GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head softball coach Sami Strinz has announced the signing of four more student-athletes to the 2009-10 Fighting Sioux softball roster. National letter of intent commitments were recently received from Allison Borden (Elma Wash.), Michelle Frank (Chaska, Minn.), Kayelee Schoeny (Redlands, Calif.), and Jessi St. Marie (Zumbrota, Minn.).

“On paper this is the strongest recruiting class we have ever had at UND,” said Strinz. “We are bringing in some very talented young ladies who are hungry, not only to play, but to succeed at the Division I level.  I am very eager for the athleticism and work ethic of the athletes we have coming in.”

Borden, a senior at Elma High School in Elma, Wash., is a four-year letterwinner for the Eagles where she has seen time at every infield position aside for catcher. Currently batting over .500 for EHS, Borden was named to the 2008 All-League second team and was a 2007 honorable mention. She is also a three-year letterwinner in volleyball.

A four-time Academic All-League honoree, she was recently named the 2009 senior class Salutatorian. In addition, Borden has been recognized by her high school over 20 times for her achievements in the classroom.  

"I believe Allison is ready to play at the Division I level,” said Strinz. “She is a middle infielder and one of the hardest workers I have seen.  Allison is never satisfied and will work her tail off to continue to be successful.  I expect her to come in immediately and challenge for a position on our starting lineup.  Having an older sister that plays softball at the DI level has given her some insight as to what to expect."

“I chose UND because as soon as I got there everything just felt right,” said Borden. “The campus, the team, the coaches, it all just fell into place and I knew this was the right school and softball program for me.  I also had two close family friends who played softball for the Fighting Sioux and that is what initially lead me there.”

Frank, a senior from Chaska High School in Chaska, Minn., is a two-time letterwinner for the Hawks as a pitcher. Last year, she was given the Predator Award for outstanding performance on the field at the American Softball Association 18U Nationals and finished the summer with 251 strikeouts in 259 innings of work with a 1.78 ERA.

"Michelle is a tall pitcher that has a lot of upside,” said Strinz. “She is throwing really well right now for her high school team and I think it will only get better.  A great attitude coupled with a strong work ethic, she will continue to work towards being the best that she can be.  You can’t teach height, so coming in at 5’11”, the sky is the limit for this young lady."

“When I visited the campus it felt like this was a perfect fit for me,” said Frank. “The entire staff at UND made me feel welcome all the way from administration to the coaching staff and players.  I'm excited to play at the Division I level, get my four-year degree from UND and become a member of the Fighting Sioux family."

Schoeny, a senior at East Redlands High School in Redlands, Calif., is a three-year letterwinner for the Wildcats as an outfielder. In her final season at ERHS, she is batting .348 with two homeruns and a .515 slugging percentage. During her freshman year, Shoeney was voted the team’s Most Valuable Player.

From 2006-07, she was a member of the Misfits and the following year, she played with Strictly Softball. Both are traveling softball teams out of Southern California.

This past summer, Shoeney played for Team Anderson 18 Gold, a combination of the So Cal Xplosion and the OC Lionettes U18 teams in North Orange County.

"Kayelee brings a great deal of speed both offensively and defensively to us next year,” said Strinz. “I expect her to make an immediate impact in the top of our lineup and in the outfield.  Recently, she has been working on adding power hitting to her repertoire to compliment her slap hitting, and she has hit a few home runs this year to show for it.  I am excited to have Kayelee's work ethic and competitiveness on our team next year."

“I chose UND because the campus was beautiful,” said Schoeny. “I liked having so many majors to choose from.”

St. Marie, a senior at Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School in Zumbrota, Minn., is a four-time letterwinner for the Cougars as a catcher and right fielder. A 2008 Hiawatha Valley League All-Conference honorable mention, she is currently ranked No. 1 in her class and is a member of the National Honor Society.

A four-year letterwinner in basketball, St. Marie was named “Miss Hustle” the past two years. She has also played two years of volleyball at ZMHS.

“I am pleased to add Jessi to our 2009-10 roster,” said Strinz. “She brings a ton of versatility and athletic ability to our team so we’ll pretty much be able to put her anywhere on the field. As a staff, we are looking forward to adding her character, personality and ability to the UND program.  Not only is she a great athlete, but Jessi is also a tremendous student. We are looking forward to helping her earn her degree from UND.”

“I chose UND because I am able to play the sport I love while receiving a quality, affordable education,” said St. James. “I felt right at home upon visiting the campus, and also realized that I am a hockey fan! The Sioux spirit is contagious!”

North Dakota finished its debut DI season 9-33. Highlighting the transition were a University of Memphis Blues City Classic championship and a 4-2 victory over Wisconsin to mark the first win over a Big Ten opponent this year for all of UND’s transitioning programs and the first ever recorded for UND softball.

-GoSioux!-