PROVO -- Fresh off its best season in program history, BYU softball carried its success into the off-season, announcing today the signing of three highly-touted players to national letters of intent for the 2007 season.
Christie Zinanti from Pueblo, Colo., Shaylyn Jenkins from Ogden, Utah and Angeline Quiocho from Southern California all signed with the Cougars. BYU head coach Gordon Eakin said the future is bright for Cougar softball.
"All three of these girls are outstanding athletes and prove that this program is continually progressing," Eakin said.
Zinanti, a highly recruited pitcher from Pueblo West High School, led her team to back-to-back state 4A championships. Zinanti led her team with a 17-2 record, 0.76 ERA and an amazing 201 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched. Zinanti was recruited by several schools including UNLV and Texas Tech. When she wasn't pitching Zinanti was playing first base.
"She will be a great addition to our pitching staff," Eakin said. "Zinanti is going to keep us strong and competitive from the mound."
Jenkins plays catcher for the 2004 4A State Champion Bonneville High School, where she was known as a slugger and an excellent reciever behind the plate. She was a first team All-State performer in both 2004 and 2005. Jenkins currently plays for the Southern California Diamonds Gold Softball team. Eakin said he anticipates big things from Jenkins.
"Shaylyn is strong and athletic behind the plate," he said. "She has a great throwing arm and excellent power with the bat."
Eakin also expects Quiocho to come in and make an instant impact for the Cougars at third base with four-year starter Ashlyn Russell playing in her senior season. Quiocho is an excellent athlete that had offers to play both Division I softball and volleyball. She was an all-league performer in the 2005 San Antonio (Calif.) League in both softball and volleyball. The San Gabriel Tribune named her to its All-Area team in 2005 and was recognized by the L.A. Times as a member of the All-San Gabriel Valley team.
"Angie covers the bunt at third base as well as any prospect I've seen," Eakin said. "Offensively, she possesses the rare combination of speed and power."
The Cougars open their 2006 season against Southern Mississippi on February 9 in Hawaii.