessee. A pitcher for the Indians, Jernigan posted a 1.92 ERA with six wins and three losses her junior year. She tabbed 88 strikeouts in 47 innings pitched.
"I am so excited to be a part of the WKU family," said Jernigan. "I hope I can help the Hilltoppers to a conference championship."
Jernigan is the daughter of Dereke and Lisa Jernigan and plans to major in chemistry/pharmacy.
"We are very excited that Kelsey has decided to become a Hilltopper," said Perry. "She is a fireball on the mound and will surprise people with how hard she throws for her size. She is playing for the East Cobb Bullets, which is one of the top travel organizations in softball."
Martin joins the Lady Toppers after being a four-year starter at Northgate High School in Georgia. She has been named to the all-state team four years while earning the Best Offensive Player award during that span as well. Her senior year, she was tabbed Newnan Times-Herald Player of the Year, All-Star Dugout Club Game Player, Scholastic-Athlete Award honoree and Most Valuable Player. Over her career, Martin has hit over. 500 with 32 home runs while she holds the home run record in Coweta County.
"Signing was a huge accomplishment in my life," said Martin. "I feel at home with the WKU people. The next four years at WKU will bring many more opportunities for me."
Martin is the daughter of Timothy Martin and Kimberly Martin and plans to get her degree in biology.
"Andie is also a member of the East Cobb Bullets and will spend time catching for Kelsey this summer," said Perry. "She has a deadly bat and swings it with power. She will without a doubt make a positive impact both on the field and in the classroom."
Steward comes to the Hill from Rich South High School in Illinois. An all-around athlete, Steward competes in multiple sports including cheerleading, track and basketball. Her cheerleading team was sectional champions in 2010. She was a state qualifier in the long jump three different years while also placing sixth in the state in 2011. Steward also helped her basketball team to two conference championships and a regional championship in 2011.
"Signing with WKU is a huge blessing," said Steward. "My dream has always been to play D1 softball for an elite program. I am finally being able to live out my dreams by doing what I love most. I am so excited to compete on the collegiate level and cannot wait to be a part of the Hilltopper family."
Steward is the daughter of Michael and Sharon Steward and plans to pursue her degree in business/sports management.
"India is the definition of a diamond in the rough," said Perry. "She possesses all of the necessary tools to become a dominate force in the outfield and at the plate. India is a natural talent, and I am looking forward to working with her. She comes to us from the Southern Force travel ball organization."
The 2013 WKU softball season begins in February at Mississippi State's Bulldog Battle in Starkville, Miss.
