Four Local Athletes Commit To FDLTCC Softball Program

Mar 19, 2012

Wes Vork-NSO

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet has announced the first four players of their 2013 women’s fast pitch recruiting class. As part of the early signing period the college has received verbal commitments from some of the top players in the area.

The following players have provided verbal commitments;

Shania Paulson 3rd base Cloquet High School

Stephanie Torgeson Pitcher Proctor High School

Kourtney Karppinen Shortstop South Ridge High School

Karyn Horvath 1st base Proctor High School

“This is a good start to the recruiting process,” mentioned Thunder coach Kerry Rodd. “By no means are we done, but this is an excellent beginning to the process.”

Paulson has been a three-year starter at third base for Cloquet and is widely considered one of the top defensive third baseman in the Northland.

“Shania is a great defensive player who has played at the highest summer level of ball,” commented Rodd. “She will be as good as any player we’ve had with the glove and that is saying a lot about her abilities.”

Torgeson has quietly become a top pitcher in the area and is looking to make the next step to college ball. “Torgeson gives us a very good competitor who has improved dramatically over the past year,” Rodd explained. “She attended our winter pitching clinics and I am excited about her abilities.”

Karppinen had already signed a letter of intent to play volleyball and basketball at the college and Rodd says she could be a big key in the future of the Thunder. “She comes from a very athletic family and background” said Rodd. “Kourtney and I talked this past week about her playing softball and she is excited about playing all three sports now at the college. I like what she brings to the table for us.”

Horvath is an outfielder that is not as well known as the other three players, but Rodd insists she is just the type of player who will thrive in the Thunder system. “Karyn is athletic, but has not reached full softball potential,” suggested Rodd. “Her potential is high and we seem to do pretty well with athletic kids and getting them to reach another level.”

The Thunder will open their 2012 campaign on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 20th and 21st at the Rosemount Irish Dome in Rosemount, Minnesota with six games in two days.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com