SALEM, Ore. – Corban University head softball coach Rachel Martin has announced the list of nine recruits that have been added to the Warrior softball roster for the spring of 2021, bolstering an already talent-packed group.
California Johnson – UTL – 5'4" – Brighton HS – Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Johnson heads to Corban after four years at Brighton High School in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. In her time there, she was a four-year participant in varsity softball, as well as a three-year player on the basketball team. On the diamond, she boasted All-League Honorable Mention plaudits in her junior year, along with being named the Team MVP in her senior campaign.
Johnson will be studying biomedical science at the university.
Gracelyn Johnson – OF – 5'4" – North Medford HS – Medford, Ore.
A freshman outfielder from southern Oregon, Johnson competed for North Medford High School on the diamond in each of her four years of attendance. In addition, she was as a member of the volleyball team for two seasons. As a freshman, she was a part of the softball squad that won the Oregon 6A State Championship, and was one of just two rookies on the team. In her sophomore and junior campaigns, she was named an All-Conference outfielder.
In her time at Corban, Johnson will major in education, hoping to become an elementary school teacher.
Samantha Martinez – UTL – 5'3" – HP Baldwin HS – Wailuku, Hawaii
A native of the Hawaiian Islands, Martinez dominated on the diamond as a four-year utility player for HP Baldwin High School. She was selected to the MIL Division I All-Star team in 2018 for her efforts. In addition, she was a Heisman High School winner, while also being highlighted as an A&B Sports Spotlight Athlete. Her versatility should make her a valuable asset for Martin and company.
Alise Olson – P – 5'7" – Gresham HS – Gresham, Ore.
Olson arrives with the Warriors after four high school seasons at Gresham High School. Known for her leadership and discipline, she was a team captain for the squad in her junior and senior campaigns. Olson's brother, Evan Olson, is a right-handed hurler on the Corban University baseball program. She will follow in his footsteps as a member of the Navy and Gold softball pitching staff.
Olson hopes to earn a degree in accounting during her time in Salem.
Sarah Parker – INF – 5'3" – North Thurston HS – Olympia, Wash.
Known for her athletic prowess, Parker competed in volleyball, basketball, and softball at North Thurston High School. The Olympia, Wash. native was a magnet for accolades, as she was named to the All-Conference team in her sophomore and junior seasons. She also was awarded an Honorable Mention honor in her freshman campaign. In her junior year, she compiled Olympian All-Area First-Team plaudits, and was named the MVP of her squad as well.
Parker will study physical education at Corban, hoping to eventually teach the subject.
Tatiana Liu – P/DH – 5'11" – James Campbell HS – Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Originally hailing from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Liu brings a versatility to the Warrior ranks. The two-way threat gives coach Martin another weapon for both the batting lineup as well as the circle. Liu competed at James Campbell High School on the island of Oahu, where she was a two-time OIA Champion on the diamond.
During her time at the university, Liu will study psychology.
Cambria Kerze – INF – 5'7" – Oakmont HS – Roseville, Calif.
Kerze brings the presence of a defensive stalwart to the Navy and Gold. In her last of four varsity softball seasons at Oakmont High School, she recorded a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage at the hot corner, racking up 38 assists/putouts in 38 total chances. Her success in the classroom should also be noted, as she was a Scholar-Athlete honoree in both 2018 and 2019.
Kerze is set to major in kinesiology at Corban.
Meri McElligott – INF – 5'4" – Stadium HS – Tacoma, Wash.
Another exciting rookie, McElligott is an adaptable infielder who also has experience behind the dish. At Stadium High School in Tacoma, Wash., she was an All-League selection in each of her three full years (2017-2019) of competition. She was also tabbed as a member of the All-State Second-Team in 2019 as a catcher. In an incredible 2019 campaign, McElligott stung the ball at a .423 clip, while scoring 17 runs and knocking in 30. She reached base at a rate of .511, and she slugged at .718 clip.
McElligott intends to study kinesiology while in Salem.
Holly Gonzales – P – 5'3" – Ohlone College – John F. Kennedy HS – Fremont, Calif.
The lone transfer addition to the 2021 squad, Gonzales was a member of the Ohlone College Renegades from 2017-2019, where she was part of the squad that was both a Regional and Super Regional Champion in the CCCAA. Prior to her collegiate experience, Gonzales was a four-year starter at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont, Calif. She notched an impressive 2.04 ERA with 254 strikeouts over 194 innings pitched between her junior and senior seasons. She earned several awards, including All-Conference honors in each of her final three years, as well as All-North Coast Section team plaudits and All-Bay Area team honors in 2017.
Gonzales will major in sport and recreation management at Corban.
The Warriors are eagerly awaiting their season debut, itching to return to action after the 2020 season's abrupt halt. Corban was in the midst of a 13-game winning streak at the time, playing their best softball of the season.
A number of the 2020 squad's key contributors will be back in 2021, and the dynamic batch of newcomers figures to add more depth to the team in its pursuit of a Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) title run.
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