MOREHEAD, Ky. – Morehead State Head Softball Coach David Williams added five student-athletes to the program for the 2014 season.
“I am excited about the addition of these young ladies to the Morehead State Softball Program,” Williams said. “Each will bring a strong skill set and passion for the game with them. Their abilities will complement current players in the program nicely, while helping fill vacancies from such a large departing senior class.”
Kaci Giles (Kennesaw, Ga.), Kayla McGuffey (Mooresville, N.C.), Riley Stokes (Lexington, Ky.), Karly Thompson (Blue Ridge, Ga.) and Megan Tymorek (Chesterton, Ind.) will join the Eagles for the 2013-14 school year.
Giles, an outfielder from Harrison High School, hit .386 as a senior and managed a .444 on-base percentage. She also helped lead the Hoyas to the Class 6A State Championship as a sophomore and a senior, and was named a scholar-athlete in each of her first three seasons. Giles also competed in track and field and was named the Outstanding Female Athlete for field events.
“Kaci is a very athletic player that comes from a great high school and travel program,” Williams said. “Her game preparation from such competitive schedules has made her a very savvy player. She will provide another left handed-hitting element for us, giving us several offensive options.”
McGuffey, who is set to graduate from Lake Norman High School in the spring, is another addition to the outfield for the Eagles. As a sophomore and junior, she earned all-state, all-region and all-conference honors. As a member of the Carolina Comets, the slap hitter batted .442 with an on-base percentage of .469. She racked up 42 stolen bases and scored 78 runs.
“Kayla’s ability to jump start an offense and create havoc on the bases with her speed makes her a valuable piece to any offense,” Williams said. “She understands the game well and what is expected of her. Her range in the outfield makes her just as strong defensively as she is offensively.”
Stokes, is an outfielder from Henry Clay High School. She has earned all-region and all-district honors on two occasions, and was a Kentucky East/West All-Star Game selection in 2012. During her junior season, Stokes hit .389 with a .488 on-base percentage. She also competes for Cincy Doom Gold.
“Riley is a tremendous defensive player that has a fearless mentality in the outfield,” Williams said. “She has a great work ethic and should excel upon her arrival. Pair that with a winning mentality that a coach loves to have, both on the field and classroom, and you have a well-rounded individual.”
Thompson comes to MSU from Fannin County High School. The infielder hit .484 with nine homeruns, 45 RBI, and 31 runs as a senior. She was an all-region selection during her junior and senior seasons and was selected to participate in the Georgia Dugout Club High School All-State Game. Thompson plays her travel ball for Atlanta Vipers Gold.
“Karly will bring a wealth of experience with her after playing at the gold level in travel ball,” Williams said. “Competing at that level has allowed to her to play alongside some of the top players in the country. She has a blue-collar mentality and isn’t afraid to put in the work needed to succeed. Her versatility in the infield, and ability to produce offensively, make her a valuable asset.”
Tymorek, a pitcher from Chesterton High School, posted a 1.64 ERA and finished with a 19-7 record and 175 strikeouts as a junior. She also helped lead the Trojans to a sectional and regional championship. Offensively, Tymorek, hit .434 with nine homeruns and 41 RBI. She was named Duneland Conference Player of the Year, News Dispatch Player of the Year, all-state and all-area during her junior season. Tymorek plays travel ball for the Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy.
“Megan has had a tremendous amount of success pitching at the high school and travel ball levels,” Williams said. “Her winning mentality and competitive spirit will benefit her greatly in her transition to the college game. She should provide us depth in the circle.”
The five newcomers will join 14 underclassmen set to return for the 2014 season.
