Softball Sets Cornerstone With 12 Signees
July 21, 2000 | Softball
June 23, 1999
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With the bulldozers clearing the way for a state-of-the-art softball field at Cardinal Park, all that remains to be set in place for the newly formed softball team are the players themselves. Towards that end, head coach Sandy Pearsall has inked 12 signees who will make up the nucleus of the fledgling Cardinal team.
"These girls have the unique chance to create a winning tradition and be a part of history here at U of L as we build this program from the ground up," said Pearsall.
Keola Calderon, Utility, Orcutt, CA, Coleen Coughlin, Outfield, Glendale, AZ, Kim Hilpp, Utility, Louisville, KY, Melissa Jacobo, Infield, Whittier,CA, Lisa McMillan, Catcher, Louisville, KY, Tara McClure, Pitcher, Batavia, IA, Candi Padilla, Outfield, Glendale, AZ, Amy Pickering, Infield, London,ONT, Jessica Rak, Pitcher, Arvada, CO, Nicole Sparks, Infield, Chino, CA, Mandy Rockwell, Pitcher, Los Alamitos, CA, and Val Smith, Infield, London, ONT, all signed national letters-of-intent to continue their softball careers at the University of Louisville.
Keola Calderon plays for O.C. Batbusters, one of the top Southern California clubs and earned all-league honors. She throws right and bats left.
"She is a good all-around athlete who can play several positions," said Pearsall.
Coleen Coughlin is a transfer from Glendale Community College. She throws right and bats left.
"She is a leadoff hitter who is able to get herself on base consistently," said Pearsall.
Kim Hilpp is a natural to play at Louisville as her brother Troy plays baseball for the Cardinals. She is transferring from Kentucky Wesleyan College. She bats and throws right-handed. She earned All-State honors at Pleasure Ridge Park.
"Kim is a good all around athlete who has a great understanding of the game," said Pearsall.
Melissa Jacobo played for the team that finished fifth in the competitive Gold Nationals last summer. She earned all-league and All-CIF honors.
"Melissa is a strong hitter who should bring power to our offensive lineup," said Pearsall.
Right-handed pitcher Tara McClure will transfer from Indian Hills Junior College that ended the season ranked No. 4 in that nation. She earned first team All-State honors and second team All-America.
Tara is a diamond in the rough. She has tremendous composure on the mound and has a very competitive nature," said Pearsall.
Lisa McMillan is another local Louisvillian who played at Jeffersontown High School. She earned all-district, all-region and all-state honors.
"Lisa has good talent and will continue to grow. She has tremendous heart and drive," said Pearsall.
Candi Padilla played outfield for the second ranked junior college and helped Central Arizona to the NJCAA national championship. She earned NJCAA All-Tournament honors.
"Candi has a strong arm and tremendous offensive abilities. She will always give 110 percent on the field," said Pearsall.
Amy Pickering was Padilla's teammate on the Central Arizona National Championship team. She throws right, bats left and plays first.
"Pick has one of the best gloves at first base we have seen in the nation. She is a consistent hitter, who will hit for power," said Pearsall.
Jessica Rak will pitch for the Cardinals. She played for the second ranked Colorado ASA team . A true freshman, she was the State Tournament MVP in 1995 and 1996.
"She is a hard-throwing pitcher will control of several pitches," said Pearsall.
Nicole Sparks is a left-handed hitting second baseman from Chino, CA. A true freshman, she played for Flash D' Gold.
"Nicole has great hands and is very quick. She should anchor down the right side of the infield," said Pearsall.
Mandy Rockwell will join the pitching staff after a career at Cypress Junior College, on of the top California jucos. She was Juco MVP of the State as Cypress won the Juco State championship. The right-hander is from Los Alamitos, CA. She was named to the first team All-State squad and her team posted a sterling 30-1 mark.
"Mandy will add depth and experience to the mound. She plays well under pressure and will rise to the challenge," said Pearsall.
Val Smith is an infielder who will join the Cardinals from the ranks of the Lake City Junior College where she made all-tournament team in the FJCAA State tournament in 1998. She helped lead her team to the runnerup spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
