Dec. 9, 2008

DeKalb, Ill. - The Northern Illinois softball team announced the signing of four accomplished student-athletes from the class of 2009 that includes Jennifer Barnett (Indianapolis, Ind./Roncalli), Adriana Sanchez (San Fernando, Calif./Alemany), Monica Segura (Santa Ana, Calif./Segerstrom Fundamental) and Amanda Sheppard (Oak Forest, Ill./Oak Forest).

"The 2009 softball class brings intensity, drive and a true desire to make their mark on this program," said NIU head coach Lindsay Chouinard. "Adriana, Amanda, Jenn and Monica know what they signed up for: the hard work and dedication required to reach the expectations and lead the vision of this program. They embrace the challenge. As a coach, you can't ask for anything more."

Barnett brings the most versatility to the program with the ability to play first base, outfield and catcher. At 5'3", she has a powerful swing that generated a Roncalli High School record eight homeruns in only three seasons. She also holds school records for most hits in a season (53), season batting average (.600), season doubles (14), season triples (7), career hits (145) and career doubles (33). She helped Roncalli to a pair of sectional championships in 2006 and 2008. She was named the team's most valuable player as a freshman, sophomore and junior. She garnered selections to the All-County, All-South Indianapolis Star Super Team in her first three years and was First Team All-State as a sophomore and junior. As a member of Indy Dreams, she won the 16u ASA Northern National Championship under coach Craig Bell. As a junior, hit .600 with three homeruns, 14 doubles 20 walks, 86 runs, 15 RBI and a .945 slugging percentage. As a sophomore, hit .547 with three homeruns, 11 doubles, seven triples, 60 runs, 29 RBI and a .810 slugging percentage. As a freshman, hit .510 with two homeruns, eight doubles, three triples, 24 runs and 24 RBI.

"Jenn has the most amazing hands I have seen at the plate," said Chouinard. "Her hand eye coordination is superb and it is evident she is extremely dedicated to her craft. Not only will she hit for average, but for power as well."

Sanchez brings the ability to play shortstop and third base and stands at 5'7". She earned three varsity letters at Alemany High School and as a freshman she played at Sylmar High School. In her final two years at Alemany, she was named team captain and was offensive player of the year as a junior. She earned First Team All-Conference and All-Area honors as a junior and Second Team All-Conference and All-Area honors as a sophomore. She led Alemany to two straight Mission League championships in 2006-07. In her junior year, she hit .315 with 17 hits, two homeruns, 13 RBI, 10 runs and seven steals. As a sophomore, hit .431 with 25 hits, one homerun, seven doubles, 21 RBI, 13 runs and five steals.

"Adriana was meant to play this game," Chouinard said. "She is powerful, smooth, explosive, gutsy and constantly dirty. She has a perfect balance: she loves and respects the game while being one of the most competitive players I have met. I can't wait to get her in a Huskie uniform."

The 5'7" Segura comes to NIU as a standout pitcher who can also play first base that has a strong bat. In her two years on the varsity squad at Segerstrom Fundamental High School she was named team most valuable player each season. As a junior, she was the CIF league leader in batting average (.533), homeruns (8), slugging percentage (1.088), RBI (32), on base percentage (.614) and pitching ERA (0.54), earning a First Team All-CIF Southern Section selection. In her sophomore year, she was named the Goldenwest League Pitcher of the Year, logging 122 innings with a 1.14 ERA, 155 strikeouts, 38 walks and seven of the team's nine wins, while she also batted .500 with 15 runs, 35 hits, 16 RBI, seven doubles, two homeruns and 16 steals. As a junior, she pitched 122 innings with 163 strikeouts and 42 walks with a 12-6 record. She holds school records for career homeruns (10), games pitched (48), shutouts (12), no-hitters (5), innings pitched (244) and strikeouts (318).

"Monica is a powerhouse on the mound and at the plate," said Chouinard. "She knows what she is capable of and is an instant leader when she steps on the field. Her impact in this program will be immediate."

The addition of Sheppard will bring more depth to the infield as she primarily played shortstop in at Oak Forest High School, but has the ability to play second or third base. She earned a varsity letter in each of her first three seasons and helped Oak Forest to a regional championship as a sophomore and a sectional championship as a junior. She was named to the Southtown Star First Team All-Area and earned a Third Team All-State selection in her junior year as she hit .461 with 41 hits, four homeruns, 27 runs, 27 RBI and 15 steals. As a sophomore, hit .340 with 33 hits, five homeruns, 28 runs, 23 RBI, and six steals.

"Amanda's pure athleticism makes her a defensive gem at shortstop," Chouinard said. "Her rhythm, first step quickness and strong arm make her consistent. By adding her willingness to get dirty, her range is limitless."

The Huskies open the 2009 season in Houston, Texas at the University of Houston Tournament with the first game being against Prairie View A&M at 11 a.m. CST on February 2.