Softball Signs Four
December 01, 2004 | Softball
University of Wisconsin softball coach Karen Gallagher has announced the signing four individuals to National Letters of Intent to join the Badgers for the 2006 season.
'The thing I like about this particular group is they are very athletic, they're very versatile and I think they'll bring a lot more depth to our program,' Gallagher said. 'They are all great students and that points to the type of well-rounded athletes that we like bringing into the University of Wisconsin. We're looking forward to having them on campus next fall.
'It's also nice to have some more Midwestern recruits coming into the program. With the parity that's beginning to develop across the country, there's more and more great athletes starting to come out of the Midwest.'
Leah Vanevenhoven (Kaukauna, Wis.), a left-handed pitcher, has earned first-team all-state honors from the Wisconsin Fastpitch Coaches Association as both a sophomore and a junior. She has also earned conference and Appleton Post-Crescent player-of-the-year honors each of the past two years. As a junior, Vanevenhoven struck out 238 and allowed just 38 hits while posting a 0.28 ERA in 124 innings pitched.
'Leah will bring a different dimension to our pitching staff as a left-hander,' Gallagher said. 'I think that she has a lot of raw talent and will continue to develop over time. She's going to get better and better as time goes on.'
Valyncia Raphael (La Habra, Calif.), a shortstop, has been a scholar-athlete at Mater Dei High School each of her first three seasons and has also played a key role on her So Cal Vipers travel team.
'Valyncia is an incredibly gifted athlete who will bring a lot of versatility to the shortstop position,' said Gallagher. 'She has great speed and a lot of athletic ability and can make the play in the hole.'
Stephanie Doyle (Hinsdale, Ill.), an infielder who has also had a great deal of success as a pitcher, has been an all-conference selection each of her first three seasons. As a junior she was named to the Chicago Tribune all-state team and was also one of 12 selections to the Chicago Sun-Times' all-area team after leading Glenbard West High to a regional championship. Doyle has also showcased her talents during the summer, helping lead the Stone City Marlins to a 16U AFA national championship and the Stone City Sharks to a fifth-place finish a year ago.
'Stephanie is a great power hitter,' Gallagher said. 'She'll bring a lot of power to our lineup, but also could play a corner position and could pitch. She comes from a very reputable program and will really help our depth with the class that we'll be losing.'
Theresa Boruta (Chicago, Ill.), a pitcher and utility player, is a two-time all-area and all-conference performer. Boruta helped Queen of Peace High to league titles each of the past two seasons and was named the league's MVP following her junior year. She tossed eight shutouts, posted a 0.29 ERA and hit .483 as a junior and set an IHSA record for consecutive shutouts by a sophomore in 2003 with 12. She has also been a part of a Beverly Bandits travel team that won a 16U AFA national championship in 2002 and placed third in 2003.
'Theresa is a true competitor and a team leader,' said Gallagher. 'She is very athletic and can do a lot of things. She'll definitely see some time in the pitcher's circle for us but also could play left field and second base, plus she swings a good stick.'
