PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers softball signed two to National Letters of Intent to begin competing for the Scarlet Knights in 2019, head coach Jay Nelson announced. The signees include Penelope "Po" Russ and Katie Wingert.
 

Penelope Russ
Huntington Beach, Calif. | Ocean View HS
Catcher/Outfield
 
NOTES: Four-year varsity softball member for Ocean View High School…two-time captain…registered a .484 career batting average at Ocean View…three-time Golden West League First Team selection…collected various honors such as Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and MVP during her career…named all-league second team in 2015…also a three-year varsity volleyball letterwinner and captain, guiding the team to the 2017 Golden West League Title...2017 all-league second team in volleyball…four-time Scholar-Athlete…member of travel team Marty Tyson and the Corona Angels from 12U-18gold…goes by the nickname "Po"…daughter of Christie and John Russ…has two sisters, Olivia and Scarlet…intends to major in Theater.
 
NELSON ON RUSS: "Po is a very good defensive catcher, as well as a great team player. Her maturity and softball IQ behind the plate will add to our pitching staff and team's success. Po will be part of a deep catching rotation that is extremely talented, while also fitting well with our experienced infield. Her catching experience with Marty Tyson's Corona Angels has her well prepared to play here in the Big Ten. Po's Offensive, Defensive Player of the Year, and MVP high school awards are testaments to her talent level. We are excited to have Penelope join the Scarlet Knight softball team."


Katie Wingert
Carlisle, Pa. | Cumberland Valley HS
Catcher/Infield
 
NOTES: Four-year varsity softball member at Cumberland Valley…named first team all-state sophomore and junior year and all-state honorable mention as a freshman…two-time Mid Penn Commonwealth First Team sophomore and junior year…two-time All-Sentinel First Team selection as a sophomore and junior and Honorable Mention as a freshman…Sentinel Athlete of the Week as a junior…state runner-up in her freshman season…daughter of Bryan and Susan Wingert…intends to major in pre-med/biochemistry.
 
NELSON ON WINGERT: "Katie will be joining our talented catching rotation next year. She brings with her the ability to play many other positions in addition to catching. She is versatile in nearly all infield positions. She, too, is an experienced catcher that will help our pitching staff and team succeed with her ability behind the plate. She performs well on both offense and defense. Her maturity and great character were evident during the recruiting process. We are glad she will join us and know she is going to have a great career as a Scarlet Knight."
 
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