Jay Nelson Announces Five Additions to Rutgers Softball
Dec 14 | Softball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (December 14, 2011) - Rutgers softball head coach Jay Nelson has announced the addition of five players to be added to the Scarlet Knights' 2013 roster; Liz Adams (Crystal Lake, Ill.), Stephanie Huang (Paramus, N.J.), Dresden Maddox (Kennesaw, Ga.), Melanie Slowinski (Severn, Md.) and Jordan Whitley (Smyrna, Del.).
"We are extremely excited that the following five athletes have decided to continue their education at Rutgers and softball careers as Scarlet Knights," Nelson said. "I believe they are all excited to join a program that is steadily improving and they see an opportunity to add their talents and hard work to bring our team to the top of the BIG EAST. They are accomplished athletes and each one of them brings a great deal of talent."
Adams, a three-year varsity catcher for Crystal Lake South High School, was named to the Daily Herald and the Northwest Herald All-Area First Teams during her sophomore and junior seasons. In her third season at Crystal Lake South, she recorded a .418 batting average with 41 hits, 29 runs scored and 24 runs batted in en route to being named a Chicago Sun-Times Honorable Mention and to her second-consecutive Fox Valley Conference Team.
During her three seasons at Crystal Lake South, Adams is a two-time team MVP, two-time team Defensive MVP, one-time Offensive MVP and, in 2009, was named the team's Most Valuable Rookie. In her freshman campaign, she was recognized as a Daily Herald and Northwest Herald Honorable Mention after being tied for the most triples in the Fox Valley Conference.
"Liz Adams is a catcher and utility athlete from Illinois," said Nelson. "She is very quick behind the plate and is a very energetic athlete that brings infectious enthusiasm to the field. She is a great communicator and charismatic leader on the field."
Huang, a four-year letterwinner in softball and basketball at Paramus High School, was an unanimous first team all-county and first team all-league selection in softball. The Paramus, N.J. native finished her junior season with a team-leading .510 batting clip, 32 steals, 50 hits, 41 runs scored and eight triples. Her .929 slugging percentage and five home runs each ranked second on the team. Huang reset the school's single season runs record and tied a school single season record in triples.
Huang is a five-year member of the NJ Sparks team that won the 2009 Pony State and National Championships. The team also participated in the 2011 Adidas Futures Tournament, in which Huang was an all-star selectee.
"Stephanie Huang is a New Jersey native that brings a great deal of versatility with her to the banks," Nelson said. "She hits for power and average, so she can hit anywhere in the lineup. Her ability to steal a base will help keep the defense on edge. She can play either infield or outfield as she has the range to track down fly balls and a strong arm to throw out base runners. Her participation on the NJ Sparks team that won the 2009 State and National Championship put her in an elite class of athlete's that have competed at the highest levels of the game."
Maddox, a four-year varsity pitcher at Harrison High School, was selected to the 2011 Georgia Dugout Club All-Star Game and was named the Georgia Dugout Club Player of the Year after posting an ERA of 0.79 in her junior season. The Kennesaw, Ga. native received first team all-region, first team all-county and all-county pitcher of the year honors last season, as her team finished as the GA State Class 5A Runner-Up.
Maddox competes with the East Cobb Bullets club team, who were 2010 ASA Hall of Fame Tournament Champions from 2008-10. The team was a National Qualifier for ASA 16U Nationals in College Station, Texas and Sioux Falls, S.D. She also plays for the Atlanta Vipers Gold team, 2011 ASA Gold National Qualifiers in San Diego, Calif
"Dresden Maddox is an experienced, polished pitcher who participated in the 2011 ASA Gold National Tournament with the Atlanta Vipers Gold," said Nelson. "Dresden is a tough competitor who spins the ball well and will be an impact pitcher in the BIG EAST. She has great composure in the circle and knows how to attack batters."
Slowinski, a two-time all-county first team honoree and an all-area second team member as named by the Baltimore Sun, is a three-year varsity player for Glen Burnie High School. The Severn, Md. native was named to the all-county freshmen team her first season.
On the club circuit, Slowkinski was a member of the Lakeshore Lightning from 2003-10, before spending the 2011 season with the Lady Orioles Gold team under the direction of Chuck Fisher and Randy Mohr.
"Melanie Slowinski is a power hitting middle infielder with great athleticism," Nelson expressed. "Her travel ball experience with the Lady Orioles Gold out of Maryland has given her the experience of playing against some of the top gold teams in the country."
Whitley brings versatility to the Scarlet Knights, having started at shortstop as a freshman, second base as a sophomore and third base as a junior and senior at Smyrna High School in Delaware. The all-conference honorable mention, led her team in batting average (.473), and posted a .508 on-base percentage in her sophomore season. Smyrna has made three-straight appearances in the Delaware State Tournament, including a spot in the championship game last season.
"Jordan Whitley has great speed from the left side and brings with her the ability to exploit opponent's defensive weaknesses," said Nelson. "She is an excellent infielder with the ability to play multiple positions."
In club action, Whitley is a six-year member of the Delaware Cobras, who placed seventh and fifth in consecutive seasons at the NSA Nationals. Whitley also competed with the Pennsylvania Chaos Gold for two years, placing fourth at the Colorado Sparkler.
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