KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- University of Michigan senior Nikki Nemitz(St. Clair Shores, Mich./Regina HS) was selected during the 2010 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) College Senior Draft on Wednesday evening (Feb. 10) at the Heritage Key Resort. Both
Becoming the fourth Wolverine in program history to earn first-round selection, Nemitz was the fourth overall pick of the draft and the first pitcher chosen. A two-time NFCA All-American and 2009 Big Ten Player of the Year, Nemitz posted a 28-7 record with a 1.07 earned-run average and 306 strikeouts as a junior. She also boasted career-best statistics at the plate last season, registering a .292 average with 19 extra-base hits and 37 runs batted in. Over the summer, Nemitz contributed to the gold-medal performance by USA Softball Women's National Team at the 2009 Pan-American Qualifier in Maracay, Venezuela
Katie McNamara of Southern Illinois earns second straight State Farm MVC Pitcher of the Week Award. Southern Illinois is ranked #22 in the latest ESPN Div.I National ranking. Senior pitcher went 2-0 with 13 strikeouts and no earned runs at Bojangle Invitational Feb. 23, 2009 by Kyle Herm
ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Valley Conference announced senior Katie McNamara as the State Farm MVC Pitcher of the Week on Monday for the second straight week. McNamara (Putnam Valley, N.Y., Putnam Valley HS) continued her brilliant start with two more wins at the Bojangle's Elon Invitational to improve to 5-0 this season. The senior went the entire weekend without giving up an earned run (10 innings), recorded 13 strikeouts and only gave up five hits to help keep the Salukis undefeated. McNamara has also not allowed an earned run in all 27 innings pitched this season. Her first victory came in 4 outstanding innings of relief to shut the door on Elon and preserve SIU's 6-5 lead on Saturday. She entered in the fourth inning and struck out four of the first six batters she faced and only allowed two hits. McNamara picked up another win in six quality innings of relief against North Carolina A&T on Sunday. She entered in the fifth with two runners on and no outs and immediately stopped the Aggies' scoring opportunity by striking out three straight batters. McNamara finished the game with eight strikeouts and only gave up three hits to help SIU win in the top of the 10th inning 4-2. The Saluki pitching staff, which ranks first in the MVC, has won all three pitcher of the week awards this season. Sophomore Danielle Glosson won on Feb. 9 before McNamara's two straight honors.
Concord University Lady Mountain Lions Softball Nails Michigan Stud Outfielder
On Monday, November 17, 2008, the Concord Softball team inked yet another elite player, this time finding Mariel Wilson, Senior Outfielder from Northville High School in Michigan. "Mariel brings much needed force and speed to the outfield. She will likely step in as a freshman to help out the Lady Mountain Lions," stated Coach McCullough when asked about Wilson. "She is enthusiastic and loves the game. We are SUPER excited to have her!"
Up to date, Mariel has proven to be successful on the field at both the high school and ASA Gold level. Last spring, Mariel converted from Short Stop to Centerfield to fill a void for the high school team. She batted .313 from the leadoff position, scoring 29 runs in 34 games (team lead), stealing 13 of 13 bases. She was awarded to the All Division and All Area First Team respectively. She led Northville High School to a 29-5 record, winning Districts, but falling just short in the Regionals.
During the summer months, Mariel batted .467 with 2 HR 6 doubles and 1 triple, in a league in Michigan to maintain her accuracy both offensively and defensively.
Toward the end of last summer, Mariel joined the NJ Beach Girls Gold and played a full fall schedule with tournaments in New Jersey, Phoenix, Huntington Beach, and San Diego. She was 14 for 41, .340 in 28 games.
Just this fall, she batted .476 with a team lead 3 triples. Her team was 14-0 and won league championship.
It's just a matter of time, until Mariel will join the Lady Mountain Lions here at Concord. We wish her the best of luck during her Senior year.
Rutgers
Diana Consolmagno enters her third season as an assistant coach with the Rutgers softball team. Consolmagno enjoyed a standout collegiate career as a four-year captain at the University of Wisconsin and a member of several successful Badger teams.
A former outfielder herself, Consolmagno assists with the Scarlet Knight outfielders and in 2007 the team saw great success under her guidance as left fielder Amanda Heller was named to the All-BIG EAST second team.
In 2001 and 2002, Wisconsin qualified for the NCAA Tournament and had the best finish in the Big Ten Conference. Consolmagno also won numerous awards during her collegiate career. She received the Badger Pride Award and the Coach’s Award, and was named the Most Inspirational Player as well as the Freshman of the Year.
In addition to her collegiate playing career, Consolmagno was a four-year member of the NY/NJ Beach Girls Gold Travel Organization where she was a Gold Nationals Participant. She also played in the University of Hawaii Invitational Softball Tournament, where was named to the All-Tournament Team.
Consolmagno also has significant coaching experience. As a graduate assistant at the College of Staten Island from 2004-2006, she was the hitting, outfield, and strength and conditioning coach. During her tenure, Staten Island reached two CUNY championships and qualified for two NCAA Division III Tournaments.
In addition, Consolmagno was a hitting, fielding, and strength and conditioning instructor at the Jim Agnello Baseball Academy where she worked with players on their hitting skills and organized group clinics. She has also coached teams in the New York Panthers Travel Softball Organization for over six years.
Consolmagno received her Bachelor of Science degree in human ecology-child development and family studies from the University of Wisconsin in 2004. She recently completed her master’s degree in special education from the College of Staten Island in August 2006.
