More recruiting news

George Washington
Madi Myers-Cook a 2013 OF/C from The Next Level travel ball program has verballed to the Colonials. Myers-Cook versatility will definitely help her find a spot in the lineup. The Next Level is one of the top programs in the country and they currently have players committed to SDSU, Texas Tech, Florida, NC State, and Utah State.

The Colonials have been doing work on the recruiting trail, picking up verbals from players of some of the top travel teams in the country, including the RI Thunder, Louisville Lady Sluggers/Southern Force, Cal Lite, and the Newtown Rock.

UMass
Caitlyn Hickey of the NJ Breakers a 2013 UT has verballed to the Minutewomen. Hickey has the ability to play a number of positions and Coach Elaine Sortino will look to take advantage of her versatility. The NJ Breakers are one of the top Mid-Atlantic programs and have sent a few players to the Atlantic 10 in the past including: Briana Sasala to St. Joseph's, Erika Szymanski to URI, Capri Catalano to Temple (via USF), Allison Twarowski and Laura Klaiber to Fordham, and Adrienne Repsher and Brandy Mora to Temple.

Hickey joins Ashton Wince, Tara Klee, and Jena Cozza in UMass' 2013 recruiting class.

Recruiting update

As always if you have knowledge of any commitments please send an email to atlantic10softball@gmail.com


Dayton
Kathryn Hess 2012 C LI Bandits

Fordham
Cailin Winokour 2012 IF NJ Inferno


George Washington
Alana Anderson 2014 OF Arizona Storm


UMass
Jena Cozza 2013 SS Team LI
Emily Neal 2014 OF Pennsbury Gems


St. Louis
Taylor Meeks 2013 IF KC Peppers

Temple
Liz Bauer 2012 OF

UMass Coach Elaine Sortino is battling cancer

This is another one of those instances that we are all reminded that there is more to life than softball: legendary UMass head coach Elaine Sortino is battling cancer. This is an extremely difficult time for both her and her team and is important to keep her in our thoughts and prayers. She has done so much for this sport and this conference, we have to be there for her. Whether it is a tweet, email, text, letter, please show your support and help 'Coach' in this fight.

Here is the official press release:

University
Of Massachusetts Statement On Health Of Softball Coach Elaine Sortino

Longtime head coach receiving treatment for form of cancer.

University Of Massachusetts Statement On Health Of Softball Coach Elaine Sortino

Longtime head coach receiving treatment for form of cancer.

AMHERST, Mass. – University of Massachusetts head softball coach Elaine Sortino has informed her team and the Department of Athletics that she has been diagnosed and is currently receiving treatment for a form of cancer. Sortino, who also serves as the department’s Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, will continue to serve as the head coach of the softball team, however, day-to-day operations will be handled by associate head coach Kathryn Gleason and assistant coach Kristi Stefanoni.

“Elaine informed her team tonight following the Boston College game and asked us toinform fans and the general public as to her situation,” said Director of Athletics John McCutcheon. “She is undergoing treatments right now and will continue to be as involved as possible with the team as our head coach. Her coaching staff, the athletic department and all involved with the program support her as she continues to fight this disease.”

Sortino is in her 33rd year as the head coach at UMass and is one of just five active coaches in the NCAA with over 1,100 wins. She is one of just eight coaches in NCAA history to hit the 1,000-win plateau. A member of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Sortino has led UMass to 22 Atlantic 10 titles, 20 NCAA regional appearances, and three trips to the NCAA College World Series. She is a 10-time Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year honoree.

“Going forward, we ask that people respect Elaine’s privacy as she deals with this fight,” said McCutcheon. “Questions regarding Elaine can be sent to myself or Jaime Seguin who is our Associate Senior Women’s Administrator. This is a trying time for both Elaine and the student-athletes of her team and we will give them the full support of the department and the University.”