YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University softball team will welcome four new additions to the 2010-11 squad announced by Head Coach Karen Baird and her coaching staff following the early fall signing period.
The future Eagle student-athletes include Kayla Kostich (Taylor, Mich.-Cabrini), Lauren Wells (Lowell, Ind.-Lowell), Amanda Stanton (Homer Glen, Ill.-Lockport Twp.) and Rachel Zwar (Coloma, Mich.-Lakeshore).
Kostich, a catcher for Cabrini High School, holds a 3.3 GPA as a senior. She’s a four-year varsity player and multi-sport star with All-District, Region, League, Catholic and State Honorable Mention softball accolades to her credit. She was also name to the All-Downriver Dream Team after her junior season. Aside from her success on the softball diamond, Kostich is a standout on the volleyball team, earning All-State honors the previous three seasons including a selection to the first team her senior year.
“Kayla knows how to win,” Baird said of her future recruit. “She comes to us with experience winning championships at the high school and summer ball level. Her composure on the field and her work ethic off the field will give her the ability to contribute right away.”
Wells, a pitcher for Lowell High School, is a three-year scholar athlete with a 3.68 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society and Leadership Council. She has varsity experience since her freshman year when she led her conference in batting average. Wells made first team All-Area and All-Conference on her way to being named league MVP after her junior season. Wells plans to get her degree in psychology.
“Lauren will instantly add depth to our pitching staff,” Baird said. “Aside from that, we are very excited about both her hitting and her ability to field multiple positions. Lauren will have the ability to contribute in a number of ways.”
Stanton, a shortstop for Homer Glen High School, holds a 3.3 GPA and plans to major in education at Eastern Michigan. She’s the captain and was named MVP of her summer ball team, the New Lenox Lightning.
“Amanda’s ability in the field reminds me of some former EMU standouts,” Baird said. “The combination of what she brings to us defensively, and the way her bat has been catching fire this past summer, gives me confidence that we will continue to be strong in the field for years to come.”
Zwar, a utility infielder at Lakeshore High School, intends to major in sport management at Eastern. She’s a multi-sport star with varsity experience in both softball and basketball. As an infielder on the diamond, Zwar is a two-time All-Conference selection with All-District accolades to her credit. She was named Defensive Player of the Year last season and led her team to the District Championship her sophomore season. She was a state champion and batted a team-high .381 for her summer ball 16U Great Lakes Lightning team.
“Rachel brings two things with her to Ypsilanti that every team needs… a great stick and a great attitude.” Baird said. “She has the heart and determination that it takes to be successful at this level.”
The Eagles will kick off the 2010 season Feb. 26 in Ft. Myers, Fla. when they compete in the Florida Gulf Coast Invitational.