ABAC Fillies Softball

Primarily played shortstop on ABAC's first Fastpitch team starting all 37 games on the schedule. One of thirteen players who had played slowpitch before joining the 1997 Fillies program.

Freshman (1997): Batted 103 times for 23 hits, 11runs, 13 RBI and a .223 batting average that included 2 doubles, 2 triples and a home run, the club's first out of the park round tripper. Defensively she made 45 putouts and a team-high 66 assists for an .835 fielding average at shortstop.

High School: Lettered all 4 years as the varsity starter at shortstop under Coach Kim Jordan...won three MVP's and was Defensive Player of the Year once and accumulated 12 Player of the Week Awards during her high school career...her slowpitch team was placed third in the State in her senior year...also lettered two years on varsity tennis.

Personal: Born December 22, 1977...enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her family...parents are David and Shirley Bland...has a younger sister, Shelly and a younger brother, David Jnr. Her summer travel team, the Islanders, were the USSSA State Champions in 1995 and placed in the top five in the country that year. Plans to major in elementary education or coaching at a four year school.

Campbell on Bland: "Sheila did a good job for us at shortstop in 1997. She is a capable player with a strong arm who will also assist us with her bat in 1998."

A top quality freshman recruit who will see time both at shortstop and third base in 1998, and who had a stellar high school athletics career, lettering in no less than four sports. Bramlett will press for a starting position immediately, providing outstanding defense and a real home run threat to the opposition.

High School: Lettered all 4 years as the varsity shortstop under Coach Vicki Jones...in her senior year she won MVP and Best Defensive Infielder, in addition to being selected to the 1996 Georgia High Schools All-Star game (South Team)...her Lady Eagles slowpitch team were State Runners-up in 1993 and 1996...also lettered in varsity basketball (three years), track (1994) and tennis (1995).

Personal: Born May 6, 1979...enjoys playing tennis, basketball, hiking and fishing...parents are Dean and Brenda Bramlett...father is an aerospace equipment mechanic...has a younger sister, Melissa. Played summer softball with Sting coached by Gary Lashley. Plans to major in physical therapy at a four year school.

Campbell on Bramlett: "Tricia is a truly exciting recruit for us. She is an excellent athlete with a very strong throwing arm. Defensively she will see playing time at shortstop and thirdbase this season. We expect her to develop into a genuine power hitter through the Spring season ."

Another freshman recruit whose high school career included lettering in four sports. Melissa will push All Conference sophomore catcher, Anna Schell, for a starting position behind the plate and provides Campbell with much needed variety at the plate with her lefthanded hitting and bunting.

High School: Lettered and caught all 4 years under Coach Cathy Abbott...in her senior year she was awarded the Danny McGhee Athletic Scholarship and was named Best Defensive Player on a team that placed fifth in the Georgia AAA State Tournament....also lettered in basketball, cheerleading and four years in varsity soccer...had a perfect attendance for her four years of high school.

Personal: Born May 18, 1979...parents are Jim and Jane Cooper... father is a designer and mother is a math teacher...has older and younger brothers, Colby and Christopher in addition to older and younger sisters, Tonya and Nicole. Plans to major in secondary education at a four year school.

Campbell on Cooper: "Melissa adds depth to our program behind home plate. She plays hard every time she pulls on the uniform and her left-handed hitting will allow her to see plenty of action."

Molli played 27 games on the Fillies 1997 schedule and had played slowpitch before being recruited to the ABAC program. Saw most of her time as a designated player during her freshman year. Campbell will expect Molli to push for a more regular outfield position in 1998.

Freshman (1997): Batted 39 times for 9 hits, 4 runs, 7 RBI and a .231 batting average that included a double. Defensively Molli made 2 putouts and 2 assists for an .800 fielding average at leftfield.

High School: Lettered all 4 years as a varsity starter under Coach Dree Weaver...won the team's Hitting Award in her junior year...also lettered four years in basketball and two years on varsity track and cross country... was named an All-American Scholar in her senior year.

Personal: Born July 26, 1978...enjoys playing basketball, running and skiing...parents are Danny and Gayle Harden...father owns a turf and earthworks business and mother is an accounting technician...has an older sister, Marci and a younger sister, Mallori who also loves softball. Molli would like to major in business at Georgia College and State University.

