Two sign with Bulls softball; 2013 prospect commits

Posted Apr 25, 2011 by Adam Adkins

Updated Apr 25, 2011 at 06:42 PM

The final pieces to USF softball coach Ken Eriksen’s recruiting class for 2011 haven’t yet been announced, but the group will include junior college catcher Kaitlyn Santo and prep infielder/outfielder D’Anna Devine.

Santo, who played high school softball locally at Palm Harbor, is currently at Indian River State College, which is the top-ranked program in the state and No. 4 nationally.

“She’s a team captain for us, and she’s a person that I kind of lean on, as far as she’s taken that leadership role of our team where whenever I try to get information out she’s the one that always makes sure all the players are where they’re supposed to be,” Indian River coach Dale Atkinson said. “Those are the kinds of intangibles you get with her, other than her just being a really good player. She was an all-conference player for us.”

Santo rehabbed a shoulder injury in the 2010 season and will come to the Bulls as a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility, Atkinson said.

Devine currently plays at Pennsbury High in Fairless Hills, Pa., where she’s been an all-state player in each high school season, according to Rick Waye, Devine’s coach with the travel ball squad Newton Rock Gold.

Devine, who was among 42 players nationally to receive in an invite to the U.S. Junior National Team tryouts last summer, is extremely versatile defensively, capable of playing anywhere on the diamond outside the circle. She hits from the left side and has good power, but she also is a good slap-hitter, which helps her take advantage of one of her best attributes.

“She’s just been blessed with speed. I kid Kenny all the time that she reminds me of a female version of Earl Campbell. She can run, and she is big and fast,” Waye said. “She’s a wonderful young lady. She’s probably one of the best all-around athletes I’ve ever coached.”

Devine was teammates on Newton Rock Gold with Samantha Greiner, a pitcher from Sparta, N.J., who was one of three players to sign with the Bulls during the early period.

And a third product of the Newton Rock Gold program also is headed to the Bulls.

Waye said Susan Wysocki, a Class of 2013 prospect, recently gave a verbal pledge to USF. Wysocki, a sophomore right-handed pitcher, plays high school softball at Camden Catholic in Cherry Hill, N.J.

“She’s 6-foot, throws very hard,” Waye said. “She’ll be another nice addition to Kenny’s stable.”