North Carolina State University Athletics
Softball Inks Four to National Letters of Intent
11/18/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 18, 2010
RALEIGH, N.C. -
Four student-athletes will be joining the NC State softball program in the fall of 2011, announced head coach Lisa Navas. Renada Davis, Charlotte Foster, Emily Weiman and Liz Williamson each signed a National Letter of Intent, committing to compete for the Red and White.
“We are very excited about this class,” says Navas. “Coaches Jeanine Gunther and Leigh Ann Genetti did a great job compiling this outstanding group. We expect them to have an immediate impact on our team replacing our senior class.”
Davis, a shortstop from Tomball, Texas, batted .473 as a junior at Tomball High School, notching 52 hits including 14 doubles, five triples and six homeruns. The 2010 District 13 5A MVP also knocked in 36 RBI and drew 14 walks, but only struck out six times over the course of the season. In addition, she was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 5A all-state team as a senior after leading Tomball to a playoff appearance. Davis plays travel ball for the Texas Peppers Gold, and plans to major in zoology at NC State.
“We’re expecting Renada to vie for the starting position at shortstop,” says Navas. “She comes from one of the top travel ball teams in Texas, the Peppers, and is our first freshman player out of Texas. She is a great contact hitter, but also has power. Renada also has a great passion for the game, and an ability to make things happen.”
Foster, an infielder from Murrieta, Calif., garnered first team all-league honors as a junior at Murrieta Valley High School. Her sophomore season, she was near the top of the league in batting, hitting at a .340 clip while earning 30 hits and 19 RBI. On the travel ball circuit, she competes for one of the best ASA teams in the country, the California Cruisers Gold and head coach Mel Seivers.
“Charlotte is sure to contribute in the infield next season right away,” says Navas. “She will most likely start at third base replacing Bridget Desbois. We are especially glad to have her, since she has competed at a high level already, with the Cruisers.”
Weiman, a right-handed pitcher from Pasadena, Md., has thrown an impressive six no-hitters and two perfect games as a standout pitcher at Archbishop Spalding High School. As a junior in 2010, the Baltimore Sun All-Metro Player of the Year and Washington Post All-Metro first team honoree compiled a 17-3 record, 0.15 ERA and 305 strikeouts in 136 innings of work. In addition to being named an ESPN RISE/Gatorade Maryland Player of the Year finalist in 2010, Weiman was honored as team MVP. She competes for the Riviera Beach Spirit Gold travel ball team.
“We plan for Emily to impact our pitching staff right away. She will certainly help to give us depth in the circle, which we need,” says Navas.
Pitching coach Genetti adds, “I am excited about Emily’s natural ability to spin the ball. With her work ethic, she will have an immediate impact on our program.”
Williamson, who hails from Honea Path, S.C., has excelled both at the plate and in the circle for Laurens District 55 High School. As a junior in 2010, she batted .471 with eight doubles and three homeruns en route to garnering all-county, all-region and all-state honors. That same year, she pitched her high school squad to a regional championship by earning a 1.60 ERA and 287 strikeouts in 183 innings. In addition, she plays travel ball for the Lady Lightning Gold.
“Liz is a great hitter that we are very excited to have at NC State,” says Navas. “We plan for her to assist us at first base some, and compete for pitching time as well. Also, with her athleticism, we expect us to help her in many different ways.”
“Though this class is relatively small for our program, they will have a major impact on NC State softball because of their experience and talent,” says Navas. “We are excited for the fall of 2011 when they join us in Raleigh.”
NC State softball will open the 2011 season February 10 in Tampa, Fla., where the squad will take on USF. The Pack opens up the home portion of its schedule March 10, 2011 against Memphis at Curtis and Jacqueline Dail Softball Stadium.
