July 30, 2002

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford University head softball coach Beanie Ketcham has announced the signing of three freshmen and two transfer players to National Letters-of-Intent to play for the Bulldogs in 2003.

Ashley Huth a middle infielder comes to Samford from Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ketcham says, "Ashley brings a tremendous work ethic and competitive edge to our team. She is physically strong with solid skills. She has played with some of the best players coming out of Arizona, knows what it takes to compete and will bring high expectations to those playing around her."

Erin Hall is a utility player from Houston Academy in Dothan, Ala. Ketcham says, "Erin is a hungry player who is eager to learn and grow as an athlete. She is very intelligent and a student of the game which will make her valuable as a jack of all trades. She has the speed, the range and the smarts to play anywhere on the field. I am excited to see what she will achieve over the next four years."

Katie Dyer, who can play either first or third base, played at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn. Ketcham says, "Katie will add power to our lineup and could be one of the most feared hitters in the conference. She has a tremendous love for the game and a tireless work ethic. She has a great knowledge of the game and a unquenchable desire to be the best."

Trisha Holman originally from Foley, Ala., is a sophomore transfer from Gardner-Webb University where she played centerfield. Ketcham says, "Trisha will patrol the outfield with great speed and aggressiveness. She is a strong athlete who will be dangerous from both sides of the plate and reek havoc on the bases. She brings a great desire to win and will lift the level of play of those around her."

Bridgett Smith, originally from Knoxville, Tenn., is a junior transfer from Chattanooga State University where she was the starting catcher leading her team to a 5th place finish in the Junior College World Series. She has the ability to catch or play the infield. Ketcham says, "Bridgett is an excellent defensive catcher and a leader behind the plate. She will add experience and depth to a young infield as well a strong bat in the line up."