Emory Softball Adds Four More Commitments for 2010-11

Emory head softball coach Penny Siqueiros has announced that the following student-athletes will be enrolling at Emory in the fall of 2010 and be competing for the 2011 Eagles' softball program.

Ally Kersthold (San Luis Obispo, CA/Mission College Prep) – A four-year letterwinner at Mission College Prep under the tutelage of head coach Marshall Ochylski, she has been chosen as a first team all-county selection on two occasions.  Kersthold, a third baseman, has served as the team’s captain and has performed well in the classroom, earning academic honors since her freshman year.  

A fine all-around athlete, she is just the second female in Mission Prep history to earn 12 varsity letters with four letters in softball, tennis and basketball to her credit. 

She plays travel ball for the Salinas Wildcats 18U for coach Geno Sigala.

“Ally is an amazing person and athlete,” Siqueiros said. “We expect major contributions from her during her four year career.”

Maija-Liisa Ehlinger (Thousand Oaks, CA/La Reina High School) – A four-year softball veteran at La Reina High School who has played under Bob Creamer and Michelle Smith.  She was named her team’s MVP in 2008 and has garnered all-league recognition during her sophomore and junior campaigns.  An outstanding student, Ehlinger has captured conference all-academic honors since her freshman season.  

She is playing travel ball for the Pacific Coast Predators 18U for coach Frank Blauvelt, and was named to the All-American team at the Sparkler's Tournament in Denver, Colorado.

In addition, Ehlinger earned four letters as a member of her high school’s cross country team and helped her squad to a third-place performance at the California Division IV State Championships her senior year.

“Maija-Liisa is a talented young lady who brings a wealth of playing experience to our program,”  Siqueiros said.  “Additionally, being a left-handed batter will add versatility to our team as well.  We're beyond excited with her decision to attend Emory.”

Catherine Norman (Houston, TX/M.B. Lamar High School) --  A versatile player who has seen action on the mound, at first base and behind the plate for her M.B. Lamar High School team where she plays for head coach Melvin Jenkins. 

Norman has enjoyed a productive career in travel ball and was a key component on her 14U team that placed second at the 2007 USSSA National Tournament.  She is currently a member of the Texas Shockwave Gold Team that is coached by Henry Ondrey and Scott Devore.  That team placed ninth at the 2009 Colorado Fireworks. A southpaw, she fashioned an ERA of 2.10 while batting .440 in exposure tournaments in the fall.

In addition to softball, Norman has lettered in swimming and water polo for 4 years, and was on the water polo all-region and all-state teams on two occasions.

“Catherine is a tough-nosed player who looks for opportunities to win ball games,” Siqueiros said.  “We are extremely pleased that she will be in an Eagles’ uniform during her collegiate career.”

Kaytrina Johnson (Lake Worth, FL/ American Heritage School) -- Johnson played for American Heritage where she garnered MVP honors during the 2006-07 and 2007-2008 seasons. Serving as captain for four years, Johnson was also awarded the Most Valuable Offensive Player for the 2008-2009 season. As a freshman and junior Johnson garnered both Palm Beach Post and Sun-Sentinel first-team all-area honors as well as county and state recognition.  This past season, Johnson batted .463 with an on-base percentage of .569 to help American Heritage to a district title and a berth in the regional finals.

She is playing summer ball for the West Pines Diamond Dusters summer team under the direction of Phil Schmalz.

Johnson earned four letters in basketball and volleyball and was named the volleyball team’s MVP.

"Kaytrina is a gifted young lady on several different levels,” Siqueiros said.  “She worked very hard and was extremely patient in garnering acceptance into Emory.  In my opinion, this is a recipe for appreciating her experience here at Emory even more.  We can't wait to see what she can do for the university, herself, and our team.”