University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Inks Six for the 2012-13 Season
11/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 14, 2011
Recruit and Coach Quotes
University of Minnesota softball coach Jessica Allister announced Friday the signing of six players to National Letters of Intent for the 2012-13 year. The Golden Gophers Class of 2016 will include four Minnesota prep stars, Nikki Anderson, Sydney Fabian , Paige Palkovich and Kayla Wenner, California native Marissa Gilbuena and Georgia native Brandi McGregor.
"We are happy to welcome Brandi, Kayla, Marissa, Paige, Nikki and Sydney to the Minnesota softball family" said head coach Jessica Allister. "This class is a good combination of power, speed, pitching and great defense, and we are excited about what they each bring to the program."
Nikki Anderson hails from Brainerd High School, where she guided the Warriors to back-to-back state tournament berths her sophomore and junior seasons. Nikki was named all-state her junior year, along with garnering all-conference and all-selection awards her first three seasons. A dual-sport athlete, Nikki played on the Brainerd volleyball team for three years. Nikki will add depth to the Gopher pitching staff as a left-handed pitcher. Nikki continues a tradition of Anderson's joining the Gopher family, Her grandfather, Robert Anderson, was a member of the Golden Gopher baseball team that won the NCAA National Championship in 1956, and her aunt, Lezlie Vermillion (Anderson), is a member of the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame.
"Nikki is a lefty pitcher that throws the ball with good command and good velocity. We are excited about the new look she will bring to our pitching staff."
Sydney Fabian is a Lake Elmo, Minn. native and a four-time letterwinner at Hill-Murray High School, where she is coached by former Gopher Colleen Conway. Fabian, is a three-time all-conference team member and a two-time all-state honoree. Sydney excels both on the field and in the classroom. She is a three-time Science Student of the Month. Sidney's athletic ability and softball skills will strengthen the Gopher squad.
"Sydney is a great athlete who has the ability to play the short game and hit for power. She is a true lefty who could see time in the outfield or at first base."
Marissa Gilbuena is a four-time letterwinner from Aliso Viejo, California. A middle-infielder, Marissa helped guide Aliso Niguel High School to one league championship and two second place finishes in her first three years. She was tabbed as the team's Defensive Player of the Year her sophomore and junior seasons, while also earning all-league and all-county honors. Marissa's strong defensive skills will add options and depth to the Gopher infield.
"Marissa is a middle infielder that possesses a great glove, great range and a great arm. She will help us solidify the infield next season."
Two-time scholar athlete and National Honor Society member, Brandi McGregor hails from East Coweta High School in Georgia. Brandi's success in the classroom is matched by her success on the field. Her honors included First Team All-State, First Team All-Region and Region Player of the Year. A power hitter, Brandi's offensive prowess will bolster the Gopher line-up.
"Brandi is a catcher that has the ability to drive the ball for a lot of power. We look for her to be an offensive threat in the Big Ten immediately."
Paige Palkovich preps at Eastview High School in Apple Valley, Minn. Paige's excellence is evident on the field and court and in the classroom. Paige attained all-conference honors twice, is a three-time academic letter honoree and is the captain of the softball and basketball teams. As utility player, Paige will expand Gopher options both offensively and defensively.
"Paige has tremendous athletic ability and is extremely competitive on the field. She has the tools to play anywhere in the infield or the outfield."
Kayla Wenner is an outfielder at Nicollet High School in Nicollet, Minn, where she is a three-sport standout. Kayla is a two-time all-section and a three-time all-conference honoree for softball while also being named all-conference three times for volleyball and twice for basketball. Kayla's outfield and first base skills, coupled with her speed offer a wide range of options to strengthen the Gopher line-up.
"Kayla is a tremendous hitter that can also play the short game if needed. She possesses the speed and arm strength to be a strong presence in the outfield, and being a true lefty, she may also see some time at first base."
