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Head coach Paul Wetmore signs four softball players to National Letters of Intent for the 2009-10 academic year.

Liberty University Head Softball Coach Paul Wetmore has announced the signing of Katrina Johnson, Jill Stephens, Lauren Trentham and Katie Warrington to NLIs for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Katrina “Kat” Johnson (5-10, P/1B, Levelland, Texas)
Katrina “Kat” Johnson will come to Liberty from Levelland High School in Levelland, Texas, where she has played varsity softball for the Lobos since 2005.

The right-handed pitcher, who also shared first base and outfield duties, was named district MVP for three consecutive years and boasts a 0.22 ERA with 1,151 strikeouts during her high school career.

As a freshman at Levelland, Johnson was named the district MVP and received a TSWA all-state honorable mention, while leading the Lobos to a district championship.

During Johnson’s sophomore campaign, she tossed 15 shutouts and recorded 400 strikeouts. The Lobos again claimed the district championship, and Johnson was named to the TGCA All-State first-team, TSWA All-State second-team, and NFCA Louisville Slugger All South-Central Region second-team.

“We are very pleased to have Kat joining our team,” Wetmore said. “She throws in the mid-60’s with a knee-buckling change-up and a great drop-curve. Kat has prepared well for the next level by playing for some good travel ball teams, including the Texas Glory Gold. I believe she will be an impact player for us.”

In the classroom, Johnson has a 4.09 GPA and is ranked third in her class of 200 students.

Jill Stephens (5-4, OF, Kansas City, Mo.)
Jill Stephens is entering her fourth and final season as an outfielder for Raytown High School in Kansas City, Mo.

Stephens is a three-time all-conference honoree, and a two-time all-district and all-region player. She was also named to the first-team All-Metro Kansas City in 2007.

The left-handed hitter maintained a .482 batting average at Raytown, with an on-base percentage of .583 and slugging percentage of .827 in 2008. Stephens also competed for the Kansas City Xtreme travel team, which qualified for the USSSA 18A Nationals.

“Jill is the full package, a five-tool player,” commented Wetmore. “She can hit, hit for power, slap, bunt, steal bases with great footspeed, play outstanding outfield and has a cannon of an arm. All this and a 4.0 GPA. She has impact written all over her. She is a great fit for Liberty University.”

Stephens is ranked first in her class and serves as an educational tutor in the Raytown School District A+ Initiative program. She is also a hitting and fielding instructor in a community recreational softball program.

Her father, Kevin Stephens, is a graduate of Liberty.

Lauren Trentham (5-1, 2B/SS/OF, Chester, Va.)
Lauren Trentham is a senior at James River High School in Midlothian, Va., where she has been a three-year starter at various positions for the Rapids.

The right-handed hitter has a career batting average of .409 with an on-base percentage of .558 during her time as a varsity player. As a high school athlete, Trentham was named second-team All-District, second-team All-Metro and the team MVP. Her name is included in the James River High School Top 10 career record book for runs scored, singles, doubles and total hits. She also competes for the Richmond Storm.

“The ultimate utility player is what we see in L.T.,” remarked Wetmore. “She can play middle infield for outfield, and has good footspeed. She plays hard every day and will bring a lot of energy to our team.”

Trentham boasts a 4.19 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. She was also named to the list of Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

Katie Warrington (5-4, P/OF, Townsend, Del.)
Katie Warrington is a right-handed pitcher who comes to Liberty from Red Lion Christian Academy in Bear, Del. She has pitched for the Lions for three years, leading the state in no-hitters for two consecutive seasons.

Warrington posted a 0.34 ERA for the 2008 season, tallying 208 strikeouts. The all-conference honoree was named a second-team all-state player, as well as her team MVP.

As a pitcher for the New Jersey Breakers Gold, Warrington posts a record of 21-2 with 112 strikeouts and a 0.78 ERA last season.

“Katie will fill out our pitching needs, as she has outstanding movement and control,” stated Wetmore. “Playing for one of the best travel ball teams in the country, the NJ Breakers, has given Katie a huge foundation for her collegiate career. We are thrilled to have her in the circle for us.”
Warrington has maintained a 4.0 GPA during her time at Red Lion.