PROVO -- The BYU women’s softball team looks forward to the addition of two recruits who have signed letters of intent to join the Cougars. Pitcher Hannah Howell will provide depth in the circle and middle infielder JC Clayton will bring the team speed.
With only two players in the recruiting class, BYU head coach Gordon Eakin is pleased with the highly-recruited players and their decisions to come to the BYU softball team.
“Hannah is a true pitcher, she has great control and ball movement,” Eakin said. “She is a real competitor and is in full control on the mound. She is coachable, teachable and driven to excellence.”
Howell (Calvin, La., Calvin High School) joins the Cougars after leading her high school team to four state titles. In 2008 she complied a 19-2 record boasting a 0.06 ERA with 246 strikeouts spanning 108 innings. She has been named the State MVP three times, and named First-Team LSCA All-State, All-Central Louisiana Composite Team, All-Northwest Louisiana Team and NFCA/Louisville Slugger All-Region Team.
Clayton (Hollister, Calif., San Benito High School) is a left-handed speed player. She comes to BYU after leading her team to three-straight Central Coast Section Championships. In 2007 she batted .610 with 28 stolen bases and in 2008 she batted .550 with 18 stolen bases.
“JC is a fiery player and a fierce competitor,” Eakin said. “She has game changing speed and exceptional bat control. Defensively she is a coach on the field with excellent skill.”
With only two seniors on the 2009 roster, both recruits will add to a seasoned BYU team.
“I expect bother players to make an immediate impact,” Eakin said.
Player Position Ht. Cl. Hometown
Hannah Howell Pitcher Fr. Calvin, La., Calvin HS
JC Clayton Middle Inf. Fr. Hollister, Calif., San Benito HS