BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2014) - LIU Post Head Softball Coach Jamie Apicella (Holbrook, N.Y.) has recently announced this year's signing class of five future Pioneers to National Letters of Intent. Joining the team for the 2016 season are Alexandra Hutchins (Wading River, N.Y.), Leah Mele (Coram, N.Y.), Ashley Melendez (Levittown, N.Y.), Hannah Olshevski (Robbinsville, N.J.) and Julia Seader (Piscataway, N.J.).
Hutchins, an infielder from Wading River, N.Y. has been a varsity competitor for Shoreham-Wading River since the eighth grade. She started her playing career off on the right foot, earning Rookie of the Year recognition. Hutchins followed that up with All-Division nods in back-to-back seasons (2012 & 2013).
"I chose to attend LIU Post for its excelling athletic and academic programs. I automatically felt comfortable on campus and with the coaching staff," said Hutchins.
"Alex is a local infielder that plays the game with a lot of passion," said Apicella. "She is a tremendous athlete who has great range and speed. Alex can play any position in the infield and we love the versatility she offers. We are excited that she has chosen the Pioneer family."
Mele, a three-time All-County and All-League selection, is an infielder from Longwood High School. Her accolades include Player and Rookie of the Year, All-Long Island, All-State, and All-Region kudos. She is also a two-time postseason All-Star selection.
"I chose to attend LIU Post because of its atmosphere," said Mele. "It didn't seem like an ordinary softball team; it felt more like a family."
"Leah is a blue collar, throwback-type player. A local talent that provides a fierce competitive nature to her game," said Apicella. "She is another player who understands the game beyond her years. Leah is a talented defensive player with great speed and instincts. She will provide a spark in our line-up and we anticipate her making an immediate impact."
Melendez, a pitcher/infielder from Levittown, N.Y., has been a four-year varsity athlete for Island Trees High School. She has garnered All-County accolades in consecutive years (2012 & 2013), and was named to the First-Team All-Long Island squad in 2014. In her junior season, Melendez boasted a .434 batting average and a .484 on-base percentage, amassing 36 hits, 28 RBI and 22 runs scored.
"I chose to attend LIU Post because the institution is ranked as one of the top schools in the nation, with a successful softball program. Once I walked on campus, I knew it was home,'" said Melendez.
"Ashley is a local talent who is determined to be successful at the college level," said Apicella. "She is a pitcher with tremendous potential and we feel she will develop into a successful pitcher in our region. In addition to her skillset in the circle, she can be a force in the middle of our line-up."
Olshevski, the Trenton Times CVC Player of the Year, is both a defensive and offensive threat. In 2014, she sported a .452 batting average at the plate, while recording 164 strikeouts and allowing only three walks from the rubber. Throughout her years of competition at Robbinsville High School, Olshevski has collected numerous awards, including All-CVC first-team, All-Area first-team, All-Group Two first-team, All-State third-team and Mercer County Tournament MVP honors.
"LIU Post was the perfect fit for me as a student-athlete. I will be able to challenge myself in school and on the field. I can't wait to be a part of the Pioneer family," said Olshevski.
"Hannah is a talented athlete from the state of New Jersey," said Apicella. "She is an outstanding pitcher that will make an immediate impact for the Pioneers. I feel we have one of the very best pitchers in this class. Hannah has a chance of being a dominant force in the circle. In addition to her play on the field, Hannah is an outstanding student who will be a part of our Honors Program here at LIU Post."
Seader, a catcher/outfielder from Piscataway, N.J., is a three-time All-Red Division first-team, All-GMC Conference and All-Area selection. She has also been lauded as an All-Group Four first-team and All-State honoree. A four-year varsity starter, Seader is a lifetime .550-plus hitter. Last year, she batted .561 with four home runs and 30 RBI.
"I chose to attend LIU Post, not only because their softball program is nationally-ranked, but because I fell in love with the campus and its surroundings," said Seader. "I'm excited for my new beginning at LIU Post in the fall of 2015."
"Julia is a very skillful catcher with a softball IQ beyond her years. She will make an immediate impact, not only behind the plate, but in the middle of our line-up. She is arguably the most complete and talented player coming out of the state of New Jersey. We are excited for her arrival in the fall," said Apicella.