Valparaiso University head softball coach Randy Schneider has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent for the 2007 season.

Carrie Franson (Arlington, Wis./Poynette) will arrive at Valpo as one of the most decorated prep players in the program's history. As a junior, Franson pitched Poynette High School to the 2005 Division 3 State Championship and was named Wisconsin Player of the Year. She went 13-0, threw seven no-hitters, one perfect game, carried a miniscule 0.02 earned run average, and boasted a 2.4 strikeout/inning pitched ratio. In addition to her Player of the Year accolades, Franson was named a First Team All-State, First Team All-Conference and First Team All-District performer.

?Carrie has the leadership, poise and experience to be a dominant Division 1 pitcher," Schneider said, ?She will make an immediate impact on our program."

Joining Franson in the class of 2007, is another highly decorated high school star, Whitney Warner (Greenwood, Ind./Center Grove). A catcher, Warner helped Center Grove to the 2003 Indiana 3A Championship and a runner up finish in 2004. In 2005, as a junior, Warner earned First Team All-State recognition after earning Third Team All-State honors in 2004. A career .388 hitter, Warner was named the 2005 Indianapolis Star and Johnson County Player of the Year. As a sophomore in 2004, she caught and called pitches for Ms. Indiana Softball.

?Whitney brings a great attitude in the classroom and on the field," Schneider said, ?She will bring immediate leadership here after playing for one of the best high school programs in the state of Indiana."

Valpo begins the 2006 season on the road in Orlando, Fla. at the Rebel Spring Games, March 5-11. The Crusaders open their home season at the Valparaiso University Softball Field March 28 at 2:00 p.m. against Central Michigan. Many home games this season will be carried live on 95.1 FM, WVUR, and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.