Nov. 19, 2009
DEKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University head coach Lindsay Chouinard announced the signing of five softball players for the 2011 squad Thursday.
Chouinard inked utility player Stephanie Tofft from Lincoln, Calif. (Lincoln), second baseman Gianna Cipollone of Newport Beach, Calif. (San Clemente), Shelby Miller, a shortstop from Ottawa, Kan. (Ottawa), Nicole Gremillion from Missouri City, Texas (Elkins) and infielder Ashley Kopp of Burr Ridge, Ill. (Hinsdale South).
Tofft is a three-time varsity letterwinner who has excelled both at the plate and in the pitcher's circle during her prep career. She garnered Pioneer Valley League Most Valuable Player honors as a junior after batting .612 with 20 RBIs, nine home runs, and 60 hits. From the mound, her earned run average was below 1.00 in two of the last three years. Along with her 0.99 ERA as a freshman, Tofft struck out 141 batters and posted a 13-6 record. She wrapped up her junior season with a 0.56 ERA, solidifying herself as the league MVP.
"Stephanie can do it all," Chouinard said. "She has three skills from the left side of the plate, speed, and the versatility to play anywhere on the field. Outfield, shortstop, pitcher or catcher, Stephanie can be anything we need."
Miller, a two-time first-team Frontier League shortstop, led her team in batting with a .409 average her junior year. She was selected to the first-team 4A all-state team as an infielder and her teammates voted her as their most valuable player after her junior season.
"Shelby provides an instant burst of power to our right-handed bats," Chouinard said. "She is controlled, focused and wants to play the game the right way. As a coach I can't ask for anything more than Shelby gives."
Gremillion was selected to the Houston Chronicle All-Greater Houston second team in 2008 and to the third team in 2007. In 2008, she was named UIL 23-5A District MVP and first team all-district after putting up a .398 batting average and an ERA of 0.99 to help lead Travis High School to a co-district championship. Like Tofft, her ERA was below 1.00 in two of the last three years.
"Nicole has all the tools necessary to be an impact division one leadoff hitter," Chouinard said. "She's explosive, dynamic and fast with the ability to drop a bunt or hit a homerun. I can't wait to have her presence at the top of our lineup."
Cipollone was named second team all-conference her sophomore and junior seasons and earned her team's gold glove award as a sophomore. She has played for three different club teams in four years including the Sand Diego Legacy (2006-07), the SoCal Cruisers (2008) and presently for the SoCal Firecrackers.
"Gianna is a defensive gem," Chouinard said. "As soon as the ball goes anywhere near her, you know it's taken care of. Gianna will bring a quiet calm and leadership to the infield. She will be our defensive anchor."
Chouinard also added one local player, signing Ashley Kopp of Burr Ridge, Ill. Kopp was named to the All-West Suburban Conference Gold Division Team in 2009 after helping lead Hinsdale South to a 21-6 mark. Kopp, who plays club softball with the Sparks, also excels in the classroom as she was named to the Dean's List last year.
"Ashley is the epitome of consistency," Chouinard said. "Whether it be turning ground balls into outs or spraying line drives to every field, she is fundamentally sound. Ashley's work ethic and training make her a key addition to this program."
The Huskies open their 2010 season in San Marcos, Texas where they will participate in the Texas State Tournament starting Feb. 12, 2010 versus Oklahoma State.
-NIU-
