Fort Hays State softball coach Erin Kinberger announced the signing of four high school seniors that will join the program in 2013-14. The individuals include Kylie Strand, Samantha Villareal, Kelli Koehler, and Hunter Klamm. All four are from different states including Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
Kylie Strand comes to FHSU from Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise, Ariz. Strand has been her high school's Female Athlete of the Year two years in a row as a sophomore and junior. She was an all-state honorable mention selection in each of the last two years and was the Class 4A Division II Region Player of the Year in 2011 as a sophomore. During her junior year of 2012, she had a batting average of .622 and slugging percentage of 1.162 with eight home runs. "Kylie is a standout athlete- she is strong mentally, physically, at the plate, and in the dirt,” said head coach Erin Kinberger. “She has an ingrained desire to win and will make an immediate impact."
Samantha “Sammie” Villareal comes to FHSU from Berthoud High School in Loveland, Colo. Villareal garnered all-conference, all-area and all-state honors in 2012. She led her team in RBIs with 35 and hit .519 with a .716 slugging percentage. She was also an academic all-state selection. "Sammie has a mentality all coaches are striving to find and develop,” said Kinberger. “Softball is a priority, and success is not an option. Her power at the plate will be a great addition to our offense."
Kelli Koehler is from Humansville, Mo., and comes to FHSU from Weaubleau High School in Weaubleau, Mo. Koehler is a four-time all-state selection as an infielder, twice at third base and twice at shortstop. She was a four-time first team all-conference, all-district, and all-region selection. "Kelli brings true versatility to our program, she can play infield, outfield, switch hit, and is quick around the bases,” said Kinberger. “She will have various opportunities in various situations to help us win games next season."
Hunter Klamm comes to FHSU from De Soto High School in De Soto, Kan. Klamm helped De Soto to the Class 4A state championship game in the spring of 2012 and earned first team all-state honors and was selected to the
Lawrence Journal World All-Area Softball Team as an infielder. "Hunter is an all-around great ball player,” said Kinberger. “Her bat and speed will be a great addition as well as her versatility on defense. She is aggressive and packs a lot of power in a small package."
