SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara softball head coach Lisa Mize officially announced six players signing National Letters of Intent to come become Broncos for the 2015 season. All six players come from the state of California.
"Our coaching staff is very excited about the potential of this group and the athleticism they will bring to Santa Clara," said Bronco head coach Lisa Mize. "Each player brings a different element of play to our program and all of them will play a large part in contributing to our success on the field. We are looking forward to them being a part of our Bronco family."
The incoming class
Ellie Fisher – OF, 5-3 (Tracy, Calif. / Tracy HS)
McCall James – RHP, 5-6 (El Segundo, Calif. / El Segundo HS)
Kelli Tatum - INF, 5-8 (Fountain Valley, Calif. / Fountain Valley HS)
Micaela Vierra - RHP, 5-10 (Huntington Beach, Calif. / Huntington Beach HS)
Justine Garner - C/UT, 5-4 (Roseville, Calif. / Roseville HS)
Elizabeth Ray - RHP, 5-7 (Salinas, Calif. / Norte Dame Salinas HS)
Click here to see an action picture of the players
Fisher batted .559 as a junior and .558 as a sophomore. She was named offensive MVP freshman, sophomore and junior years while also being named First Team All-League. As a junior, Fisher was named League MVP and made First Team All-Area as a sophomore and a junior. Fisher helped lead her team to the varsity softball sections as a freshman, sophomore and senior.
"Ellie was heavily recruited by several top Division I programs and we are thrilled to have a player of her caliber come to Santa Clara," said Mize. "Ellie is extremely fast, fun to watch and will make an immediate impact in our lineup."
James, a four-year varsity starting pitcher, helped El Segundo HS advance to three straight CIF playoffs and tied for second in the Pioneer League as a sophomore and a junior. James was named First Team All-League as a sophomore and a junior as well as being named All-Area as a sophomore and Most Improved as a freshman. She was a two-year captain and won the Coaches' Golden Eagle Award her sophomore and junior years. As a junior, James hit .370 with a .633 on-base percentage and had a 0.76 ERA. As a sophomore she hit .360 with a .545 OBP and had a 0.81 ERA.
"McCall has the ability to be dominate in the circle and has good speed and movement on her ball," said Mize.
Tatum hit .425 as a junior with six doubles and 11 RBI. She was named All-Sunset League that year as well. As a sophomore she hit .382.
"Kelli brings lots of versatility in her infield play and will be an offensive threat at the plate as she has ability to hit for contact and power," said Mize.
Vierra was named league MVP in 2013 and helped lead her team to the CIF playoffs. She was also First Team All-Sunset League that season. In 2011 and 2012 Vierra was Second Team All-Sunset League and was named Best Defensive Player in 2011.
"Micaela is a power pitcher and is a lot of fun to watch," said Mize. "She has a genuine presence on the mound and swings a big bat as well."
Garner is a three-year varsity starter. As a junior she hit. .379 with a .489 OBP and a .682 slugging percentage while helping lead her team to an 11-4 record and the playoffs. Garner was named to the 2012 CVC All-League Academic Team.
"I can't wait for Justine to put on a Bronco uniform as she is awesome at taking charge while out on the field and is a hard out at the plate," said Mize. "Justine has a keen eye at the plate and has the ability to be a great hitter."
Ray won the CCS Division 3 championship in 2013 and was MBL Second Team All-League. In 2012 her team made it to the CCS Division 3 semi finals and was named TCAL First Team All-League and Impact Player of the Year. Ray was named TCAL Second Team All-League in 2011 and named it to the CCS Division 3 semi finals while also being named to the CCS Scholastic Team.
"Elizabeth spins her ball very well and does a great job of keeping the batters off balance," said Mize.