Campbell on Harden: "Molli's solid defensive skills in the outfield will allow her to play a big role this season. With extra work on her hitting she will also contribute at the plate."

A heavily recruited freshman who will play both pitcher and first base in 1998. Will be expected to share the main pitching duties with returning Canadian, Jennifer McCarthy and brings a powerful bat and a good glove to the Fillies' program.

High School: Lettered all 4 years at first base and pitcher under Coach Randy Black...was named team MVP in both 1995 and 1996 leading her team to two Region Championships and a third place finish at State in 1995...was also a four-year standout in varsity basketball leading her team to Georgia's "Sweet Sixteen" twice and the "Elite Eight" once as her team traveled to the Georgia State Championships three consecutive times.

Personal: Born August 22, 1979...enjoys traveling and playing basketball...parents are Larry and Dora Johnson...father is a finance/administration director and mother is a human resource manager . Played summer softball with three of Georgia's top travel teams...the T-Birds (3 years), the Tucker Elite (2 years) and Phoenix (1 year)...from 1995 to 1997 her teams won 21 tournaments, attended two ASA Nationals placing 17th out 75 teams in 1995. Plans to major in education at a four year school.

Campbell on Johnson: "AJ will help to replace some of the offensive firepower we lost to graduation. She is a big asset to us as she is a very capable pitcher and solid first base player who will develop well this season. "

Following an outstanding high school athletics career, Lauren saw action in only 26 games on the Fillies 1997 schedule due to a knee injury which sidelined her until just before the post-season campaign began

In 1998 Coach Campbell will look to a now-healthy Jowers to lead her team from the centerfield position and provide a strong offensive contribution in the heart of the batting order .

Freshman (1997): Despite her shortened season, Jowers batted 68 times for 18 hits, 11 runs, 11 RBI and a .265 batting average that included 4 triples...on defense at centerfield and catcher, Lauren made 16 putouts and 4 assists for a perfect 1.000 fielding average. Jowers certainly made the challenging transition from Slow pitch to Fast pitch without difficulty and has fielded offers regarding her four year college plans already.

High School: After lettering all four years in the outfield with Coach Maureen Brown, Jowers finished her high school softball career on a great note by garnering the team's Best Offensive, Captain's and MVP Awards in addition to being named to the 1996 GACA All-Star Game (South Team)...during her senior year Pierce Co. were 2AA Sub Region Champions, Region Runners-up and traveled to AA Georgia State Championships...also lettered four years in basketball and tennis and two years on varsity track...her 1995 basketball team were Region 2-AA Runners-up and reached the "Sweet Sixteen" in Macon that year. During her track career, Jowers was the Region Champion in Discus, 400 meter Individual and Relay, two-time Mile Relay Champion, and led her team to Runners-up in the 1993 AA State Championship meet.

Lauren excelled away from the sports field as well being named in Who's Who Among American High School Students, nominated for Governor's Honors and receiving All American Scholar Leadership and President's Academic Fitness Awards. She was also the 1995 Homecoming Queen.

Personal: Born August 2, 1978...enjoys spending time with her friends and family, listening to music and playing other sports...parents are Vernon and Brenda Jowers...has an older sister, Lisa. Lauren was a member of three outstanding Slow pitch traveling teams...the Waycross Storm placed 5th in the 1991 ASA Nationals in California...the Jesup Blaze placed 4th and 5th respectively in the 1994 and 1995 NSA Nationals...Jowers was named to the NSA All-World Team in both 1994 and 1995...also in 1995 her additional team, the Lilburn Panthers, were the USSSA World Champions and the ASA National Champions...plans to major in business administration at a four year college.

Campbell on Jowers: "Lauren is an outstanding player and one of our top student-athletes. We look to her to provide leadership and experience as a solid defensive player at centerfield. Her contribution to our offense will be significant also. "

December 13th 1996 will be a special day in the Fillies short Fastpitch history as it was the day that Coach Campbell signed her first (and definitely not to be her last) foreign player, Jennifer McCarthy. Coach Campbell made contact with Canadian recruiters, McCarthy was signed and went on to provide outstanding pitching and hitting to the fledgling ABAC program in 1997. Campbell will again look to McCarthy to step forward with this high quality effort in 1998.

