LORETTO, Pa. (Nov. 22, 2011) – Head softball coach Jennifer Patrick-Swift has announced the addition of three versatile position players that will join the softball program in 2012-13.
 
“Coach Kelly Miller and I are extremely excited about our first class of recruits,” Patrick-Swift said. “All three of our signees possess the qualities of the words student-athlete. Specifically to softball, these three girls will make an immediate impact on the field in their physical abilities, mental toughness and desire to be the best day in and day out. These three girls embody the fundamental building basis of our program, which is, 'team first, self second.'”
 
Casey Baird (Hesston, Pa./Huntingdon Area)
 
Baird will join the Red Flash as a first baseman after receiving multiple honors for her time at Huntingdon Area. During her stay with the Bearcats thus far, Baird received three selections to the All-Star Mountain League first team, as well as being named to the Altoona Mirror All-star team three-years running.
 
“Casey has a great eye at the plate and she is aggressive to all pitches in the zone due to the confidence in her ability to see and utilize the whole field,” Patrick-Swift said. “She is a power-hitting lefty who will add depth to the middle of the line up.”
 
As a sophomore she hit an impressive .528, only to increase that to a .556 average her junior season. Heading into her senior year, Baird sits just eight hits away from obtaining the Huntingdon Area school record.
 
Coming in as an undecided major, she is the daughter of John Taylor and Jennifer Sheffield.
 
Hannah Cole (Muncy, Pa./Muncy)
 
An all-around utility player, Cole has seen time at Muncy in the outfield, behind the plate and at the hot corner. She earned second team all-state honors her freshman year and followed that up with two first team all-state selections her sophomore and junior seasons. For all three of her high school years to this point, Cole also received first team all-conference honors, ESPN Sports Awards and was named the Williamsport Sun Gazette Player of the Year a season ago.
 
“Hannah is an extremely dedicated, all-around hard working player,” Patrick-Swift said. “She knows what it takes to be the best in the field and has the attitude that she won't settle for anything less. She can drive the gaps and makes hitting the long ball look effortless. Hannah can play anywhere but her strengths lie in centerfield and shortstop.”
 
For her high school career as it stands, Cole has compiled 56 runs batted in, 70 runs scored, 87 hits and 45 stolen bases. She set school records last season for batting average, by hitting at a .587 clip for the year, and sent seven long balls out of the park for a new single season home run record. Her 15 career home runs also rank at the top of the Muncy record books.
 
A future Criminal Justice major, she is a member of National Honor Society, the Army National Guard and is the daughter of Tracy and Teresa Cole.
 
Samantha Thomas (Sterling, Va./Park View)
 
Another well-rounded player, Thomas has seen action in the outfield and at both middle infield positions during her tenure with the Patriots, receiving a vast amount of recognition. In 2010 and 2011, Thomas was named first team all-district, second team all-region, earned all-county honors and was a Washington Post All-Met honorable mention.
 
“Samantha is an extremely versatile player,” Patrick-Swift said. “As a converted lefty, she can bunt, slap and hit for power which makes her a triple threat at the plate. Her speed alone is one of her most valuable assets. Sam will most likely compete for a spot in the middle infield.”
 
She is the daughter of Kenneth Thomas and Lynn Stakem.
 
Saint Francis softball opens its 2012 season when it travels to Clearwater, Fla. for five games at the USF Under Armor Invitational March 2-4.