Santa Clara Softball Announces Six NLI Signees

Santa Clara Softball Announces Six NLI Signees

Nov. 16, 2006

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara Broncos announced today that they have signed six athletes to national letters of intent, from the early signing period which ended Wednesday, November 15. The Broncos signed local products Stephanie Smith, Jeanine Ruffoni and Megan Wirth, as well as Amanda Edmonson from Las Vegas, Nev., Shelby Gibbs from Arcadia, Calif., and Jackie Nicora from Pebble Beach, Calif. All six women will enter Santa Clara as freshmen in 2007.

"Overall I am very excited about our 2007 class", said head coach Steve Rianda. "These ladies will bring a much added punch to the lineup, and will be strong additions to an already exciting young team."

Amanda Edmonson, from Silverado High School in Las Vegas, Nev. is a utility player who can play anywhere in the infield as well as play behind the plate. In addition, she will bring a very strong bat to the Broncos lineup.

Shelby Gibbs, from Arcadia High School in Arcadia, Calif. is an outfielder known for her quickness. Her speed makes her an offensive threat, giving her the opportunity to steal bases and force defenses to work hard to prevent her from scoring.

Stephanie Smith, from Castilleja High School in Palo Alto is a hard-working and talented catcher, whose hitting skills have improved dramatically over the past two years. Smith is the younger sister of Dan Smith, who is a member of the Broncos Cross Country and Track teams.

Jeanine Ruffoni, from California High School in San Ramon, Calif. is a tall, 5-11 infielder with a very strong arm. Ruffoni is a local, multi-sport talent who can hit from both sides of the plate and brings speed on the base path.

Jackie Nicora, from Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, Calif. can play all over the field, but will be used primarily as an outfielder. Nicora brings great leadership and work ethic, which allow her to always be in the right place at the right time.

Megan Wirth, from Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, Calif. is a very talented pitcher who has proven herself as a top competitor. Both in high school and with the SJ Strikkers Gold, Wirth has demonstrated her ability to out-think her opponents and, coupled with her strong work ethic, has had much success.

The Santa Clara softball team now continues its preparation for the spring season, which begins with a tournament hosted by Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, Calif. starting Thursday, February 8 and running through Sunday, February 11.