Nov. 26, 2003
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - San Diego State softball head coach Kathy Van Wyk announced today the signing of five players who will join the 2005 squad: Dani Sidoti, Megan McDonald, Chrissie Markham, Kristen Carranza and Allison Smith.
"This has to be the most talented recruiting class in the history of Aztec softball," Van Wyk said. "We are so pleased to have these five young ladies joining us. They are not only talented softball players but good people as well. They will fit in nicely with the group we have.
"Each year the skill level of this program improves and, with the opening of our new stadium in 2005, we are getting looks from the highest levels of ability. We've set our goals high and these young ladies are perfect fits to help us achieve those goals."
Dani Sidoti plays outfield, shortstop and second base for Salpointe Catholic HS in Tucson, Ariz. She was named all-state in 2003 and all-southern Arizona in 2003 and 2002. She was also chosen in August to try out for the United States Junior Women's National Team.
Megan McDonald plays catcher and third base for Cactus HS in Glendale, Ariz., and the Arizona Outlaws Gold club team. She helped lead Cactus HS to the 2003 4A state championship and a 33-1 record with a .513 batting average, three home runs and 29 RBI. She was named to the 2003 first team 4A all-state team as a catcher.
Chrissie Markham is a shortstop and third baseman for Mountain Ridge HS in Glendale, Ariz. She played in 2002 and 2001 for the Arizona Outlaws Gold team, helping McDonald lead the 2003 squad to a 17th-place finish at nationals. Her play at MRHS earned her recognition on the 2003 all-Arizona and 5A all-state teams. She was also named the 5A Northwest Region co-player of the year.
Kristen Carranza is an outfielder and first baseman for Burlingame HS in Burlingame, Calif., and the West Bay Nuggets 18-under Gold team. Her play at Burlingame HS earned her first team all-Peninsula Athletic League honors in 2002 and second team honors in 2003. She was also named first team all-San Mateo County in both 2002 and 2003.
Allison Smith, a teammate of Carranza at both Burlingame HS and for the West Bay Nuggets, plays shortstop. Smith and Carranza helped lead Burlingame HS to the 2003 Division II CIF Central Coast Section Championship.