FERRIS STATE ANNOUNCES 2004 SOFTBALL RECRUITS

Seven Newcomers Set To Join The Diamond Dawgs For The 2005 Season

Joining the Diamond Dawgs are first baseman Amber Bergman (Howard City/Tri-County), a transfer from Tri-State University, outfielder Megan Brink (Vicksburg), second baseman Kristin Hollister (Newport/Airport–Macomb Community College), third baseman Kaitlin Kraai (Zeeland), outfielder Nicole Lenhoff (Plymouth/Dearborn Divine Child), pitcher-shortstop Sarah Mueller (Santa Clarita, Calif./Valencia), and second baseman Heather Newton (Pierson/Tri-County).

“We’re pleased to add this group of highly athletic softball players,” said Becker, who will begin her eighth year at Ferris State this upcoming spring and is the program’s all-time winningest coach. “They will provide quality depth in both the infield and outfield this upcoming season.

A transfer from Tri-State University, Bergman was a two-time (2001-02) all-conference performer in both softball and basketball at Tri-County High School. As a senior at TCHS, she hit .383 with 47 base hits in leading the Vikings to a 27-8 overall mark and the school’s first-ever state quarterfinal appearance. TCHS was twice (2002-03) both conference and district champions, which included a school-record 31 victories in 2002 during her prep career. “Amber is a tall, strong kid who will provide some depth at first base this year”, said Becker.

Brink was an all-district honoree four years (2000-04) and was a three-time All-Wolverine Conference pick at Vicksburg High. She was honored twice as both the squad’s Most Valuable and Most Improved Player under coach Lynn Brown. “Megan spent her high school career on the mound, but will make the transition to the outfield for us. Her speed will make her an asset this season as she learns the ropes of the outfield positions.”

Hollister arrives to Ferris State after spending the last two seasons (2003-04) at Macomb Community College where she earned all-district and region academic plaudits playing for coach Sara Rotta. While at MCC, the Monarchs were two-time (2003-04) state qualifiers and won the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II Western Conference championship in 2004 after claiming a regional crown the previous year. “Kristin will provide some depth at the second base position and has good power from the left side of the plate”.

Kraai, who was chosen as Zeeland High’s Athlete of the Year both as a junior and senior, received all-conference kudos in softball and volleyball during her senior season while being chosen all-league honorable mention in basketball. In softball, Kraai turned in a .433 batting average with two home runs, 11 doubles and three triples with 30 runs scored to go with a .654 slugging percentage in the 2004 season. The Chix, coached by Eric Rozema, were 2004 Ottawa-Kent (OK) Red Lakeshore Conference champions. “Katie came to us as a shortstop, but we quickly discovered she had the ability to fill a void at third base due to the graduation of Dana Conklin. She registered some big offensive numbers in high school and we hope she can continue her success here.”

An all-state honorable mention selection as a senior, Lenoff was a four-time (2000-04) All-Catholic League honoree at Divine Child under coach Fred Mannucci. She batted .394 with a .980 fielding percentage in helping the Falcons to a 24-11 record and a league title in her senior year. “Nicole brings a lot of speed to team and will spend her time playing in the outfield this season.”

Mueller is a 2004 graduate of Valencia (Calif.) High School. “Sarah is a pitcher of the future. She's smooth and throws the ball deceptively hard. Along with her pitching prowess, she will also serve as our backup shortstop while developing her hitting from the left side.”

Both the Big Rapids Pioneer and Greenville Daily News’ 2004 Player of the Year, Newton earned the distinction of being not only receiving all-state laurels in her senior season but was also honored as its Most Valuable Player. She batted .387 with a .987 fielding percentage at TCHS while setting a school-record with 25 pitching victories in leading coach Al Cumings’ team to a 27-6 record as the Vikings defended their conference, district and regional championship titles. A three-time (2002-04) all-league and all-district performer, Newton played an integral role in leading Tri-County High to back-to-back (2003-04) state tournament quarterfinal-round appearances. “Heather is another athlete who spent a considerable amount of time on the mound in high school. She and I are both excited to direct her talents to one position (second base). Heather swings the bat exceptionally hard and is a gutsy player.”

2004 Ferris State Softball Recruits

Name, Position Hometown/High School (College)
Amber Bergman, 1B -- Howard City, Mich./Tri-County (Tri-State)
Megan Brink, OF -- Vicksburg, Mich.
Kristin Hollister, 2B -- Newport, Mich./Airport (Macomb C.C.)
Kaitlin Kraai, 3B -- Zeeland, Mich.
Nicole Lenhoff, OF -- Plymouth, Mich./Dearborn Divine Child
Sarah Mueller, P-SS -- Santa Clarita, Calif./Valencia
Heather Newton, 2B -- Pierson, Mich./Tri-County