SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara University's softball head coach Lisa Mize has received National Letters of Intent from two highly accomplished student-athletes who will attend the University next fall and play for the Broncos in the spring of 2013.
The signing class includes infielder Casandra Padilla (San Gabriel Valley, Calif./Bishop Amat High School) and outfielder Chiara Biagini (Santa Clara, Calif./Archbishop Mitty High School).
"I am thrilled to add two stellar student-athletes to the Bronco program for the 2012-13 season," said Mize. "Both bring a wealth of winning experience to Santa Clara, which will help lead the charge as we strive towards excellence."
Padilla is a talented middle-infielder that has proven power as a right-handed hitter. Last season as a junior at Bishop Amat she received a laundry list of awards that included being named the Del Rey League MVP, First Team All-Del Ray and a San Gabriel First Team All-Valley player. Additionally, Padilla is an outstanding student and has been a member of the National Honor Society for two straight years.
"Cassie has great pop in her swing and I expect her to be a major threat at the plate," said Mize. "Defensively, she's a gamer. Cassie has terrific range in the infield and plays with a ton of energy. She is a utility infielder that can play the entire field and will most likely see time at shortstop. We are elated to have Cassie be a part of our Bronco family!"
Biagini is a local talent who also has a long list of softball accolades to complement her academic success. Biagini has been a four-year varsity letter winner at nearby Archbishop Mitty. During her time there she has received All-Western Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) honors twice (2010 and 2011), been a part of three WCAL Championship teams and two Central Coast Section (CCS) Championships. She helped Mitty to a No. 1 national ranking in 2009 and a No. 13 ranking in 2011.
"Chiara is an intelligent and vocal talent behind the plate and possesses great skill in the outfield as well," said Mize. "Offensively, she has a good bat and is a gap-to-gap type hitter. Chiara has won championships in high school at local powerhouse Archbishop Mitty and will be a tremendous contributor for us as she moves up to the NCAA Division I level."
For the very latest on Santa Clara softball, follow the team's official Twitter page (@SCUSoftball) and the Bronco softball Facebook page for updates and information throughout the year. To view the Broncos upcoming 2012 game schedule CLICK HERE.
- Nick Johnson (SCU Media Relations)
