Asst. SID
ARCATA – With a 2009 starting lineup dominated by seniors, the Humboldt State softball program signed three players to its 2010 recruiting class that they feel confident will fill the gap, head coach Frank Cheek announced Tuesday.
Courtney Hiatt, a 5-8 three-year varsity catcher/outfielder, attends Santa Margarita High School and was named the 2007 Player to Watch by the Orange County Register. She earned all-league honors her junior year, named Co-Defensive Player of the Year her sophomore year and was awarded with the E.A.G.L.E award (MVP) during her freshman year. Hiatt also played volleyball for Santa Margarita High, and plays ASA ball for the American Athletics Gold, coached by Dale Durham.
“Courtney has tremendous athleticism,” said Humboldt State assistant softball coach Shelli Maher-Sarchett. “She’s a big power-hitting player. She is really versatile, a really good athlete. I can’t wait to have her as a part of our program. She is going to provide the necessary leadership behind the plate with her catching skills and will bring a big bat to the lineup.”
Ashley Madison, a 5-8 native from Salinas, is a four-year varsity first/third baseman. During her junior season at Notre Dame High School, she helped her team to a 30-win season to claim the CCS Division Title, while being named to the First Team Tri-County Athletic League and All-Valley teams. Madison plays ASA ball for the San Jose Lady Sharks, coached by Tom Barrera, and also plays field hockey for her high school.
“Madison is an outstanding infield prospect,” said Maher-Sarchett. “She has the potential to start for us at the corner positions. She is just a tremendous athlete who can provide a lot of depth to this team.”
Chrissy Stalf is a 6-foot two-year varsity first baseman, from the NCS Champions and two-time BVAL League Champions, Freedom High School. She was named one of her team’s co-captain in her junior and senior seasons. She earned a spot on the All-BVAL team last season. Stalf was a four-year varsity volleyball player who earned First-Team All-League and team MVP honors her senior year. She plays ASA ball for the Nor Cal Shockers, coached by Paul Buccellato.
“Chrissy comes to us from a strong program,” said Maher-Sarchett. “She should offer us immediate help at first base with the loss of Natalie Galletly. Her size and agility is a great asset.”
The 2008 National Softball Champions HSU softball team begins its 2009 season with a trip to Turlock to participate in the Best of the West Classic hosted by Cal State Stanislaus, Feb. 6-8.