Whitney Tarpy, Assistant Director-Athletic Communication/Media Relations – Western Kentucky University
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.— Western Kentucky University softball head coach Amy Tudor announced the signings of three players to national letter of intents in her first signing class on The Hill.
Kayla Baker (Nashville, Tenn./Nashville Christian School), Lexie Norfleet (Erin, Tenn./Houston County HS) and Hannah Parker (Altoona, Iowa/Southeast Polk HS) have all signed on with the Lady Toppers for the 2015 season.
“I am excited for Kayla, Lexie and Hannah to be Lady Toppers,” said Tudor. “Within this class, we added a left-handed hitter/catcher, quick right-handed utility player and left-handed pitcher. I am looking forward for this first signing class to help us continue to be successful in pursuit of multiple championships.”
Baker is a five-year starter for Nashville Christian School in Tennessee. She was named to the First-Team All-District in 2011, 2012 and 2013 while also earning All-District honors two years in basketball. She played travel ball for the Nashville Cruisers, coached by Greg Prince.
“Kayla is a very strong kid who will spend the majority of her time behind the plate,” said Tudor. “She also will add another left-handed bat to our lineup, which is a plus for me. I am happy Kayla chose WKU and look forward to having her be a part of our team.”
Norfleet comes to The Hill as a four-year starter for Houston County High School in Tennessee. A two-time All-District selection, the utility player carried a .420 batting average and .583 on-base percentage in 2013 while being selected as the Rookie of the Year in 2011. Norfleet was also an All-District basketball player for the Irish. A member of the Southern Stars travel team, she was part of two state championships in 2006 and 2007 as well as claiming the 2010 Germantown Invitational title.
“Lexie is a multi-sport athlete who will be a utility player for us,” said Tudor. “I really enjoyed seeing her eagerness and watching her play, and I expect that to continue when she arrives to The Hill. I am glad Lexie chose to be a part of our program.”
Parker joins the Lady Toppers as an All-State, All-Division and All-Conference player from Southeast Polk High School in Iowa. She led the Rams to conference championships in 2010 and 2013 after joining the high school varsity team as an eighth grader. Parker played travel ball for the 18U Gold Iowa Blitz and was named to the USSSA World Series All-Tourney Team multiple years.
“Hannah, to my knowledge, will be our first Iowan to play for the softball team,” said Tudor. “She is a left-handed pitcher who will step in and have an immediate impact. She is a workhorse and will only continue to improve with experience. I am excited to start working with her.”
For all the latest news and information on WKU softball, visit WKUSports.com or follow the program on Twitter via @WKUSoftball.
