Valparaiso softball coach Randy Schneider announced today that four players have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period. Kathryn Boldt, Lisa DeBruzzi, Jill Jacobson, and Jamie Weinburger will join the Crusader program as freshman for the 2008 season.

Boldt, a 5'11" corner infielder from Red Wing H.S. in Red Wing, Minn., is a three-time first team All-Area player for the Wingers. She has also been named to the Missota Conference first team three times. In addition to softball, Boldt starts for the Wingers' volleyball, basketball and hockey teams.

?Kathryn is a great athlete," said Schneider. ?She has an outfielder's speed, a middle infielder's range and a team player attitude. We really feel we found a diamond in the rough with Kathryn."

DeBruzzi, a 5'9" catcher/outfielder from Concord-Carlisle H.S. in Concord, Mass., was a key cog in the Patriots' run to the state title in 2006. She received first team All-State honors for her play at catcher last year, and was also named a first team All-Star by the MetroWest Daily News.

?Lisa brings a great deal of skill, physical strength, and savvy to the team," said Schneider. ?She is a very talented catcher that has the ability to play right away. Lisa also brings a great eye for the ball that will make our offense better immediately."

Jacobson, a 5'11" outfielder/pitcher from Beecher H.S. in Beecher, Ill., was a key contributor to a Ladycats team that was ranked ninth in the nation last year. She was recognized as a second team All-State performer for her play in the outfield, and has a career average over .400.

?Jill is one of the finest athletes I've ever recruited," said Schneider. ?She is fast, strong and has a deep understanding of the sport of softball. She is equally as gifted on the mound as in the lineup, and should make an immediate impact for our program as a freshman."

Weinburger, a 5'6" outfielder from Eagle River H.S. in Eagle River, Alaska, helped lead the Wolves to the Alaskan state tile in 2006. She earned first team All-State honors as an outfielder/utility player last year, and ranks fifth among more than 2,500 fast pitch softball players nationally in SPARQ testing.

?Jamie is another great athlete that excels on and off the field," said Schneider. ?She brings a great attitude and enthusiasm to our program, and with her work ethic, speed, and athleticism, will have the chance to contribute as a freshman."

?We went out to recruit great athletes, leaders, and students in this class, and I feel that these four signees bring all those qualities to our program," said Schneider. ?Each of these players has the ability to make an immediate impact in 2008 on our first season in the Horizon League, and as a group, will set the foundation for many great years of competition."