Softball Announces Five Athletes to Matriculate
Glendora, CA -- The Citrus College Softball program is pleased to announce that five of its sophomores from the 2013 season have accepted offers to continue their educational and athletic careers next year. The Owls will boast athletes at all four major levels of four-year play, with one matriculating to the NCAA DI level, another to an NCAA DII institution, one to an NCAA DIII school, and two more to an NAIA university.
Bre Lockett heads the class having signed with NCAA DI Bethune-Cookman University. Lockett was a two time All-Western State Conference Blue Division selection during her two year Citrus career. As a freshman, Lockett earned 2nd team honors before grabbing an Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore. In 2013, Lockett appeared in 33 games, batting .356 with five home runs, 27 RBI's, 36 runs scored, and eight stolen bases.
"I'm excited to get a chance to compete at a Division I school. In talking to the coach, it felt like a good fit for me. The incoming class, and the group they already have in place has a real family feel, and I'm looking forward to that," Lockett said. "Citrus has helped me excel as an all-around individual. It's given me time to mature and grow into this new phase of my life."
Moving onto NCAA DII the University of Hawai'i at Hilo is Jessica Gonzalez. Gonzalez spent one season with the Owls, her 2013 sophomore campaign. In her one season Gonzalez was a 2nd team All-WSC Blue Division honoree after batting .385 with 32 runs scored, 31 RBI's, and five home runs.
"I chose Hawaii Hilo because of the campus, the coaches, and the players. It was a very family oriented environment, and I just had a gut feeling that it was the right place for me," Gonzalez said. "Citrus has helped me become a better person in all aspects, on and off the field. It's helped me become a better leader, and not just want to perform for me, but for my teammates and coaches too."
Matriculating to NCAA DIII the University of La Verne will be Katherine Cunningham. Cunningham was a two year starter for Citrus. The lefty posted a .423 on-base percentage as a sophomore and scored 30 runs.
"It's a great school academically, and I get the perk of playing softball. It's a perfect fit, that's close to home, and allows me to continue my schooling and playing careers," Cunningham said. "Citrus has played an immense role in my life these last two years. I've made a lot of friends, and have had great coaching. It's one of the best experiences I've ever had. It's trained me up as a student and an athlete. The teachers and coaches have been amazing."
Rounding out the sophomores moving on will be Carissa Bender and Shyann Ramirez who both committed to William Jessup University. Bender appeared in the circle in 40 games over two years for the Owls. As a sophomore, Bender was 8-1 with a 3.88 ERA. Ramirez meanwhile made 50 appearances in two seasons. Ramirez ended her Owl career as a .308 lifetime hitter with 17 career RBI's.
"I was looking for a place to continue my education and playing careers, and they offered me that chance. On our visit I was impressed with both the team and the campus," Bender said. "Citrus has allowed me to grow as an athlete, and as an individual. I've gotten the chance to learn how to grow as a teammate."
"They offered me a great opportunity to continue my playing career, and I really enjoyed the campus on my visit," Ramirez said. "Citrus has allowed me the chance to grow academically these past few years, while playing with a great group of girls."
"These five student-athletes have helped usher in a new era of Citrus Softball, while continuing our strong winning tradition," said Citrus College Head Softball Coach Jackie Boxley. "Their contributions to the program have been innumerable and we are excited to see them continue to contribute to their new programs at the next level."