University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Softball Signs Six
12/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
"As we began to put together this class, our goal was to identify and sign talented, driven student-athletes that have the potential to thrive in the classroom and on the field at the University of Minnesota, and that have the desire to push themselves to become the best students and softball players that they can be. I believe we have accomplished that goal with this class," Allister said. "This class features a lot of speed, athleticism, and versatility. Each player has the ability to contribute at more than one position which will be a huge asset as we look to put our best nine out on the field. But most importantly, each of these student-athletes wants to be a Gopher and shares our vision and our goals for the Minnesota softball program."
Eckstrom will enroll at Minnesota next year following a successful career at nearby Stillwater High School. While with the Ponies, Eckstrom was a two-time all-conference award winner in 2009 and 2010 and was voted Stillwater's most valuable player as a sophomore in 2009. Last year as a junior, Eckstrom led her high school team in home runs. A five-time letter winner in softball at Stillwater, Eckstrom has been coached by Bob Beedle. In 2010, Eckstrom also earned a roster spot on the Minnesota Sting Elite team after a successful tryout in August.
"Madie is one of our two signees from the state of Minnesota. From the first time we saw her swing a bat, we knew we wanted Madie to be a Gopher," Allister said. "She has the ability to hit with tremendous power and will contend for a spot in our infield and in the middle of our line-up right away."
Granger was a three-year letter winner at Wheaton Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Ill. Granger boasts a .425 batting average throughout her career while also owning a .952 career fielding percentage. Competing in the DuPage Valley Conference, Granger is a four-time academic all-conference honoree and the senior has been a member of the league's leadership council. At Wheaton Warrenville South, Granger has been coached by Denise McCance and Tom Wentland. The senior has also played for the Wheaton Wildcats (2004-08) and the Lemont Rockers (2009).
"Hannah is an extremely powerful athlete. She will compete for a spot at first base and in the outfield, and has the ability to add power to the middle of our line-up. Hannah plays the game with a passion and is a lot of fun to watch," Allister said.
Kimminau is in her senior year at Pomona High School in Arvada, Colo, where she plays for coach Jim Biddle. A 2010 Class 5A all-state honorable mention for the Panthers, Kimminau hit .477 in her junior campaign while splitting time between pitcher, first base and second base. The senior also earned all-state accolades, along with all-conference and academic honors in 2009 when she helped Pomona win a regional championship. Kimminau has also spent time with the Colorado Styxx 18 Gold team, playing under coach Joe Lembeck.
"Kelsey is a top level pitcher that will compete for the ball right away. She throws the ball hard, mixes speeds well, and is not afraid to challenge hitters. In softball, the demeanor of the pitcher is essential to the success of a team, and Kelsey brings a calm, confident presence to the circle," Allister said.
Meyer, one of two local products, is a senior at Totino-Grace High School and hails from Arden Hills, Minn. Projected as a utility player for the Gophers, Meyer earned all-conference and team most valuable player honors in 2009 and 2010 while also being recognized by the Pioneer Press as all-state honorable mention and all-section in 2009. Meyer has been a four-year letter winner in softball under coaches Paul Harrington and Don Kealy while the senior has also lettered three times in cross country. Meyer has posted a plus .500 average twice in her career as a sophomore (.438) and a junior (.429). Her junior year also saw Meyer throw three perfect games from the mound. Meyer has also spent time playing for the Mounds View Diamond Devils. Her uncle, Bob Meyer, was a member of the Minnesota baseball team from 1980-83.
"Erica comes from a family of ball players and has a great sense for the game. She'll make an immediate impact on our program with her versatility and athleticism. Erica is the ultimate utility player, and has the ability to contribute anywhere in the infield or outfield," Allister said. "She is a lefty hitter with the ability to hit for power and to play the short game. Erica is a meticulous worker and a true student of the game."
Richardson, one of the best hitters in the state of Arizona, is in her final year playing for Sandra Day O'Connor High School in Phoenix, Ariz. The senior was a two-time all-state selection in 2009 and 2010 and a three-time all-region honoree (2008-10). In 2010, Richardson batted .495 with 51 RBI, 19 doubles and six home runs. She also struck out just twice in 117 plate appearances as her team won its third-consecutive regional championship. In the classroom, Richardson is in the top three percent of her graduating class, a member of the National Honor Society and the Society of Female Scholars. She has also Blue Renaissance Cords each semester of her high school career for posting a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Also a member of O'Connor's golf team for three years, Richardson earned all-academic region honors for golf and was named to the NFCA All-Academic Softball team in 2008. At O'Connor, Richardson was coached by Melissa and Jason Shepherd and Rob Latona. She has also competed for the Arizona Hotshots from 2007-10.
"Katie is a great athlete and a tremendous competitor. Whether it be on the field or in the classroom, Katie hates to lose, and her competitiveness is contagious," Allister said. "Defensively she has the ability to play both middle infield and outfield, and offensively she will contend for a spot in the heart of our line-up right away. Katie is another lefty hitter that can beat you with both speed and power."
Walker comes to the University of Minnesota from Valley Christian High School in San Jose, Calif. A First Team All-League and First Team All-Academic honoree last year with the Warriors, Walker hit .509 with 12 stolen bases while also posting an on base percentage of .555 and a .952 fielding percentage. Walker was coached at Valley Christian by Alex Sanguinetti.
"Tyler is an incredibly fast athlete who, like Katie and Erica, can both slap and hit for power. She has the ability to wreck havoc on defenses and has a knack for creating scoring opportunities," Allister said. "Tyler will compete for a spot in the middle infield right away, and also has the ability to play outfield if need be."
