Thunder Softball Announces 2011-2012 Recruits

June 14

Wes Vork-NSO

The Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College softball team has added two more recruits over the past week bringing their total to eight new players for next season. Joining the Thunder in the 2011-2012 season will be Jennifer Skime of Roseau and Sarah Sample of McGregor.

“We really like the athleticism of this incoming group,” said Thunder head coach Kerry Rodd. “We recognize the need to continue to try and get better athletically and I think we’ve taken a huge leap with this class we are bringing in.”

Skime, the first Roseau player to play for FDLTCC, is a speedy outfielder who has the ability to run the ball down in the outfield. Sample, another McGregor athlete, has been a first baseman and outfielder during her career for the Mercs and is the school’s all-time leading scorer in basketball.

“Both of these players are gifted athletically,” mentioned Rodd. “They will have the ability to play multiple positions and that is important at the college level.”

The Thunder also are bringing in Cloquet pitcher Denise Rodd, McGregor pitcher Courtney Kruse, Mandi Maruca a utility player from Duluth East, Jenna Shanda an infielder from Barnum, Kari Palmi another swift outfielder from Esko and catcher Dayna Elmer from Cromwell.

“This class will add speed with Skime, Sample, Maruca, Elmer and Palmi,” commented Rodd. “We add a lot of pitching depth with Kruse and Denise (Rodd) and Elmer is a solid catcher. We also add a bunch of power from Shanda, Kruse, Elmer and Maruca among others.”

As part of their recruiting philosophy the Thunder are continuing to look for even more players to join their squad next season.

“We do know that things can change at the community college level,” explained Rodd. “So we are constantly looking for more players to add talent and depth at every position.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com