The Fort Lewis College softball program signed three players last week, all of whom will be bringing plenty of power, both at the mound and the plate for the Skyhawks’ lineup.
The Skyhawks will look to rebound in the 2019 season after finishing 16-36 overall and 10-28 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Head coach Elle Fracker was impressed with the class of 2019’s ability to play at numerous positions and is excited for what the group will bring in the next few years.
“It was definitely important to me with only losing one senior, that we’re doing our part to add depth to this team,” Fracker said. “It’s always been my philosophy that the longer time it takes for some of these players to develop, the more you will get out of them. Having a class of kids who have proven themselves at the high school or travel softball level, we’re hoping it will translate well to the college game. All three have shown that potential and we can’t wait. But, in the meantime, we’ve been working really hard for this upcoming season and we are ready to turn the corner for the program, and I think this class of kids helps get us in that direction.”
Bri Leavell led off the signings for Fort Lewis, as the Sacramento, California, native excelled at the pitcher’s mound, as she set a school record in strikeouts with 280 for Rio Linda High School. In addition, she had a batting average of .491 and had 19 runs batted in during her junior season. Fracker said that anytime a program can have a player who can both hit and pitch is an incredibly useful asset to the team.
“Bri was a fantastic pitcher and hitter, and anytime you can have a player who can do both, it’s very exciting,” Fracker said. “Again, it just adds more depth to this team because a really good pitcher who then can also hit, and we don’t have to use a pinch-hitter or anything like that, it’s great.”
The other two signings may one day be delivering pitching signs to Leavell on the mound, as they are both catchers.
Jalen Cooper, a Missoula, Montana, native, is a two-time all-state performer and had a batting average of .321 this past season for Sentinel High School.
“We’re going to have nine pitchers this season, so it’s definitely not a bad problem to have, and again, Jalen will have to adjust to the college game, but I think she was great behind the plate,” Fracker said. “With nine pitchers, we could definitely use some healthy competition, and no matter what position, whether it’s catcher or pitcher, infielder or outfielders, it’s a good thing.”
The final commitment came from Sloan Shotton, of Norman, Oklahoma. Shotton has also had a number of accolades, as she was named to the all-conference, district and regional honorable mention teams in 2017. Shotton was heralded for her competitive nature.
“Since I’ve been coaching and playing, you’re never good enough with just one person at one position,” Fracker said. “We always want competition, and if you don’t have anyone pushing you, you’ll never get to the next level. I need to be constantly push my pitchers or catchers. I really believe we can’t just have nine good players; we have to have a team full of them, and Sloan is a great competitor, really wants to win and another one to look out for.”
Fracker said while she was excited about the signings, she also is preparing the current group for the upcoming season.
“We’ve got a lot to look forward to and we’ve been working very hard this off-season,” Fracker said. “The season is already a few months away, and while we are looking forward to when these girls will get on campus next year, we are just getting stronger and stronger everyday.”
Fort Lewis will begin its season in February.
bploen@ durangoherald.com
