Fischer Signs Five Recruits to Complete 2007-08 Softball Class

Nov. 16, 2006

NORMAL, Ill. - As the Illinois State softball team continues to win conference championships and make NCAA regional appearances, young softball players are eager to join the successful Redbird program. ISU head coach Melinda Fischer extended that opportunity to five new recruits this week, signing them on for the 2007-08 season. Fischer inked five recruits with the Redbird softball program, as Chrissy Burton (Mapleton, Ill.), Kasey Martin (Lenexa, Kan.), Abby Olson (Hartsburg, Ill.), Brittany McElmury (Mokena, Ill.) and Katie Mathis (Shawnee, Kan.) all signed National Letters of Intent to continue their education and softball careers at Illinois State.

Fischer feels that this recruiting class will add some depth to the existing lineup and help fill some holes created by graduation.

"In this particular recruiting class, we needed to add players in the pitching and catching positions," said Fischer. "Our other focus was on versatility--players who could play a couple of positions and then provide some offensive production, as well. Chrissy Burton will bring a tremendous work ethic to the circle. Abby Olson will add depth to the catching position, as well as provide some serious power at the plate. Katie Mathis brings with her two years of college experience and the ability to play anywhere on the infield or in the outfield. Brittany McElmury can play first, short, outfield and pitch. We wanted to add at least on left-handed batter and we were able to recruit two in Kasey Martin and Chrissy Burton. They will both add some pop from the left side of the plate. Kasey also brings a great hitter's mentality, especially in clutch hitting situations. We also were looking to recruit players who had been in leadership roles. Each one of these players has great leadership potential."

As a whole, Fischer believes in each of these recruits, recognizing their individual accolades and the contributions they will make to the Redbird softball program.

"All these girls come from good, winning programs, whether it be their high school, junior college or summer team situations," said Fischer. "They have been successful academically, as well. You must have players that can balance their athletic and academic responsibilities. I really feel that these five are capable of doing that. They are all great competitors. We look for girls who play hard and have a passion for the game. They must understand the team concept and are ready to take their game to the Division I level."

2007-08 Illinois State Softball Signees

Chrissy Burton
Mapleton, Ill.
Illini Bluffs High School
L/R
Pitcher
• Plays for the Bloomington-Normal Girls Softball Association (BNGSA) Angels summer league team • Three-sport athlete, competing in volleyball, basketball and softball • Picked to the 2006 first-team all-state and all-area teams • Helped her high school team to a 25-4 record in 2006, losing in the sectional finals to Olympia • Earned a 17-4 record on the mound for Illini Bluffs in 2006 • As a sophomore, posted a 20-2 pitching record, helping her team to regional and sectional titles • Plans to major in kinesiology

Kasey Martin
Lenexa, Kan.
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School
L/R
1st Base/Outfield
• Plays for the K.C. Pride Gold 18 summer team • Named as a first-team all-state selection in 2006 • High school team posted a 21-3 record in 2006, claiming the regional championship • High school team earned state runner-up honors in 2005 • Recorded a .514 batting average as a junior, leading her team in RBI • Earned several first-team honors including, All-Johnson County, All-Sunflower League, All-Metro and All-Sun County • Anticipated major is elementary education

Abby Olson
Hartsburg, Ill.
Hartem High School
R/R
Catcher/Corner Infielder
• Plays summer softball with the BNGSA Angels with fellow recruit Chrissy Burton • Two-sport athlete, playing volleyball and softball • Defeated Breese Central in the 2006 Class A Volleyball Championship, helping her team claim the state title • Named first-team all-conference in 2006 • A member of the Hartem student council for three years • Led Pantagraph area in batting average (.521) in 2006, as well as leading Hartem freshman through junior years • Selected as first-team All-Tomahawk Conference the past two seasons • Four-year varsity letterwinner in softball • Anticipated major is criminal justice

Brittany McElmury
Mokena, Ill.
Lincoln Way East High School
R/R
Utility
• Plays on the Crete Quest summer softball team • Compiled a .368 batting average and .575 slugging percentage with Crete Quest • High school team claimed both regional and sectional championships in 2006 and a second-place conference finish • Named to the high honor roll, as well as receiving the Athletic-Scholar Award from Lincoln-Way East High School • A member of the National Honor Society • Pitching as a sophomore, was named all-area honorable mention and as the MVP of the Stone City All Jamboree • Plans to major in communication

Katie Mathis
Shawnee, Kan.
Johnson County Community College (JCCC)
R/R
Utility
• As a freshman at JCCC, named an NFCA Academic All-American, and was on the Dean's honor roll both semesters • Designated as the leadoff batter at JCCC, compiling a .324 batting average with 31 RBI and 24 stolen bases and 3 home runs • Named to the East Jayhawk All-Conference Second Team • Picked to the 6A first-team all-state, all-metro and all-Johnson County teams as a senior at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School • Selected to play in the Mo. vs. Kan. All-Star game her senior year of high school • Recorded a .413 batting average, with 24 hits, 14 RBI and 10 stolen bases as a senior • A member of the honor roll all four years of high school • Plans to major in accounting