Freshman (1997): McCarthy, a power pitcher, started 28 of the Fillies games and pitched 167 innings striking out 105 hitters...allowed only one homerun. Her 14-13 record and 2.68 ERA was against some of the best junior college teams in the country...was not an altogether clear indication of the outstanding job she did for Campbell...opponent's batting average was .220...she dominated the GJCAA Conference holding a perfect 5-0 record over Gordon and Dekalb, striking out some 30 batters in these games. McCarthy struck five or more hitters thirteen times, including 7 Ks against Miami-North Dade, Gordon, Chattahoochee Valley and Louisburg and eight hitters from Dade South...game-high tally of ten was against Gordon College on April 22nd...went on to pitch a marathon three game series against Louisburg, NC in the District C Playoff on May 4th, fanning 21 batters and allowing only one walk...produced these pitching efforts in addition to playing first base in several other games during the season...also helped the Fillies with the bat and compiled 24 hits, 9 runs, and 9 RBI on her way to a .300 batting average that included 3 doubles ...recorded only 3 Ks from 80 at bats. On defense at pitcher and firstbase, McCarthy made 24 putouts and 40 assists for a .914 fielding average. At the GJCAA (Region XVII) State Tournament McCarthy was selected as MVP and named to the All Tournament and the All State Teams. Jennifer is expected to be heavily recruited following her two year stint with Coach Campbell's ABAC program.

Personal: Born May 5, 1978...enjoys traveling, skiing and practicing pitching with her father...parents are Doug and Hilda...has an older sister, Karen...has played softball for 11 years...last eight years on a traveling team. Jennifer's recent softball experience in Canada has provided her with a great background for college ball...in the summer of 1995 she was named "Best Pitcher" at the Ontario Provincial Tournament and pitched for Guelph in the Canadian Nationals in Surrey, British Columbia...attended 1996 Nationals with Erin Mills Elite in Brandon, Manitoba where team placed 3rd and her ERA was 0.33...during summer of 1997 (after her freshman year at ABAC) her travel team, Guelph won the Canadian Nationals in London, Ontario...McCarthy won the three games she pitched...pitched for silver medallist Team Ontario in the 1997 Canada Summer Games in Manitoba (played every four years)...plans to major in recreation and physical education at a four year college.

Campbell on McCarthy: "Jennifer is the backbone of our team, our top starter on the pitching mound and a big contributor to our offensive game. She works hard, loves to compete and will be a major asset to the four year college she chooses to attend. "

Penni was brought to Donna Campbell's attention as a potential recruit through Assistant Coach, Mark Armstrong. Murphy and Armstrong had played and coached respectively on a National Champion Under 19 age team in Australia in 1995. Campbell was looking for an additional middle infielder and Penni's versatility to play second base, shortstop or outfield was a good solution. Murphy is very fast, is a switch hitter and can bunt and slap from the left side. Campbell signed Penni as her second foreign player in June, 1997.

High School: Penni's high school athletics career was similar to many other Fillies players in that she represented in several sports through to her senior year. In softball she lettered all six years under Coach Peter Cox...was captain in 1994 (11th Grade) and 1995 (12th Grade)...was awarded a school "Blue" in 1995...selected to the Riverina Region Schools All-Star team in 1993, 1994 and 1995 (named vice captain) ...awarded a Riverina softball "Blue" in 1995...in senior year was named to the 1995 NSW Combined High Schools (CHS) Team and then to the State All Schools Team that placed second at the Nationals. As a diver, Penni was the NSW CHS Champion from 1990 to 1994...became NSW Champion of Champions, NSW All Schools Open Diving Champion and was awarded the NSW CHS Sporting "Blue" for Diving in her junior year (1994). Murphy represented her Region in softball, diving, gymnastics, athletics, cross country, netball and swimming...lettered in all of these sports as well as cricket and water polo...received the "Pierre de Coubertin" Award in 1993 and the Riverina Region Lorraine Wright Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to Riverina School Sport in 1994. As a student, Penni was ranked in the top 1.5% in her state in her senior year...was awarded both the NSW Education's Assistant Director General's Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Public Education and the NSW Minister for Education's Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in 1995...was Dux and Captain of her school in her senior year. Prior to her arrival at ABAC, Penni had achieved one High Distinction (Chemistry) and two Distinctions (Biometry and Physics) in a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.

