June 03, 2008

Eagles add pitcher to 2009 roster

Dawn McClellan

EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana softball team announced that sophomore pitcher/infielder Dawn McClellan (Valparaiso, Indiana) has signed a national letter of intent to play for Head Coach Sue Kunkle's Screaming Eagles in 2009.

McClellan transfers from John A. Logan College (Carterville, Illinois) where she went 15-3 with 84 strikeouts and a 2.96 earned run average in 2008. At the plate, McClellan hit .387 with nine doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 33 RBIs.

A graduate of Chesterton High School (Chesterton, Indiana), McClellan was a two-time first-team All-State performer and a member of CHS's 2006 IHSAA Class 4A state finalist squad.

As a junior in 2006, McClellan went 22-1 with an ERA below 0.50. She set numerous school records during her high school career including records for strikeouts, shutouts, no-hitters, and wins.

In travel ball, McClellan competed for the Indiana Express 16-U squad, the Mychiana Mystic, and is currently a member of the Orland Park A's 18-U squad.

"Dawn is a great addition to our pitching staff and adds depth to our corner positions in the infield," Kunkle said. "She is a strong girl who throws hard, has good command of her pitches, and will bring a variety to opposing hitters.

"Dawn also will be a tremendous hitter in our lineup," Kunkle continued. "She has a good eye at the plate and can hit for power."

In addition to McClellan, USI's list of newcomers for the 2009 campaign include sophomore pitcher/infielder Amanda Brendel (Salem, Illinois), sophomore third baseman/outfielder Amanda Pravdica (Newburgh, Indiana), freshman pitcher/middle infielder Hadley Clark (Owensboro, Kentucky), and freshman utility player Lauren Smith (New Palestine, Indiana).

Dan McDonnell,
USI Sports Information