AMERICUS – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) head softball coach, Eddie Ward, and assistant coach, Abby Child, recently announced the addition of four early signees for the 2018 season.
Lauren Kuerzi – LaGrange High School, LaGrange, Ga. – Shortstop – 5’8”
Kuerzi has been the starting shortstop at LaGrange High School since her freshman year. She has played a key role, offensively and defensively, for the Lady Grangers throughout her four years as a starter. Offensively, Kuerzi has accumulated a .355 batting average, .434 on-base percentage, 83 RBIs and 11 total home runs.
Kuerzi’s most successful offensive year came during her junior season when she compiled a .495 batting average, had six home runs and 32 RBIs. She has played a key part in three state playoff appearances during her freshman, sophomore and junior years.
Autumn Tripp – Wilcox County High School, Rochelle, Ga. – Utility Player – 5’1”
As a freshman Tripp was chosen as the Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region and was the Academic Representative for her team.
In 2014 she was the Utility Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region, All-State Honorable Mention, Region 2A Champions, Class A Public State Runner Up and Academic Representative as a sophomore.
As a junior, Tripp was selected as the Outfield Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-Region, Class A Public State Final Four, Academic Representative and was a member of the region 2A Championship Team.
During her senior year, Tripp and her team took third place in the Class A State Tournament, was once again the Academic Representative, and completed the year with a 1.729 ERA on the rubber.
Katie Young – Opelika High School, Opelika, Ala. – Second Base – 5’2”
Young was chosen as the First Team All-State Second Baseman in 2016, participated in the North and South All-Star Game and made the 2016 All-Area Team.
Kirstin Reynolds – Glenwood School, Smiths Station, Ala. – Catcher – 5’7”
Reynolds was chosen for the second team All-East Alabama Team and was Second Team All-Prep Athlete as a sophomore. She was also an All-East Honorable Mention and made the Prep Softball All-Area Team.
As a junior, Reynolds was a First Team All-Bi-City player and made the First Team Prep-Softball All-Area team.
Reynolds was the State Championship MVP, First team All-State AISA and All Bi-City Player of the Year during her senior year.