Personal: Born September 30, 1977...enjoys traveling and diving...parents are Bob and Jan Murphy...father is the Director of Elite Sport at the Australian Institute of Sport...mother is a PE teacher. Penni's softball career away from school includes two National Champion teams...her NSW Under 19 team were the Australian Champions in Perth, Western Australia in 1995 while in 1996 her Sydney University team won the Australian University Games Tournament...named MVP of the AUG Championship game ...was also a member of the NSW Under 23 team which won the Pacific International Tournament in January, 1997 in Brisbane, Queensland. In the NSW Women's State League, as a member of the Riverina Redbacks stole the most bases in 1993, 1994 and 1995 and was named League MVP in '93 and '94.

Plans to major in veterinary science at a four year school.

Campbell on Murphy: "Penni's Australian fastpitch experience adds much to our team. Her defensive skills at middle infield, speed on the bases and switch hitting will be very valuable this season."

Sonya started at rightfield in all 37 games on the Fillies 1997 schedule and made the adjustment from Slowpitch to Fastpitch with little difficulty. Poole had been a standout member of Campbell's National Slowpitch Champion ABAC team in 1996 and, under NJCAA rules, elected to remain for the new Fastpitch program. This decision proved beneficial to all, as Poole contributed significantly to the Fillies first year with both the bat and glove.

FP Freshman (1997): Led the team with 118 plate appearances...led the 1998 returning players with 36 hits...drew 8 walks as the lead-off hitter and compiled 19 runs, 10 RBI and a .305 batting average that included 3 doubles and a triple. Stole the team high of 13 bases without being caught...Campbell will certainly give her the "green light" more this year. With Sonya in combination with Penni Murphy, Campbell's speedy pairing at one and two in the lineup will be a threat to steal at any time. On defense, Poole made 23 putouts and 10 assists (many to firstbase) for a .917 fielding average at rightfield...was the outstanding rightfielder in the GJCAA Conference being named to the All Tournament Team in April, 1997. Poole is already the subject of recruiting inquiries from several four year colleges in Georgia.

High School: On her Fitzgerald team, Poole played varsity slowpitch all 4 years under Coach Pam Bishop...she won the team's Best Defensive Award in her sophomore year...was co-captain in her junior year and team captain as a senior.

Personal: Born May 31, 1977...enjoys being with her boyfriend and visiting her niece...parents are Calvin and Linda Poole...father is a saw filer and mother is an accounts payable clerk...has one older brother, Kevin and a younger brother, Dewayne. Sonya played on three local Slowpitch traveling teams...the Tifton Sluggers at age 14...when 16, with the Tifton Angels, who took 4th place at the World Series in Jupiter, Fla. and 5th place at the Nationals... and on the McDonalds Hustlers who travelled to the Nationals in Mississippi...the latter two teams were coached by Jack Perry.

Campbell on Poole: "Sonia is fine rightfielder with the ability to throw runners out at firstbase when the chance arises. She loves to compete, plays hard and has developed into a fine fastpitch player."

A recruit who brings great potential and athletic talent to Campbell's program and will be expected to push for starting roles at either catcher or first base during 1998. Priestly should also provide a very lethal left-handed bat to the middle order as well. She has the imposing frame so characteristic of many fine college catchers, and will work on fine tuning some technique and strategy parts of her game. Another of several Fillies players who were 4-time letter winners in three high school sports.

High School: Lettered all four years in softball under Coach Jeanine Conkle...named 1996 "Rightfielder of the Year" and to the 1996 All County Softball Team...lettered four years in basketball garnering the 1996 Assists Award and being selected to the All-County Team in that, her senior year. Re also was a four year letterman in soccer...was named All County from 1994 to 1996 and "County Goalkeeper of the Year" in her junior year.

Personal: Born August 3, 1979...father is David Priestly, a sheet metal worker...has three older sisters, Suzanne, Barbara and Angel. Enjoys reading and writing poetry and using the computer. Plans to study computer programming at a four year college.

