Drew Bonney, Assistant Director of Media Relations
EL PASO, Texas – UTEP head softball coach Tobin Echo-Hawk announced five new signees for the 2015season on Monday.
A brief profile, along with a quote from Echo-Hawk on each signee, is below.
Courtney Clayton | Middle Infielder | Glencoe HS | Cornelious, Ore.
Played three seasons of varsity softball … garnered multiple accolades highlighted by the 2013 Oregon 6A Player of the Year and named 2013 first-team All-State infielder … led a 29-2 Crimson Tide team in hits (56), RBI (40) and batting average (.523), also added three homeruns, 34 runs scored and 17 doubles … struck out only once during junior season … hit first-career grand slam to open 2013 season in a 10-2 win over Liberty … led squad with a .519 batting average during sophomore season … part of three Pacific Conference Championship squads (2011-13) … played with the Northwest Bullets (2012-14) and the Oregon Thunder (2004-11) softball club teams.
Coach Echo-Hawk on Clayton
Courtney is one of the most consistent players I have seen both offensively and defensively. She brings a competitive energy that will be an asset to our team.
Linda Garcia | Catcher | Kaiser HS | Fontana, Calif.
Played three seasons of varsity softball … established career highs during junior season in batting average (.346), RBI (29), homeruns (five) and on-base percentage (.454) … named to 2013 first-team All-League … went 2-for-5, with two RBI and a run scored during an 11-4 win over Mira Costa in the second-round of the 2013 CIF Southern Section Softball Championships – Division 3 … tallied 13 doubles during sophomore season … contributed during freshman season with a .312 batting average, 24 runs scored, 20 RBI and seven doubles to help lead the Cats to their first-ever CIF softball playoffs semifinals … has hit .329, seven long balls, 71 RBI, scored 45 runs, notched 24 doubles and recorded 80 hits during three-year career.
Coach Echo-Hawk on Garcia
Linda is solid behind the plate and one of the hardest workers. Her knowledge of the game will benefit us behind the plate.
Breanna Medina | Outfield | Faith Christian Academy | El Paso, Texas
Played club softball with the Texas Sluggers and the New Mexico Sol … all around athlete who excelled in volleyball and basketball … FCA does not field a softball team … won 2009 Western National Championship with the Sluggers and 2011 OKC Triple Crown Championship with the Sol … averaged 11.9 points and 11.3 rebounds per game in 15 games during sophomore and junior basketball seasons … played 70 sets during junior and senior volleyball seasons, recording 102 kills and 16 aces … helped lead volleyball squad to 2014 TCAL State Final Four during senior season and guided basketball squad to 2013 TCAL State Final Four during junior season.
Coach Echo-Hawk on Medina
Breanna is a very talented dynamic player and will be extremely exciting to watch as she develops.
Hope Moreno | Infielder | La Habra HS | La Habra, Calif.
Played three seasons of varsity softball and is a two-year captain for the Highlanders … hit .330 with 20 RBI, eight doubles and 13 runs scored during junior season … played all 32 games during junior year … recorded five multiple-hit games … named to first-team All-League and Cypress All-Tournament team (3-for-7, 2B, 3B, 5 RBI and 2 BB) … hit .402 with 20 RBI, 23 runs scored and three homeruns during sophomore season … named to second-team All-League and Whittier Daily News All-Area second team … efforts helped squad win 2012 and 2013 Freeway League Championships and advanced to semi-finals both seasons … played club softball with the OC Batbusters.
Coach Echo-Hawk on Moreno
Hope brings a ton of energy and passion to the game. She is an amazing defensive player and has an infectious attitude.
Taylor Sargent | First Base | Volcano Vista HS | Albuquerque, N.M.
Named 2013 first-team All-District 1-5A … knocked in 52 runs during junior season and led squad with a .521 batting average … part of a squad that won 2012 state championship … hit 12 homeruns and 59 RBI during sophomore season (2012) … recognized by Albuquerque Journal as one of the top softball players in the state … played multiple positions (except pitcher) with club team New Mexico Sundancers … hit three consecutive homeruns against club team Alabama Lightning in 2012.
Coach Echo-Hawk on Sargent
Taylor has the ability to change the game with one swing. We are really excited to add her power at the plate to our team.
