Kelsey Chepiga
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Providence College softball Head Coach Kerri Jacklets announced student-athletes Paige Mulry (West Roxbury, Mass.), Christina Ramirez (Niceville, Fla.), Julianne Rurka (Warrenville, Ill.) and Brittney Veler (Santa Rosa, Calif.) have signed National Letters of Intent to attend Providence College, starting in September of 2014.
“Our staff is extremely excited to welcome the 2014 class,”Jacklets said. “All four of these athletes fit the mold of our program’s philosophy and we anticipate that this class will be able to make an impact on the BIG EAST Conference. Adding these four to an already solid group of athletes can only strengthen our program. Christina has great presence and control on the mound. Julianne adds depth to our infield as well as strength behind the plate. Paige, with her athleticism, brings versatility to our defense. Brittney will add both power to our lineup and speed to our outfield. As a whole, we are bringing in a group with championship experience and are thrilled to see them flourish in the black and white.”
Mulry is a four-year starter at shortstop and third base for the Boston Latin School under Head Coach Tim Holland and for the Concord Raiders for Head Coach Lisa McGloin. Mulry has been named All-Dual County All-Star since her freshman year and was an ESPN Boston Honorable Mention Player to Watch in 2013. Mulry was voted captain of her team for the 2014 season. As a junior, Mulry hit .471 with two home runs and 23 RBI. She is an honor student with a 3.4 GPA.
“I chose Providence College because of the ideal combination of outstanding academics and athletics,” said Mulry. “The coaching staff and players were great to work with and made my decision that much easier.”
“Paige has been a four year starter for BLS and was elected team captain for 2014, said Holland. “She is an amazing student-athlete and team leader and I wish her continued success at Providence College.”
Ramirez is a four-year varsity player at Niceville High School under Head Coach Danny Hensley. Ramirez won the Eagle Award her freshman year for being the winning pitcher in Florida’s 5A Class State Championship. She also won the Eagle Award as a junior for the top all-around player in pitching/batting/fielding. Ramirez was awarded Co-Pitcher of the Year honors as a junior by local radio station WFSH radio. Ramirez is a member of the Rhode Island Thunder Gold showcase team.
Ramirez has earned the Anne T. Mitchell Award her freshman, sophomore, junior years. It is given to students who have a 4.0 or higher GPA for the year. She has been a member of the National Honor Society since 10th grade and has earned National AP Scholar with Distinction for taking more than three AP classes and passing the exams.
“Providence is exactly what I was looking for, a small school with a close knit atmosphere and a fantastic softball program,” said Ramirez. “I see so much potential in the athletic and academic opportunities provided to me by Providence College. I like the fact that there is a city environment in a smaller radius at Providence.
“Christina has been an absolute joy to coach these last four years for several reasons but two that really standout,” said Hensley. “First, she attacks every practice and every bullpen session just like she’s warming up to go in and pitch another State Championship game for us. Second, what a role model for all my underclassman! She truly leads by example by always being the first to the field, the last to leave, and she gives 100% effort on every drill.”
Rurka plays for the Benet Academy Redwings. She has guided the team to a Regional Championship (2013) and an East Suburban Catholic Conference Championship (2012). Rurka was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) High School All-American Frist Team in 2012. She also was named NFCA High School All-Region-North Region First Team, Illinois Coaches Association All-State-Second Team, Chicago Sun Times/Bandits All-Star, Chicago Sun Times All-Area-Second Team, East Suburban Catholic Conference-All Conference in 2012. Earned Chicago Tribune All-State-Special Mention and East Suburban Catholic Conference All-Conference in 2011. Also plays for the Beverly Bandits Showcase team.
Academically, Rurka is a member of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and the National Honor Society. She has made the honor roll since 2011 and was an America Legion School Award Medalist in 2010.
“The reasons why I chose Providence were simple,” said Rurka. “Providence felt like home and I could honestly see myself living there for the next four years. It is a great school academically and athletically. The community in Providence is one that supports and protects each other and I feel that I will fit in well with my teammates, coaches, and peers.”
“With Julianne you are getting a student of the game, she really understands the game and is a coach on the field,” said high school Head Coach Jerry Schilf. “She gives you everything she has, has quick reflexes and gets a great jump on the ball. As a hitter she is very disciplined, rarely strikes out, is very disciplined with two strikes and can hit to all fields. She loves playing softball and will give you everything she has.”
Veler is a four-year varsity starter for Maria Carrillo High School under Head Coach Lonnie Harwell. As a junior, Veler was named Second Team All-Empire and helped her team win the league championship. Veler was named First Team All-League, First Team All-Empire and as a freshman was named Second Team All-League.
Academically, Veler won two Scholar Athlete Awards. She received the honors in both softball (2011-13) and volleyball (2011-12). Veler won the Magna Cum Laude Award multiple times.
“Brittney Veler exemplifies the 3 C’s, competence, confidence and courage,” said Harwell. “She is immune to pressure and will execute as required putting the needs of the team first. Her uniform will only be clean at the beginning of the game.”
“Brittney Veler is the total package,” said Head Coach Dave Estes of the American Pastime Gold. “She has offensive power to go yard at anytime and has great defensive range. She is mentally tough and is always in game. Brittney’s ability to get to the ball quickly and make the play in addition to her offensive power and desire to win will make her an impact player at the DI level.”
The Friars open their season at the Florida Atlantic “Strike-Out Cancer” Tournament in Boca Ratan, Fla. on February 14-16.
