East Carolina Softball Signs Trio
December 09, 2004 | Softball
"Overall I feel this is an exceptional class," said Kee. "They have established themselves both on the field and in the classroom. They are highly motivated and fierce competitors, and have the ability to make immediate impacts in our lineup. Their commitment to education, sport and community will enhance ECU for years to come."
Barella-Gonzalez is a utility player from Sachem High School in Lake Ronkonkoma, N.Y. She is a three-year letterwinner on the varsity team, and earned all-county and all-region honors as a junior. "Angel's ability to play multiple positions and swing a left-handed stick is something that we are looking forward to adding to our lineup," Coach Kee said. "She is a disciplined hitter who has the ability to work a pitcher deep in the count and still deliver."
"My decision to choose East Carolina University was not based on one factor," she said. "After talking to the coaches for quite some time and meeting the girls on the team, I knew that I wanted to spend the next four years at East Carolina."
Moreno is a catcher and three-year letterwinner from San Clemente High School in San Clemente, Calif. As a junior last season, she earned South Coast League Most Valuable Player honors as well as the team MVP award. "Vanessa is an intense student-athlete with a strong passion for the game," stated Kee. "Her athleticism, arm strength, and ability to drive the ball should compliment our program very well."
"The coaches and team players were the main reasons for me in choosing ECU," said Moreno. "I loved the campus, the state was so beautiful, and once I met the girls, I knew there was a connection. East Carolina just felt like home to me."
Swann is a pitcher from Northumberland High School in Heathsville, Va. She is a three-time all-district and all-region performer in both softball and volleyball, and a two-time all-state softball player. As a junior, she earned district and region pitcher of the year honors and was decorated with the same honors in volleyball in 2004. "Brooke is a strong, powerful athlete who can adjust immediately to the college game," explained Kee. "She is a hard thrower with quality movement on her pitches, who will only continue to develop as she matures in our program."
"The reason I chose East Carolina University was because many former students from my high school went to ECU and talked about what a great school it was," Swann stated. "After visiting the campus and learning that it offered the field of study I was interested in, I just fell in love with it. I knew ECU was a place that would make me happy."
"We are so excited to be adding all three of these families to our 'Pirate' Family," said Coach Kee. "We look forward to playing an integral part in their development both as athletes and students."
