Softball Inks Four To National Letters Of Intent
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 24, 2008) – C.W. Post head softball coach Jamie Apicella announced recently that four student-athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Pioneers in the 2009-10 academic year: Rogin Hardy (Kirkland, Wash.), Linda Amarante (Cheshire, Conn.), Kaci Hopkins (New Egypt, N.J.) and Nicole Capella (Shirley, N.Y.).
“This class is arguably the strongest recruiting class in my tenure here at C.W. Post,” remarks Apicella. “We are excited for their arrivals next fall and are eager to watch them grow as student-athletes here at C.W. Post.”
Hardy is a right-handed infielder that hits from the left side. She batted .567 and was third in the 4A King County League in batting while playing for Lake Washington High in 2008. She was named King County First Team as a shortstop as well as Lake Washington MVP. Hardy plays summer ball for the Washington Lady Hawks.
“Rogin is going to bring great speed and power to our lineup as an offensive player,” says Apicella. “She has a tremendous eye and knows how to get on base. She is a multidimensional offensive player. On the defensive side she is equally impressive and can play any position in the infield.”
Amarante is a left-handed first baseman and pitcher who can hit for power at the plate, as demonstrated by her .340 career batting average at Cheshire High School. Apicella describes her as a “prototypical left-handed first baseman that has great range and athleticism for a corner position.” In 2008, she batted .380 with a .540 slugging percentage. In the pitcher's circle, she posted a 0.31 ERA with an 11-4 record. She was cited as one of the “Top 25 Players to Watch in Connecticut” by the New Haven Register as well as one of the “Top 7 Players to Watch” in the 2008 playoffs by the Waterbury Republican-American. She plays summer ball for the Connecticut Charmers.
Hopkins is a right-handed infielder and outfielder at New Egypt High, whom Apicella describes as a “highly motivated individual who has great energy and presence on the field and has the potential to bat in the middle of the lineup that can supply power and run production.” In three years at New Egypt High, she has batted .330 and helped the Warriors capture the state championship in 2008. In addition, she was named BCSL First Team All-Conference in 2007 and 2008. Hopkins plays summer ball for the Pennsbury Gems.
Capella is a right-handed infielder and catcher at William Floyd High that also plays summer ball for the Long Island Chargers. A three-sport athlete, Capella also plays volleyball and basketball and is described by Apicella as an “all around athlete”. She was named Rookie of the Year in 2005 and has received all-county and all-division accolades during her career. In the summer, Capella plays for the Long Island Chargers. “Nicole has tremendous natural abilities with great range and arm strength,” says Apicella. “She is equally impressive behind the plate, which has given her a great foundation for her leadership skills and thorough knowledge of the game. On the offensive side she is strong and has great ability in driving the ball to all fields. She is a complete hitter with great mechanics coming into the college game.”