San Francisco, CA—The Academy of Art University softball program has announced the signing of four future Urban Knights by Head Coach Rachel Sherman. The student-athletes will join the team starting the 2010 fall season. The signees include Lauren Clark- Lewis (Sacramento, CA/Woodcreek HS), Elyse Cordova (Tulare, CA/Tulare Union HS), Megan McLachlan (Bellingham, WA/Bellevue College), and Lauren Stover (Las Vegas, NV/Palo Verde HS).
“We are excited about the speed, athleticism and character of this class,” exclaimed Head coach Rachel Sherman. “We have great team chemistry and wanted to make sure the 2010 class will fit right in.”
Clark-Lewis, an outfielder, was a 2009 All League Honorable Mention award winner, as well as being the league leader in both stolen bases with 10 and slugging percentage with a .420. She finished the 2009 season with a .290 batting average including 20 hits, seven runs batted in, two doubles, two triples and one home run. She continues to be a huge impact for her high school team, as a captain this year and a top league leader in batting average.
“Lauren’s speed and love for the game will make an immediate impact on the team,” said Coach Sherman. “We are excited to have her join us next fall. Lauren will bring speed to the line-up and range to our outfield.”
Cordova, an outfielder, has helped lead her
Tulare High School team to the East Yosemite League (EYL) Championships her sophomore year and EYL runners up her junior year. She was named to the Second Team All- League her sophomore year, and First Team All League her junior year. Elyse finished the 2009 season with a .385 batting average, with 27 runs scored, 37 hits, four doubles and two triples. She also finished with a .438 on base percentage and had 29 stolen bases.
“Elyse will add a spark to the line-up and speed to our outfield,” commented Coach Sherman. “Her speed will add a new threat to our offense. She will be able to make things happen at the plate and on the bases.”
McLachlan, an infielder, was named to the First Team All North West league as both a junior and senior in High School, and also won Defensive MVP for her high school both years. Megan finished her freshman year at Bellevue College with a .287 batting average, with 24 runs scored, 30 hits, 18 runs batted in and a .361 on base percentage. She continues to lead her team in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC).
“Mac [Megan] will work at shortstop and hit in the middle of the line-up,” said Sherman. “She is the power at the plate of a fast 2010 class. Mac is the type of athlete every coach wants, she can play multiple positions, has great work ethic, and determination to be the best.”
Stover, a middle infielder, has been voted to the First Team All Conference Sunset Region all three years of high school. She was named to the All State Second Team after the 2009 season. Lauren continues to lead her Palo Verde high school team by being a scholar athlete. She also set a team record her junior year for having a 17 game hitting streak.
“Stover will bring consistency to our line-up and a great work ethic,” Coach Sherman stated. “I expect her to play middle infield and be a key player for us.”