Campbell on Priestly: "With lots of hard work Re has the potential to become a fine college player and will add great depth to our program behind the plate. "

Misty is a quality local recruit who Campbell believes will provide outstanding defense and push for a starting position in the middle infield or at thirdbase. She follows several players into the Fillies program who have come from the highly successful Tift Co. high school team. Rentz was recruited to the Fillies through Assistant Coach Mark Armstrong's involvement with the Lady Devils varsity program.

High School: Lettered 4 years on the infield under Coach Nancy Mark and in her sophomore year received the 1994 E.B. Hamilton Award...was named the "Best Defensive Infielder" (.941 ave.) in 1995. Her Lady Devils team were Region 1-AAAA Champions in 1993 and placed fourth in the AAAA State Championships in 1994...also lettered in varsity basketball (two years) and track (one year).

Personal: Born July 24, 1979...enjoys listening to music...parents are Tim and Vickie Rentz...father is letter carrier and mother is a postal clerk, both with US Post Office...has a younger sister, Lacey. Played summer softball with the Tifton Angels coached by Jack Perry...this team placed eighth in the 1993 World Tournament. Plans to major in accounting at a four year school.

Campbell on Rentz: "Misty was real find as a recruit from right here in Tifton and as an infielder is very sound fundamentally. As she works on her hitting and gains fastpitch experience she will develop into a fine player in our program"

Adrianne started 35 games in the outfield on the Fillies team in 1997 and was a high impact player leading the returning players in several offensive categories last year. She will be expected to play a significant role in the 1998 campaign as ABAC plans to travel to the NJCAA Nationals in May, 1998. Roberson will take charge as one of the leading players and tends to show the way by example as seen last year.

Freshman (1997): Despite only stepping to the plate 80 times in 1997, Roberson accumulated 29 hits, 18 runs and 19 RBI on her way to a .363 batting average that included 4 doubles, 2 triples and a home run... she led the team in on-base percentage at .457...her 14 walks and 6 for 6 in stolen bases also made her a serious threat on the basepaths. Defensively she made 26 putouts for an .897 fielding average in the outfield. Roberson's adjustment to Fastpitch was short and several four year schools are already looking closely at her in anticipation of a fine sophomore year.

High School: Lettered all 4 years as a varsity rightfielder or catcher under Tift Co. Coach Nancy Mark...her Lady Devils' slowpitch team placing fourth in the AAAA State Championship in her junior year...also played two years on the Tift Co. basketball program and had an outstanding track and field career, being the Region 1-AAAA discus champion in both her junior and senior years...placed fifth in the State with a throw of 119' 6" in 1996...ran in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relay teams...won the Track Team Coaches Award in 1995 and garnered the Field Events Award for the highest placings/points in 1996...took out the Knights of Columbia "Freethrow" Championship and became District Champion in Albany and placed 4th in Macon.

Personal: Born August 3, 1978...would like to play for the Silver Bullets or in the Womens Professional Fastpitch...mother is Brenda Roberson, a nursing assistant...has three older brothers, Wilbert III, Demetricus and Courtney, one older sister, Kendall and a younger sister, Alexis. Plans to major in physical therapy or criminal justice at a four year college.

Campbell on Roberson: "Adrianne will be a key player for us this season. We will look for her to provide offensive power in the heart of our line-up and solid defense in the outfield. She is one of the hardest workers on our team and will be a very good recruit for a four year college."

Anna started in 32 games and helped the Fillies tremendously in 1997 by being prepared to learn a completely new position - catcher. Her combination with the pitchers, McCarthy and PJ Vanderford, was a major factor in the ABAC success in their first season of Fastpitch. She will be expected to play an important catching and hitting role again during the 1998 campaign.

Freshman (1997): Schell showed no difficulty adjusting to Fastpitch by putting together a very good season at the plate for the Fillies...in 96 at bats, Anna had 29 hits (2nd among this year's returning players), 20 runs scored (the 1997 team leader), 5 RBI, and drew 8 walks. Her .302 batting average is third among 1998 the sophomores and she hit four doubles and a triple...had the team-high 3 sacrifices and stole 9 bases without being caught (3rd on 1997 team). Defensively she did a good job behind the plate and at second base, combining with the pitchers for 105 put outs, 7 assists and a .963 fielding average.

