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Baylor softball inks eight for 2019

Posted at 5:39 PM, Nov 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-08 18:39:18-05

The Baylor softball squad signed eight student-athletes to national letters of intent for the 2019 class, announced by 18th-year head coach Glenn Moore on Wednesday.

 

The Lady Bears brought in a large, diverse class that will be on campus in the fall of 2018 and hit the field in spring of 2019.

 

“This is a very diverse class and certainly one of the largest we’ve ever signed,” Moore said. “With a transfer and possibly a redshirt we will still have at least six incoming freshmen. We have every area covered with left- and right-handed pitching, catching, infield and outfield.  This is a tremendous group of students, first, and great athletes. I’m very appreciative of the tremendous work my staff invested in this class of student-athletes that will make Baylor fans proud.”

 

Casey Shell

C/UTIL, Olathe, Kan., Olathe South High School, DeMarini Aces (Kansas City)

 

Casey Shell joins the Lady Bears out of Olathe, Kan., and Olathe South High School, playing club ball along with future BU teammate, Lou Gilbert, for the DeMarini Aces out of KC.

 

Shell is a two-time state champion and is an all-star in the classroom, as well, maintaining a top eight percent spot in her class.

 

Moore on Shell…

"Casey is a solid catcher with the versatility to play third.  She handles pitchers well and gets in the dirt, which takes pitchers to another level knowing they can trust her.  She has played at a very high level for many years with the California Explosion and the DeMarini Aces.”

 

Maddie Lindsey

LHP, Kingwood, Texas, Kingwood High School, Texas Bombers (Houston)

 

Maddie Lindsey is another strong recruit from the talent-packed Houston area, signing out of Kingwood, Texas, and Kingwood High School, playing club ball with the Texas Bombers organization in Houston.

 

Lindsey was a national champion with her 16u ASA squad, going on to be named a FloSoftball All-American, Pitcher of the Year, first team All-State, and named to FloSoftball’s Hot 100 recruiting list.

 

Moore on Lindsey…

"She lives to play this sport and will give us a much-needed southpaw in our bullpen. She has already developed a great Rise and off speed and is not afraid to challenge hitters on the hands.”

 

Tyler Trott

C/UTIL, Norman, Okla., Little Axe High School, Gametime Stars (Oklahoma City)

 

Tyler Trott signs with the Lady Bears out of Little Axe High School in Norman, Okla., playing her club ball with the Gametime Stars organization in Oklahoma City.

 

Trott is a unique talent, playing both baseball and softball for Little Axe, starting at catcher in baseball and shortstop for softball.

 

Moore on Trott…

“Tyler will arrive with one of the strongest arms on the team. She played baseball for the high school baseball team because of her arm strength. She’s got a high ceiling and a great work ethic, so I expect her to develop fast.”

 

Lou Gilbert

OF, Kansas City, Mo., Staley High School, DeMarini Aces (Kansas City)

 

Lou Gilbert joins the Lady Bears out of Kansas City, Mo., and Staley High School, playing club ball along with Shell for the DeMarini Aces out of KC.

 

Gilbert is a two-time all-state selection and will graduate with the all-time career and single-season records for batting average and stolen bases at Staley. She was ranked No. 41 on FloSoftball’s Hot 100 recruiting list for 2018 and broke the state record for consecutive at-bats with a hit (32).

 

She has been equally as successful in the classroom, maintaining a 4.313 GPA, taking over 20 Honors and AP courses, and performing in the choir.

 

Moore on Gilbert…

Another addition to our nationally recognized outfield that will fit the mold both offensively and defensively. Lou plays centerfield for the DeMarini Aces out of KC, along with Casey Shell, a club that places most of their athletes in Power 5 schools. She is their leadoff hitter and runs extremely well.”

 

Kendall Cross

1B, Friendswood, Texas, Friendswood High School, TX Storm 18U Gold (Wymer/Hockley)

 

Kendall Cross is another top-tier recruit from the Houston area, signing with BU from Friendswood, Texas, and Friendswood High School, playing club ball with the TX Storm 18U Gold organization out of Wymer and Hockley, Texas.

 

Cross was named All-District, All-County, and the Offensive Player of the Year, continuing a solid career as a four-year varsity starter and a three-year captain. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has volunteered her time to cleaning up her community after Hurricane Harvey.

 

Moore on Cross…

Kendall played for Olympian Christa Williams at Friendswood High School. She is a true lefty with good power. She is a solid hitter with good defensive skills at first base. She plays travel ball with the Texas Storm.”

 

Josie Bower

OF, Spring, Texas, Northland Christian School, Impact Gold (Houston)

 

Josie Bower signed with the Lady Bears out of Spring, Texas, and Northland Christian High School. She is a power-hitting outfielder, playing her club ball with the Impact Gold organization out of Houston.

 

Bower was selected as All-District for her junior season at pitcher, shortstop, and catcher, hitting .718 with a 1.154 slugging mark. She is already the all-time home run leader for high school and was also Academic All-State for her success in the classroom.

 

Moore on Bower…

A diamond in the rough. We believe Josie can be another very good athlete for us. She also has played at a high level, hitting in the three-hole for one of the top travel ball programs in Texas, the Impact Gold.

 

Ana Watson

OF, Hewitt, Texas, Reicher Catholic High School, Buzz Fastpitch (Waco)

 

Ana Watson continues a long line of Central Texas talent staying in McLennan County, signing with BU out of Reicher Catholic High School in Waco, Texas, having played club ball with the Buzz Fastpitch organization.

 

Watson is a three-sport athlete in volleyball, track, and softball, having earned a multitude of accolades for success on the softball diamond. She is a two-time first team all-state selection, and was named a top recruit by Flo Softball for the Junior Olympic Cup.

 

Moore on Watson…

Ana is an outfielder who will provide depth early and be an asset on the bases, which is a valuable part of our offensive scheme. She currently attends Reicher High School and plays for the Cen Tex Buzz softball organization.

 

Sidney Holman

RHP, Belton, Texas, Belton High School, Temple College

 

Sidney Holman signed with the Lady Bears with the intent to transfer in from Temple College after spending her freshman season at Abilene Christian.

 

Holman was the ace for the ACU squad, going 21-7 with a 1.85 ERA and 165 strikeouts. The freshman earned All-Southland Conference first team honors and was named the league’s Freshman of the Year.

 

Moore on Holman…

Sidney is considered by many as the top JUCO pitching prospect in the country. She is a product of Belton High School and will come to us from Temple College. Her velocity is her strength, with speeds topping out at 71 mph. She has just scratched the surface of her potential.

 

Last offseason, the Lady Bears added four players on signing day. Those four, along with a trio of transfers and a walk-on, are set to make their debuts this spring with the Baylor squad. BU is coming off the program’s fourth trip to the Women’s College World Series, finishing the 2017 season with a 48-15 record.