SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word softball team has landed seven recruits for the upcoming season, head coach
Joe DiPietro announced. This is DiPietro's second recruiting class since he's been the Cardinal's head man.
The seven recruits that are incoming for the 2020 season are: Maddy Blake, Hannah Chapa, Maddi Guillen, Leah Hayes, Avalon Sanchez, Devyn Sanchez and Jazmine Torres.
"We're extremely excited about the class we have coming in. There is a lot of talent that will be added to our roster and we're looking forward to them making an impact," DiPietro said.
Maddy Blake | P | 5'3"
Why Blake chose UIW: "I chose UIW because it felt like home. I love how close everything is on campus and the environment of the university. I also feel very comfortable around the coaches, staff and team. It's like one big family and they made me feel welcomed and wanted. UIW is also close to home which was important for me because it allows my family to come watch my games and visit."
DiPietro on Blake: "Maddy is a left-handed pitcher that relies on her spin to be successful. She has the ability to keep the opposing batters off balance and that's what makes her useful. Maddy will add to our lineup of pitchers in a positive way."
Hannah Chapa | DH | 5' 4"
DiPietro on Chapa: "Hannah is a power hitter that can also pitch. She can hit for average as well as put up power numbers. We're looking for Hannah to have an impact for us immediately."
Maddi Guillen | 2B/SS | 5'3"
Why Guillen chose UIW: "From the first day that I visited campus, I fell in love with the school, softball program and everything it has to offer its students; including an A+ education. I feel extremely blessed for this opportunity to play softball at the Division I level for UIW!"
DiPietro on Guillen: "Maddi is a second basemen that is a well-rounded player. She is a very good defender that hits for average. She handles the bat very well and has very good range at second. She will provide us with a very solid middle infield group."
Leah Hayes | UTIL | 5'6"
Why Hayes UIW: "I chose UIW because I love the environment and the coaching staff. It's a school where I can see myself doing really well on the field and in the classroom."
DiPietro on Hayes: "Leah is a very solid player that can play short, second or third and play them all well. She handles the bat extremely well and has some pop. Leah is a student of the game that works very hard at her craft. I'm very excited to add her to our lineup."
Avalon Sanchez | C | 5'5"
Why A. Sanchez chose UIW: "I chose UIW because of the family atmosphere and how it felt like home away from home when I visited campus. That coaching staff also played a big part in my decision."
DiPietro on A. Sanchez: "Avalon is a catcher that has a very good arm and handles her pitchers very well. She also swings a big bat and has power that will definitely help us."
Devyn Sanchez | 2B/SS | 5'5"
Why D. Sanchez chose UIW: "I chose UIW because of the small class size which is perfect for me. I also really love the campus and how the coaching staff runs the softball program."
DiPietro on D. Sanchez: "Dev is a very well-rounded player that works extremely hard. She can play either middle infield position and possesses a very strong arm as well as good range. Dev will provide us with much needed depth up the middle."
Jazmine Torres | 1B | 5'8"
Why Torres chose UIW: "I knew UIW was the right fit for me because the atmosphere here was unlike no other, on and off the field. I fell in love with the campus, the education and the program that I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of. I also really loved the coaching staff and what they can do to make me a better player."
DiPietro on Torres: "Jaz is a natural left-handed first baseman that also hits from the left side. She is a very good defender as well as a gap-to-gap hitter. Jaz will also provide some power to our lineup as she has the ability to drive the ball. She will be joining us in January after graduating high school in December. I'm really excited to see her work with our players and coaches."
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You can also follow the softball team on Twitter @UIWSoftball and Instagram @UIWSoftball.
