Ouachita Baptist University softball coach Mike McGhee announced Tuesday the signing of four athletes in the early signing period, with one graduating early and attending Ouachita in the spring, with the other three to begin their careers in the fall of 2009.
“We are blessed to have signed this class of athletes,” McGhee said. “We truly believe that this class added to our freshman and sophomore class will be the final pieces of the puzzle to take our program to another level. Not only are they all tremendous athletes, but come from quality families as well.”
Alexis Johns is a 5-foot-9 catcher from Juan Seguin High School in Arlington, Texas. She is a tremendous gifted player with tremendous natural athletic ability. Johns has a strong accurate throwing arm and brings plenty of game knowledge. Johns was tabbed First-Team All-District in 2008 and most valuable player as a pitcher. In 2007, she was named District 15-4A Newcomer of the Year.
“We are lucky to get Alexis Johns, who will be graduating early to come us with our catching problems due to injuries in the fall,” McGhee said. “ I think what helps Alexis the most is that she pitches as well so she understands the game from both sides of the plate. She is also a very good contact hitter and runs extremely well, so she will add to our offense.”
The Lady Tigers got two players from the same high school in Kayci Wilson and Bailey Sanders. Both will come to Ouachita from Joshua High School.
Wilson is a 5-8 pitcher, who will certainly be one of the top pitchers in the Gulf South Conference. She was named All-Johnson County Pitcher of the Year twice and first-team District 8 4A First-Team All-District.
“She is a hard thrower with great command of her pitches,” McGhee said. “Kayci pitched against some strong Division II teams this fall. She was able to no-hit, shutout one and two-hit shutout the other. She had several Division I offers and we are blessed to be bale to strengthen our pitching staff with a person of her talent. I personally can’t wait to see her standing in that circle for us.”
Sanders is a 5-6 shortstop/third baseman. She plays shortstop for her high school, but third base for Phil Marks Texas Travelers Gold Select Team.
“I believe Bailey is the best third baseman in the state of Texas,” McGhee said. “Her reaction time and range at third are tremendous. Bailey also brings a very strong bat as well. She can hit with power from both sides of the plate. She will not only save us runs, but she is going to produce a lot of runs for us as well. We are lucky in getting Bailey for our 2009-2010 roster.”
Carissa Williams is a 5-8 outfielder/second baseman from Horn High School in Dallas, Texas area. She helped guide team to a District Championship and was selected Second-Team All-District as an outfielder. Williams, who earned First-Team All-Academic honors, is a three-time team captain.
“Carissa is an awesome athlete with great academics as well,” McGhee said. “I saw Carissa hit a three-run homer into the wind this summer in the USSSA World Tournament in Plano, Texas, which helped her team win that championship. She will bring a good bat and solid outfield play, plus leadership to our squad. Carissa played for coach Tim Campbell’s Texas Elite Gold Team that has produced many big time players.”
Ouachita opens the season Feb. 6-8 at the Arkansas Tech Classic. The Lady Tigers will take on Lincoln, Missouri-St. Louis and Southwest Baptist.
