Softball Inks Two For 2009-10
November 21, 2008 | Softball
Nov. 21, 2008
GREENVILLE, N.C. – East Carolina Head Softball Coach Tracey Kee announced that catcher Kaiulani Clark of Kapolei, Hawai’i, and utility player Cicely Lopez of Anaheim, Calif., have signed national letters-of-intent to attend ECU and play softball with the Pirates beginning in the fall of 2009.
“Coach Koz (Associate Head Coach Natalie Kozlowski) and I are so excited to be adding these two student-athletes to our 2009-2010 squad,” Kee said. “Their athleticism and competitiveness will continue to allow our program to move forward. Their commitment to academics will also blend nicely with our current student-athletes, continuing our strong focus on recruiting the student as well as the athlete.”
Clark was named to the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) first-team as a third baseman after her junior season. As a sophomore, she was a second-team all-state member and first-team All-OIA selection, again as a third baseman. As a catcher during her first year of high school, Clark earned honorable mention all-state accolades as well as second-team All-OIA. Off the field, Clark has been a three-year honor roll member and volunteers at the Honolulu Keiki Zoo.
“I chose ECU for two reasons,” Clark said. “One, they stress academics first, then athletics. And two, they made me feel welcomed and wanted.”
“I believe Kai is one of the strongest catchers I’ve watched over the past two summers,” Kee explained. “Her athleticism, arm strength and leadership abilities will impact our program immediately. She’s a dedicated athlete who isn’t afraid of hard work. I believe her abilities will flourish in our program.”
Lopez was a First-Team All-Empire League selection as a junior and was voted by her teammates as the program’s Saxon Pride Award winner for being the hardest worker. Prior to receiving the Coaches Award as a sophomore, she was named Second-Team All-Empire League, Rookie-of-the-Year and won the Saxon Pride Award as a freshman. She has also been an All-Academic Team and Scholar-Athlete Award selection every year of her career. Additionally, Lopez plays volleyball and has twice been an all-league selection. Within the community, she is a member of Best Buddies, a group which works with mentally disabled individuals, and the St. Columban Community Church.
“Cicely is a very quick and athletic utility player who is just as comfortable in the outfield as she is on the infield,” Kee noted. “Her ability to play multiple positions equally well was what attracted us to her. Her skill set will allow us to use her in many facets of our game.”
"My official visit to East Carolina made me fall in love with everything about it – the campus, the friendly yet competitive coaches and the welcoming girls already on the team,” Lopez said. "My dream has always been to play competitive college softball at a Division I level and ECU seems like the perfect fit for me."
“Coach Koz and I are so happy to be adding Kai and Cicely, as well as their families, to our Pirate program,” Kee said. “I have no doubt they will represent our squad and University with pride. We both look forward to seeing them in a Pirate uniform for years to come and I know our fans will enjoy it too.”
The Pirates will kick off their 2009 season Feb. 7 with the ECU Invitational and games against Virginia and Middle Tennessee State.
