CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball head coach Frank Reed announced on Thursday the signing of Brittany Perez (Miami, Fla.), Jennifer Garcia (Miami, Fla.), Cheyenne Willis (Winchester, Tenn.) and Sarah Beth Roberts (Mt. Juliet, Tenn.) to National Letters of Intent for the 2011-12 season. Reed discussed his signing class with GoMocs.com, which can be viewed to the right.
"We are excited about that 2011 signing class," said Reed. "They bring a combination of speed and power along with left and right side hitting and pitching. It looks like this is going to be a complete class for us and we can't wait till they get here."
Perez and Garcia were two players taken out of the talent rich Miami, Fla., area and both will add pitching depth for the Lady Mocs, who graduate seniors Kandice Irwin (Knoxville, Tenn.) and Nikki Waters (Soddy Daisy, Tenn.) following the 2011 season.
A stellar pitcher and first baseman from Florida Christian High School, Perez, helped the Lady Patriots and head coach Scott Steemer to the state finals last season. Perez was named first team all-state in 2010, while garnering second team honors in 2009. Coach Bill Richards guided Perez for the Pembroke Pines Thunder during the off season.
"Brittany has come a long way in the last few years," said Reed. "She is a big kid, throws the ball really hard and gives our pitching staff some velocity. We are excited about getting her in the program and starting her development."
Garcia has played multiple positions at G. Holmes Braddock High School including shortstop, outfield and pitcher for head coach Andy Marcote. She was a key component in the Bulldogs 2010 playoff run to the FHSAA Final Four, their first ever appearance, after capturing district and regional titles. She also played with the Miami Lady Canes travel team.
"Jenni is a real versatile player," said Reed. "We look at Jenni as a middle infielder that can play outfield and pitches. We are probably going to call on her to do all three. Jenni certainly has proved herself on the mound and looks like she is going to be a busy girl for us."
Coach Reed also added two in-state products in Willis and Roberts that both played numerous positions for their high school and travel teams.
From Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Roberts is a two-time All-District 9AAA selection for head coach Kacey Pedigo at Mt. Juliet High School. She paced the Golden Bears with .493 batting average driving in 27 runs and swiped 24 bases as a junior and plays with the Team Worth Gold travel squad in the off season. A multi-sport athlete, Roberts, also lettered in basketball for two seasons.
"Sarah Beth is a tremendous player," said Reed. "She is a big kid with a lot of versatility and speed. She is a tremendous asset for us coming out of the Nashville area and set numerous high school records. We are excited to have a player of Sarah Beth's caliber."
Willis is a native of Winchester, Tenn., and has played both infield positions on the left side and the outfield for head coach Terry Floyd at Coffee County Central High School. With 47 stolen bases and .404 batting average in 2010, she brings a consistent bat in the lineup and uses her speed on the base paths. She is a two-time all-mid state selection and was a District 6AAA Most Valuable Player. During the summer, she played with the Frost Falcons coached by Chris and Kami Edwards.
"Cheyenne may be one of the most versatile players," said Reed. "She can be that player that can drop the bunt, hit the slap and hit the ball out of the park. She is a strong kid with a strong arm and is a great defensive player. We are looking for Cheyenne to step in and be an immediate impact for us."
With the early signing class completed, Chattanooga focuses on its preparation for the 2011 season that is set to begin in mid February. The Lady Mocs look to defend their fourth-consecutive Southern Conference Regular Season title.