The University of Akron Athletics
Softball Adds Four Student-Athletes for 2015-16
November 13 | Softball
Follow Akron Softball on Twitter and Facebook
AKRON, Ohio -- University of Akron softball head coach Julie Jones announced Thursday that Caroline Cahill (Huber Heights, Ohio), Gabby Fredericks (New Philadelphia, Ohio), Kelly Hysong (Beach City, Ohio) and Lilli Piper (Norton, Ohio) have committed to join the program for the 2015-16 academic year.
Cahill, a catcher from Wayne High School in the Dayton area, hit .391 with 13 RBI as a junior in 2014. She earned second-team all-conference honors and was named to the All-Ohio underclassmen southwest team a season ago. As a sophomore, Cahill earned honorable mention all-conference honors and was named the team's most valuable player.
"Caroline stands out with her on-field leadership abilities," said Jones. "She is the perfect student-athlete to come in and help our pitchers get better with her communication skills behind the plate."
Fredericks, a catcher/first baseman out of Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School, was named first-team all-conference and first-team all-district in each of the past two seasons. She also earned honorable mention All-Ohio status as a sophomore and was part of the All-Ohio second team last year as a junior. Fredericks has hit over .460 every year, including a .523 mark in 2014 that featured 46 hits, 18 for extra bases. She has struck out just three times total in three seasons.
"Gabby will add power to our offense from the left side," said Jones. "She is versatile, with the ability to play first base and set up behind the plate. She has the potential to be an outstanding hitter for us."
Hysong, a pitcher from Fairless High School, carried a .521 batting average as a junior, and has racked up 89 RBI for her career. She combined for a 38-6 record in the circle over the last two seasons, posting a .400 ERA as a junior and registering 262 strikeouts. Hysong led her team to a 46-6 mark over the last two years, including a district championship in 2013 and a sectional title in 2014.
"Kelly has proven herself to be one of the most versatile and powerful kids in the area, and she will add a lot to our pitching staff and our hitting lineup," Jones said. "She will also prove to be a great addition to our middle infield when she is not pitching. Kelly is extremely athletic and we are excited to watch her grow over the course of her college career."
Piper, a shortstop from nearby Walsh Jesuit High School, signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at UA on Nov. 12. The 2014 Cleveland.com Softball Player of the Year, Piper intends to play both basketball and softball for the Zips in 2015-16. Her aunt, Kay Piper, was also a two-sport athlete (softball and volleyball) at Akron from 1982-85, and her number 23 is one of the program's two retired numbers.
"Lilli officially signed to be a basketball player, but she will be joining us after basketball season and we are thrilled about the arrangement," Jones said. "She will continue the tradition of great softball players at UA with the last name Piper. Lilli is one of the best softball players in the area and brings a knack for the game that cannot be taught. She is a great hitter and is just as solid at shortstop. Playing both sports will be quite a feat, but if anyone can do it, she can."
Together, Cahill, Fredericks, Hysong and Piper make up the early commitments for an Akron softball program that loses five seniors to graduation following the 2015 season.
