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Sharp announces first two softball signings for 2010 recruiting class
Hesston College softball coach Andrew Sharp has announced the first two signings of the 2010 recruiting class. The newest additions include a power-hitting outfielder/first-baseman from Pennsylvania and a hard-throwing, right-handed pitcher from Oregon.
Taylor Hoover, a talented two-sport athlete from Christopher Dock High School (Lansdale, Pa.), will add depth to the Hesston outfield while providing a solid bat to the Lark lineup. Hoover has been a key member of the Christopher Dock softball team, helping the Pioneers to a second-place finish in the Bicentennial Athletic League in 2008 and 2009. The 2009 team finished with a school-record 18 wins.
 Taylor Hoover |
 Cynde Postma |
Aside from athletics, Hoover is an active member of Plains Mennonite Church, where she serves on the fellowship committee and youth-mentor programs.
“Taylor will be a four-year varsity starter for us,” explained Christopher Dock coach Wayne Benner. “She has always been a hard-working team player. Taylor has a strong arm in the outfield and will bring power and a good on-base percentage to the Hesston lineup.”
“Taylor is a special recruit for me in many ways,” Sharp said. “She was the first member of this class to whom we offered a roster spot, and I’ve known her for several years. Taylor is a competitor and will push for playing time immediately. I’m excited to see what she’s capable of.”
Hoover is the daughter of Wendell and Trish Hoover, Souderton, Pa.
Meanwhile, 3,000 miles to the west, Cynde Postma from Dallas (Ore.) High School will be counted on to be a significant contributor to the Hesston pitching staff for the next two seasons.
Postma was voted team MVP following her freshman year at Dallas High, and followed that up with consecutive appearances on the 5A Mid-Willamette Conference second team during her sophomore and junior seasons.
In 2009, Postma helped Dallas High to a playoff berth, the first in eight years.
Postma is a member of the Washington Illusion, an 18-under gold travel-ball team out of Kelso, Wash.
A multi-sport athlete, Postma has also participated in volleyball, basketball and the swim team during her time at Dallas High.
A dean’s scholar recipient at Hesston College, Postma is a Scholar Athlete and Senior Class Officer at Dallas High, as well as a National Honor Society member.
“Cynde is an outstanding pitcher,” said Ron Sayer, Postma’s first pitching coach who has been a mentor and part of her softball career for nearly 10 years. “Her work ethic and dedication to softball have clearly paid off. She is a tough competitor and an excellent teammate. Cynde has all the tools to excel at the next level.”
“Signing a quality pitcher early in the recruiting process was a top priority for our staff this off-season,” added Sharp. “After her official campus visit, we felt it was a perfect fit and she immediately went to the top of our list. I’m thrilled to have her in the program. Athletically, she will help us tremendously, and off the field, she will be an asset to our campus community.”
Postma is the daughter of Donna Postma, Dallas, Oregon.
Larks looking forward to spring after successful fall season
The Hesston College softball team completed the fall portion of its season as preparation for the upcoming spring schedule continues.
Some 12 student-athletes, all freshmen, spent the past six weeks becoming familiar with their new surroundings and getting to know their new teammates. Much work remains, according to coach Andrew Sharp, before the Larks take the field next semester, but indications are that this team is full of potential and has the talent to turn some heads by the end of the spring.
“I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made as a team,” commented Sharp. “This group has demonstrated their positive work ethic, their admiration and respect of each other as teammates, and their love for the game of softball. We’re young, and expectations will be high in the spring, but we will be ready.”
Once players return from fall break, the Larks will continue to work on conditioning, as well as begin an off-season weight training program that will extend until finals week in December. The 2010 spring schedule features 36 games, including three overnight trips.
Several team activities highlighted the fall season, including a service project at Schowalter Villa retirement center in Hesston, completing a ropes course in Newton, Kansas, the annual alumni game during homecoming weekend, and an overnight trip to Kansas City to cap off fall ball. Following a Friday night double-header versus Mid-America Nazarene (Olathe, Kan.) on October 2, Hesston players enjoyed a day off on Saturday, spending time at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, as well as getting in some afternoon shopping at the KC Plaza District.
The 2009 fall roster includes players from seven states. They are; Samantha Brouwer (Moundridge, Kan.), Chandelle Dacosin (Kaneohe, Hi.), Melissa Denton (Anthony, Kan.), Lauren Franz (Hesston, Kan.), Kenzie Jones (Hyde Park, Utah), Dani Linton (Salina, Kan.), Kristi Sheets (Lakewood, Colo.), Erika Shrock (Sarasota, Fla.), Jenessa Stahl (Newton, Kan.), Alyssa Steiner (Dalton, Ohio), Jodi Stutzman (Middlebury, Ind.), and Brittani Walters (Oxford, Kan.). A 13th player, sophomore Yvonne Gonzales (Ulysses, Kan.), will join the team following the end of basketball season.