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 Kara Clauss has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball for the Colonials in 2009. Photo courtesy of The Miami Herald. |
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Softball Adds Pair of Floridians to 2009 Roster
May 21, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC - George Washington University head softball coach Kim Staehle has announced that pitcher Kara Clauss, and outfielder Jamie Yaniga have both signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the Colonials in 2009.
A 5'7 right-handed pitcher from Davie, FL, Clauss should immediately add depth and a solid starter in the Colonials pitching rotation as a freshman. A First-Team All-Broward selection as a junior, Clauss finished 7-3 with a 0.61 ERA as a third-year letterwinner. In her senior season, Clauss went 10-4 and led Cooper City to the Region 3-6A final. Clauss also pitched a no-hitter against her rival Flanagan in the regional semifinal.
"We are thrilled to have Kara join our pitching rotation," said Staehle. She is a true competitor and will be a strong force in the circle! Kara is just a pleasure to be around and has one of the strongest work ethics we have seen. We expect she will impact us immediately on the mound and don't be surprised to find her pushing for an infield position when not hurling."
Yaniga, the younger sister of former Colonial Jackie Yaniga, will join an outfield she has seen play the last four years from the stands. A 2007 Second-Team All-Dade selection at Southwest Miami, Jamie is very similar to her sister as she utilizes her speed, has a strong arm, can bunt, and can hit the long ball. A three-sport athlete (volleyball and basketball) for the Eagles, Yaniga also should step in and contribute for GW as a freshman.
"Jamie will continue to add athleticism to our lineup and the outfield," commented Staehle. She has a strong arm and will become more consistent offensively with additional work. We are excited to see Jamie's growth and competitive attitude this fall! She comes from a great family and obviously we've been thrilled with her sister's performance the last four years."
Two of the better softball traditions in the state of Florida, Cooper City and Southwest Miami have produced several of today's top softball players around the nation such as Stony Brook's Alyssa Struzenberg and Stanford's Missy Penna.
The pair of signees will join fellow signees Kristina Mackiewicz, Jordyn O'Donnell, Jillian Stanley and Lauren Wilson as part of the 2009 recruiting class.
GW finished 12-27 in the 2008 season, but just missed qualifying for its second consecutive Atlantic 10 Tournament with an 8-10 record.
2009 Colonials' Softball Recruiting Class (Name - Position - Hometown/H.S.)
Kara Clauss - Pitcher - Davie, FL/Cooper City
Kristina Mackiewicz - Shortstop - Arroyo Grande, CA/Arroyo Grande
Jordyn O'Donnell - Infielder - Irving, TX/Ursuline Academy
Jillian Stanley - Catcher - Mission Viejo, CA/Mission Viejo
Lauren Wilson - Catcher/OF - Arlington, VA/Yorktown
Jamie Yaniga - Outfield - Miami, FL/Southwest Miami
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