The University of Akron Athletics
Softball signs five for 2015 season
November 15 | Softball
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AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron softball head coach Julie Jones announced Friday that Caitlin Gambone (Canton, Ohio), Cassie Gillespie (Sylvania, Ohio), Taylor Kirian (New Riegel, Ohio), Paige McMenemy (Westerville, Ohio) and Lena Richards (Camas, Wash.) have signed national letters of intent to join the program for the 2014-15 academic year.
"I am very excited to add Caitlin, Cassie, Taylor, Paige and Lena to the UA softball family," Jones said. "This is a group of talented athletes and they are also outstanding students. This class brings a mix of skills including pitching, strong infield play and power at the plate."
Gambone, a second baseman out of nearby Canton Central Catholic High School, earned second team All-Ohio honors as a sophomore and a junior. She holds the Ohio state record for consecutive games with a hit at 47. In 2012, Gambone hit .578 and ranked eighth in the state with 67 hits on the season. Gambone led CCC to a pair of sectional championships as well as the school's first ever district title. She was also a member of the Ohio Lasers Gold squad that captured the national title in 2011.
"One of the top recruits in the state of Ohio, Caitlin is one of the best infielders in the 2014 class," said Jones. "She has great hands and is fundamentally sound on defense and in the batter's box. Caitlin is a great communicator on the field and a student of the game. We are excited to add her to our mix of strong defenders."
Gillespie, a pitcher and first baseman from Toledo Notre Dame Academy, holds a .421 batting average through the first three seasons of her prep career. A three-time first team all-conference selection, Gillespie was also named first team all-district and ESPN Midwest Player of the Week. She has a career record of 27-10 in the circle, 23 home runs and 84 RBI at the plate. As a sophomore, Gillespie earned NFCA second team all-region honors.
"Cassie has great power potential," said Jones. "She is another outstanding talent - she pitches and plays first base well. Her quiet demeanor is a great contrast to the noise her powerful swing will bring to our lineup."
Kirian, a first baseman and outfielder, hails from New Riegel High School. She was named first team All-Ohio for the past two seasons, in addition to first team all-district, first team all-conference, and the two-time Midland Athletic League Player of the Year. Last year as a junior, Kirian set the OHSAA record for home runs in a single season with 18 longballs. She holds school records for single season batting average (.600), RBI (63), hits (57) doubles (15), and career records for RBI (128) and home runs (23).
"Taylor brings a big bat to our lineup, setting the state record for home runs as a junior," Jones said. "Along with being one of the best hitters in Ohio, she is an honors student and has great character. She has a powerful presence in the box and on the field."
McMenemy, a pitcher out of Westerville Central High School, is a three-time all-conference selection and earned first team all-state recognition last year as a junior. She struck out 251 batters in 2013, setting a single season school record, also posting the record for most strikeouts in a game with 15. As a junior, McMenemy guided her team to the district finals of the state tournament and a 20-7 record. During her three seasons, she has only struck out twice in 92 at bats.
"We are thrilled to add Paige to our pitching staff," said Jones. "She has good velocity and an outstanding off-speed pitch that will prove effective for keeping hitters off balance. Aside from her pitching expertise, we expect Paige to add a solid bat to our line up. Paige has a great attitude and we look forward to watching her work in the circle."
Richards, a second baseman, catcher and shortstop from Camas High School, is on pace to become the school's all-time hits leader by the end of her career. A three-time all-conference selection, Richards led her team to back-to-back conference championships and second place in the state of Washington in 2013. As a junior, she posted a .468 batting average with 22 RBI.
"Lena is the second member of the Richards family to play for me," commented Jones. "Her aunt, Jackie (Richards) Markley, played for me at Cleveland State. Lena will bring a great love for the game and a great work ethic to Akron. She is very versatile, playing middle infield, outfield and catching. She hit three home runs in the Washington state championship, and her lefty swing gives her a different look than the rest of the 2014 class.
"We are excited to see how each of these student-athletes grow and look forward to their contributions to our program on the field, in the classroom and in the community."
