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Athletic News
12/15/2008 -
Trojans Sign Three To NLI
Mount Olive has signed three recruits to softball National Letters-of-Intent, it was announced by Trojan head softball coach Jaime Kylis-Higginbotham. Lauren Darden, Rebekah McDaniel and Olivia Poplin will enroll at Mount Olive in Fall 2009. All three signees are from North Carolina.
Darden, a pitcher from Mount Olive, posted a 19-6 record with a 1.02 earned run average for Southern Wayne High School last year. She recorded 251 strikeouts in 166 2/3 innings, an average of 10.5 strikeouts per seven innings pitched. Darden is a two-time All-State selection has been named District 2 3A Pitcher of the Year and Goldsboro News-Argus Area Pitcher of the Year in each of the last two years.
“Lauren has been our number one pitching recruit since her last game of her junior year,” said Kylis-Higginbotham. “I feel that she’ll continue to give MOC Softball that ‘dominating presence on the mound that we’ve enjoyed the last few years. Her work ethic is indescribable and she strives to get better every day.”
McDaniel, a catcher from Jacksonville, earned All-Conference and All-Area honors last year for White Oak High School. She’s a team captain and was her squad’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2008. She plays travel ball for the Carolina Diamonds in Greenville, N.C. Kylis-Higginbotham says McDaniel could also see time at third base and in the outfield.
“Rebekah will bring not only a dominating presence behind the plate, but she is a very versatile player and can play multiple positions,” said Kylis-Higginbotham. “She also has tremendous offensive power and we look forward to having her in our lineup”.
Poplin, an infielder from High Point, is a two-time All-Conference selection and earned All-District and All-County honors last year for Ledford High School. She was also selected to play in the 2008 State Games this past summer. She plays travel ball for the Randolph Rage and previously played for the Lady Blues of Charlotte, N.C. Kylis-Higginbotham says Poplin has the talent to play at the Division I level.
“I had the pleasure of working with Olivia during a camp this summer and I was just so impressed with her work ethic and overall versatility,” said Kylis-Higginbotham. “I was sure she would go Division I, so when she called to express her interest in MOC, I knew that she could help take us to the next level.”
Kylis-Higginbotham is excited about signing the three players, both for their on-field and off-field qualities.
“With the addition of these three young ladies, not only does this show that our talent level gets better every year, but that we are consistently bringing in young ladies with good family values, high morals and strong character, as well as a high level of work ethic in the classroom,” said Kylis-Higginbotham. “We are extremely excited to have them join our MOC Softball Family.”
Mount Olive posted a 29-21 record last year and was runner-up in the 2008 Conference Carolinas Tournament after finishing third in the regular season standings. The Trojans have compiled 68 wins in the past two seasons, a school record for a two-year win total.
Mount Olive opens the 2009 season February 14 at Catawba. The Trojans’ home opener takes place February 20 against Division II national power Shippensburg (Pa.).