Nov. 17, 2009

Stillwater, Okla. — Oklahoma State has signed four softball players to National Letters of Intent, it was announced today by head coach Rich Wieligman. All four players will be eligible for the 2010-11 season.

Tarah Ettinger, a senior at Oswego East High School in Plainfield, Ill., is a catcher that can play multiple positions. This past summer, she was invited to the Canadian National team camp, and was impressive enough that the selection committee included her on the women’s national team at the Canada Cup. She also competed for the Junior National Team at the Easton Junior World Cup Tournament.

“Tarah is a good, strong leader and has a good work ethic,” Wieligman said. “She’s had a chance to develop her skills behind the plate with the Canadian national team, and will definitely compete for playing time next year.”

Simone Freeman is a senior at Gilroy Catholic High School in Baulkham Hills, New South Wales, Australia. She is one of four finalists for the Australian Junior National Player of the Year and has had some international experience with the Australian National Team.

“Simone is on the national developmental team down in Australia,” said Wieligman. “She played in the Japan Cup this past summer, pitching against some of the world’s best hitters.  With her international experience, we look for Simone to come in and make an immediate impact.”

Morgan Hawkins, a senior at Fort Bend Austin High School in Sugarland, Texas, is a pitcher for the Texas Eclipse summer team. She was named a first-team All-District 23-5A selection as a junior last season.

“Morgan is a hard thrower,” Wieligman said. “We believe she has the potential to come in and be a top-notch pitcher on our staff.”

Ariana Morrison, a senior at Northwood High School in Irvine, Calif., is a second baseman who will compete for playing time in the outfield. She is a left-handed slap hitter who hits for power. Once on, she’s a constant threat to steal.

“Ariana will bring a lot of speed to our team,” said Wieligman. “She’s a slapper who can hit for power. She has the ability to put a lot of pressure on a defense and will allow us to score in a lot of different ways.”

Oklahoma State will lose a total of five senior starters following the 2010 season, including pitcher Anna Whiddon, catcher Sam Heinlein, and outfielders Katelyn Bright, Breana Casaus and Megan Castle.

“This class overall will help ease the loss of our current seniors, both in the battery and in the outfield,” Wieligman said. “We’re confident that with this recruiting class, along with the players we already have on our roster, we will continue to develop and grow this team into consistent championship contenders.”

2010-11 Oklahoma State Softball Signees
Tarah Ettinger     C    Fr.    Plainfield, Ill. (Oswego East High School)
Simone Freeman     P    Fr.    Baulkham Hills, NSW, Australia (Gilroy Catholic)
Morgan Hawkins     P    Fr.    Sugarland, Texas (Fort Bend Austin High School)
Ariana Morrison    OF   Fr.    Irvine, Calif. (Northwood High School)