Aggie Softball Inks Four

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Rebecca Arbino

COLLEGE STATION, Texas- The Texas A&M softball team signed four athletes to national letters of intent, head coach Jo Evans announced Wednesday.

Joining the Aggies for the 2008-2009 season are Rebecca Arbino (Clovis, Calif.), Taryn Broussard (Lake Jackson, Texas), Eden Morris (Cohutta, Ga.) and Kelsea Orsak (Pearland, Texas).

“This is a very talented class,” A&M head coach Jo Evans said. “Their greatest asset is their versatility. They have the ability to play numerous positions and to come in and make an immediate impact in our program. They already bleed maroon and I am excited to have them join our Aggie Family.”

Arbino will join the Aggies in the circle in ’09. Arbino’s junior campaign saw her post a 0.84 ERA, recording 217 strikeouts in 216 innings of work earning her NFCA Louisville Slugger second team All-Region, first team All-State - Underclassmen, first team All-CIF-CS, first team All-Valley, and first team All-Tri-Rivers Athletic Conference (TRAC) honors. She was also selected to the all-city team and voted the team’s most valuable player. As a sophomore, Arbino garnered second team All-TRAC honors. She was named one of adidas Top 100 athletes and was also selected one of the Fresno Bee’s Central Section “Top 3 Pitchers”. Her efforts in the classroom saw her named a Scholar Athlete and a NSCA Academic All-American. As a freshman, Arbino was selected first team All-TRAC as well as being named TRAC and Clovis High School “Rookie of the Year”. She was also honored as a Scholar Athlete. Arbino has played summer ball for the Corona Angels (2007), Fresno Force (2005), and Central Valley Krush (2004).

“Becca is a very talented pitcher. She has been competing against the best hitters in the country at her age level and has been very successful,” Evans commented. “Becca is an imposing presence at 6’0. She plays on one of the best teams in the country and has established herself as a pitcher who throws hard and is not afraid to go right at hitters. She will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact in our program.”

Broussard comes to A&M as a first baseman that can also be called on to patrol the outfield. Her junior campaign saw her named first team all-district and first team All-Brazoria County. She was voted by her Brazoswood teammates as Varsity Offensive Player of the Year and was an Academic all-district selection. Broussard was named Who’s Who in the Junior Class at Brazoswood High School and a Texas Scholar. She has been on the Academic Honor Roll since ninth grade. Broussard is the team captain for her summer team, the Texas Connection Gold. In 2006, she was selected to the all-star team and then chosen to play in the All-American game at the Sparkler Tournament in Westminster, CO. She was the 2004 Home Run Derby Champion at the Colorado Fireworks Tournament and Best Offensive Player at the ULL softball summer camp.

“Taryn is a talented hitter who can play first base and outfield,” Evans said. “She is a true lefty hitter who drives the ball in the gaps and can also hit the long ball. Taryn has the potential to be an RBI leader for us.”

Morris, who will join the Aggies as a catcher, was named Georgia Daily Citizen News All-Area team Honorable Mention for 2005 and 2006. She was also named to the 2006 North Cobb Warrior Classic All-Tournament team. Off the field, Morris was a four-year member of the varsity swimming team. She was a three-time All-Academic Scholar Athlete and a member of the National Honor Society and German National Honor Society. Morris played summer ball for Georgia Elite Gold out of Lawrenceville, GA. She was coached by Chenita Rogers-Edwards, who was a member of the 1986 Cal State Fullerton National Championship team. Her travel team recently finished ninth at the 2007 ASA Nationals held in College Station over the summer.

“It didn't take long for us to realize Eden would be a great fit at Texas A&M,” Evans said. “She came on an unofficial visit last year and I was impressed with how much she already knew about the history and tradition of A&M. She is artistic, athletic, and a disciplined student. Eden is a versatile athlete who has the ability to contribute to our team’s success in a variety of roles.”

Orsak is a catcher who can also man one of the corner positions if needed. Her junior campaign saw her named a NFCA All-American along with being selected TGCA 5A All-State, NFCA first team All-Region, TSWA first team All-State catcher, All-Brazoria County first team, and 25-5A first team All-District. She was also voted Pearland High School’s Offensive Player of the Year and earned Academic all-district accolades. As a sophomore, Orsak was selected first team all-district as a first baseman, All-Brazoria County Honorable Mention and was voted PHS’ Most Improved Player. Orsak was named PHS Rookie of the Year following her freshman season in 2005. She also served a stint with the volleyball team as an outside hitter. Orsak played travel ball for the Texas Aces Gold who placed ninth at the 2007 Colorado Fireworks Tournament and the ASA Gold Nationals.

“Kelsea is a gifted athlete,” Evans said. “She has tremendous speed and will fit in well with our aggressive style of offense. She is a strong, fast, explosive athlete who can hit and slap from the left side. Her versatility is an asset and she could potentially play infield, outfield, or catcher.”

The 2008 season marks Coach Evans’ 12th season at the helm of Aggie softball. She returns a total of 10 letterwinners and six starters from last year’s squad that made its sixth consecutive postseason appearance, which included a trip to the Women’s College World Series.

The Aggies will play their first home game of the 2008 season on February 13th against Sam Houston State. For a complete softball game-schedule visit www.AggieAthletics.com.

2007-08 SOFTBALL SIGNING CLASS (4)