The Durango Herald
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Fort Lewis College picked up a new assistant coach and three new players for her to coach, too.
The FLC softball team recently got a shot of youth on its coaching staff, hiring assistant coach Laura Chapman, who wrapped up her own collegiate career just two seasons ago.
Days later, the Skyhawks signed Victoria Johnson, Nikki Klepfer and Jeovanna Rios to national letters of intent during the early signing period. The three signees will begin play for FLC the 2013 season.
Chapman, a 2009 graduate of Tufts University in Medford, Mass., was a center fielder and team captain for the Jumbos when they advanced to the NCAA Division III Women’s College World Series and finished with a 44-3 record. That season, Chapman set the school records for stolen bases in a season with 30 – breaking her own record set the season before – and career steals with 74.
For her efforts, Chapman was named the New England Small College Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, was an NCAA All-New England Region first-team member, was a member of the NESCAC’s first team and New England Regional all-tournament team member.
“We are so excited to have Laura join our Skyhawk softball program,” FLC head coach Kira Zeiter said in a news release. “She brings experience in the areas of outfield and (slap-hitting) and has knowledge of World Series competition.”
Johnson is a 5-8 pitcher from Bakersfield, Calif.
“Victoria is a power pitcher and hitter who should bring more pitching depth to our roster,” Zeiter said. “She has a full arsenal of pitches with a solid change-up to put batters away.”
Klepfer is a 5-11 first baseman from Santa Clarita, Calif.
“Nikki is a hitter who will bring more power to our lineup,” Zeiter said. “She’s a right-handed first baseman who has long reach and can effectively play the position.”
Johnson and Klepfer were teammates on So Cal 3D, a nationally ranked club team from the Los Angeles area.
“I’ve watched them play for the past two years,” Zeiter said. “I’m looking forward to them having immediate impact in our program.”
Rios is a 5-4 catcher and second baseman from West Covina, Calif.
“Jeovanna is another power hitter who will add more depth to our catching position,” Zeiter said. “She plays on the solid Pam Newton-coached Cal Lite club team that competes regularly at the national level; she should bring that experience with her to Fort Lewis.”
FLC was 13-28 last season with a 12-24 mark in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. The Skyhawks open 2012 at the Desert Stinger from Feb. 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nev.
