Marshall University Athletics
Herd Softball Inks Two More To NLI's
12/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 3, 2007
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall University softball team announced the signing of two nationally-recognized standouts, Rebecca Gamby and Alianna Telles to National Letters of Intent, head coach Shonda Stanton recently released.
"Both Becca and Ali have the ability to battle for C-USA Newcomer of the Year honors," Stanton said of her two new recruits. "They are difference makers and student-athletes that you build a program around."
Gamby, a 5-foot-11 inch catcher has dominated the Ohio softball scene the past three years. A two-time first-team Central Distract selectee and a first-team All-Ohio member in 2007, Gamby has been a force on the field and at the plate. During her junior campaign, she had a .492 batting average with a slugging percentage of 1.286, a league best. She registered 13 doubles and 11 home runs, which placed her second all-time in the state.
"Gamby is the total package with academics, athleticism and maturity," Stanton added. "She is a strong catcher with the potential to put up big power numbers from the left side. Her commitment to excel in everything she does is exactly what we believe Marshall softball is all about."
The Mount Victory, Ohio native has also excelled on the volleyball and basketball courts. She was a first-team honoree in her district her junior year and a Northern Ohio League first team member as a senior in volleyball. Gamby garnered an honorable mention accolade her sophomore year in basketball.
Gamby is a member of the National Honor Society and currently holds an impressive 3.79 GPA.
Telles will join the Herd in 2009 after making the cross country trip from California. The San Fernando, Calif., shortstop had a break out junior season to give herself national recognition. She hit .450 and drove in 45 RBI with eight doubles and three triples. She demonstrated her power with seven home runs in 32 games.
"Ali is such an exciting player to watch with the passion and energy in which she competes," Stanton stated. "She is one of the smoothest shortstops I have ever seen with the versatility to play several positions well. Ali is a consistent clutch performer at the plate and she will chase several offensive records as a Herd hitter."
For her junior year efforts, Telles was named to the League MVP and was also first-team all-city. She was also voted on by her teammates for the team MVP award. Telles guided the Sylmar Spartans to a 22-11 record with a 9-1 record in league play. Telles was a member of the Principles Honor Roll in 2006 and 2007.
Telles also participated in the Adidas Futures National Camp, which showcases the top 100 fast pitch athletes at the Snow Canyon Complex in St. George, Utah. . With the addition of Telles and Gamby, the Herd's 2009 recruiting class currently includes five players with the three previously released local signees, Alysia Hively, Samantha Spurlock and Kayla Stinson.
The Marshall Softball team opens 2008 play, Feb. 8 in Athens, GA., for the Red/Black Showcase hosted by the University of Georgia.
