Softball Announces Nine Signings For The 2020 Season

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Head softball coach, Casey Cromwell, announced the signing of nine newcomers to the program for the 2020 season.

Joining Fontbonne will be the likes of Logan Darrow, Lauren Proehl, Hannah Miener, Lilly Jones, Patience Vandermeirden, Mackenzie Williams, Michaela Mason, Bethany Littlejohn, and Skylar Freeman.

Darrow, is coming off a senior season where she earned First Team All-Conference honors for Brentwood.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Logan is a left-handed catcher who really impressed us behind the dish when she came to camp, specifically in her receiving. She's very much a cool/calm presence behind the plate and will have the ability to calm our pitching staff down when needed. She's someone who is competitive on and off the field and who will succeed in the classroom at Fontbonne as well. We're very excited to have her!"

Proehl, a Davenport, Iowa, native, will come to Fontbonne after playing two seasons at Danville Community College. In her freshman season, she started 47 games at catcher, batted .289, totaled 25 RBI and was selected to the All-Region 24 Tournament Team during region play.

Miener, meanwhile, a Highland, Ill., native, will also coming to Fontbonne after playing two seasons at Danville CC. This past year, Miener batted .363, totaling 33 hits, 22 runs scored, three homers, and 12 RBI.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Hannah and Lauren are a duo that I knew we needed in this program and I know will be game changers for us. Lauren is a very smooth and strong catcher for us behind the dish. Hannah is a big presence on the mound, at first base, and in the box swinging. Lauren also reminds me of our recently graduated and very successful catcher, Emelia Modglin."

She continued, "Hannah is someone I expect to make a big splash in our conference out of the gate. The program they played for at Danville Area CC is one that I know and trust. I know they're coming here with a solid understanding of the game and eagerness to be successful on and off the field. As we will be young this season, these two will be great mature leaders for us and help our small upperclassman group." 

Jones, is coming off All-State honors for the second straight year at Kelly High School.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"This kid can do it all. She's speedy, a great middle infielder, a solid arm, and I expect her to help us up the middle next year. I believe she will be a solid threat in the box not only for the conference, but beyond conference play. She's a true triple-threat from the left-handed side of the box and has the eye and brain to manipulate the defense."

Vandermeirden, a Leopold, Mo., native, will be a player to look out for next year, says Coach Cromwell.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"When this kid is on the field, you can't help but watch her every move. She's one of those kids where you just can't help but keep watching her because she's that good and fun to watch. She commands the field beyond her age and her vocal leadership will help our infield out immensely next year at third base. She's also successful at the plate and will help us out offensively."

Williams joins Fontbonne after graduating from O'Fallon Township.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"I saw Mack at a camp and knew we needed to get her in the purple and gold. She's a power hitting lefty and I'm sure pitchers will be nervous to throw to her, as they should be. She will help us out at first base and also in the outfield as she throws lefty as well."

Mason will come to Fontbonne after graduating from North County Senior High School. She is a two-time All-Conference and All-District selectee.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Michaela is someone I've watched play since I came to St. Louis and has always been someone I wanted to get here. She will pitch mostly for us but she can also play a mean first base and swings a big stick as well. Replacing Maddy Strickland and her heavy ball and bat will be tough, but Michaela, definitely on the mound, reminds me of Maddy."

Littlejohn, an Auburn, Ill., native, is coming off her final season at Auburn High School where she totaled 13 hits, 13 RBI, and 12 runs scored.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Bethany is one of those kids you want in your program because she just does the right things. She's the kid who is constantly smiling and always giving 100 percent. Bethany is deceivingly fast outfielder who I can't wait to work with on hitting as she has way more power than she knows."

Freeman, a Flora, Ill., native, is a three-time All-State, All-Conference, and Decatur Hearld All-Area honoree. She closed out her high school season batting .365, totaling 31 hits, and 25 RBI. She'll transfer to Fontbonne from Wabash Valley College.

Coach Cromwell thoughts:

"Skylar is just an athlete, she can do it all. She wants to play and wants to contribute to the team's success so she will be one of those kids you likely see jumping around in different positions like Abby Richmond did for us this season. Defensively, she's another one of those players where you will be drawn to watching her play. She comes to us from Wabash Valley, another very competitive and solidly run junior college program."

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates on the softball team.

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