High School: Schell lettered in varsity slowpitch at third base all 4 years under Coach Pam Bishop...she was the team captain as a senior. Anna was an honor graduate.

Personal: Born September 30, 1977...likes computers and surfing the Internet...parents are David and Lucy Schell...father is a quality control supervisor and mother is an office manager...has a twin sister, Amy and two older brothers, David and John...Anna plans to attend a four year college, majoring in business or education.

Campbell on Schell: "Anna did an excellent job at catcher in 1997 after spending her high school career at thirdbase. Her development behind the plate came from hard work and dedication to learning a completely new position. We look to her for the same solid performances this year. "

Kim saw action in 19 games on the Fillies 1997 schedule, at first base or in a pinch hitting role.

Freshman (1997): Batted 17 times for 5 hits, 1 run and a .294 batting average that included a double. Defensively Kim made 3 putouts and 2 assists for an .833 fielding average at first base.

High School: Lettered for 5 years as a varsity starter under Coach Donna Peavy...won the team's Offensive Award in 1993, '94 and '95...was named All Region from 1993 to 1996 and was named All State in 1994 and 1996...also lettered three years in basketball and track and one year (1996) in golf.

Personal: Born April 18, 1978...enjoys playing sports and watching movies...parents are Keith and Kay Smith...parents own an agriculture business...has an younger sister, Nikki and a younger brother, Jess. Kim would like to complete radiology at a four year school.

Campbell on Smith: "Kim will provide our team with added depth at firstbase and as a pinch hitting power threat to call upon when needed."

A freshman recruit has played eleven years of fastpitch prior to this year. Abby played shortstop in her senior year of high school, but will press for a starting position at third base and provides Campbell with the prospect of good hitting power from the right side.

High School: Lettered 4 years at shortstop and third base under Coach Lonnie Arrington...team won their Region in her freshman year and placed second in the GISA State...in her junior year was voted Honorable Mention All Bi-City Team...was named captain in both her junior and senior years...was the team MVP in 1996.

Personal: Born August 8, 1978...enjoys being with her friends...parents are Mike and Cindy Titzler and Mike and Pam Bruce...father is a plant manager and Mike is a business vice president...has a younger step sister, Ashley and a younger brother, Justin. Played summer softball for Mike Buglioli on the Columbus Heat...her league teams have won six championships and Abby was voted onto the league All-Star Team five times. Abby plans to study social work or special education at a four year college.

Campbell on Titzler: "We will expect Abby to provide us with depth at thirdbase and to contribute significantly as a hitter in 1998. She works hard at practice and can develop during into a valuable player this season"

PJ pitched 14 games on the Fillies 1997 schedule and was a valuable addition to Jennifer McCarthy. PJ's medium speed, accurate pitching provided a good contrast to McCarthy's power style and caused difficulty to several teams in 1997.

Freshman (1997): Batted 12 times for 4 hits, 5 runs, 2 RBI and a .125 batting average. Defensively PJ made 2 putouts and 9 assists for an .917 fielding average. As a pitcher Vanderford compiled a 3-7 record with 2 saves against some of the most competitive teams in juco softball. In 14 games she pitched 72 innings allowing 119 hits and 71 earned runs for a 6.90 ERA...had crucial conference wins over Gordon and Dekalb in late season play.

High School: Lettered 2 years as a varsity starter under Coach Wayne Pierce at Central Gwinnett.

Personal: Born March 14, 1978...enjoys being with friends...parents are Bill and Judy Vanderford...father professional fishing guide and mother is a teacher...has an older brother, John. PJ played ASA Div. 1 travel softball with the Lilburn T-Birds, the 16 and Under Atlanta Mavericks, the 18 and Under Rockdale Bandits and the Atlanta Classics. PJ would like to major in Public Relations at a four year college.

Campbell on Vanderford: "PJ is enthusiastic and plays hard every time she runs onto the field. We expect her to take several roles this year as a pitcher, secondbase player, hitter and pinch runner."

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Last updated on 3/19/98 by Instructional Technology