During the off-season, the Montreat College Lady Cavaliers Softball coaching staff has worked hard to add several key components to an already-talented core. Having lost only two starters from a team who defeated several nationally-ranked teams and finished second in the AAC, the 2010-2011 recruiting class will supplement the Montreat women's softball players, a team capable of making a run to the National Championship.

This season's recruiting class looks to mix the talents of experienced transfer students with high school standouts from both North Carolina and outside the state. Lee Swanson, Montreat Softball Coach, feels optimistic about the coming season: "We have put together a great recruiting class for this year. We have added much-needed depth along with competition for positions in practice and the fall. I am excited for the upcoming year, but know that we will have to work hard to achieve our goals. Our conference keeps getting tougher from top to bottom."

In the infield, Alecia Rhinehart (Tuscola High School, NC) will fill a critical role as a utility player. Named the 2010 Player of the Year, Alecia posted a .432 batting average her senior year and hit 7 homeruns. During high school, she set career records with 13 homeruns and 88 RBIs. She was an All-Conference and All-District selection as a sophomore, junior and senior. As a junior she earned All-State distinction and is currently nominated as a senior. "I am extremely excited to be coming to Montreat to experience unity, teamwork, and success at the next level," Alecia expressed about playing for the Lady Cavaliers. "I am blessed to have been given the chance to pursue both athletic and academic careers at Montreat College where I can grow and succeed as a student and an athlete."

Texas native Kelsey Calhoun (North Garland High School, TX) will give the Lady Cavs another offensive weapon to add to their line-up. Having batted .417, the team will rely on her to produce runs for an offense that looks to be tough. Her flexibility in the infield with experience at 2nd, 3rd and short stop will give her the ability to make an immediate defensive impact. Kelsey eagerly anticipates the challenges she'll face far from home: "Coming to Montreat will be such a great experience for me. North Carolina is a long way from Texas, but it'll be well worth it. I'm more than looking forward to being a Cavalier and becoming a part of the Montreat family."

Emily Renner (Greeneville High School, TN) gives the Lady Cavs a dual threat both offensively and defensively. Emily is a consistent threat at the plate, boasting an impressive .534 batting average. She also has the ability to hit the long ball, sending three out of the park as a senior. Defensively she'll spend time at 3rd base and short stop, which will allow for multiple opportunities in the infield. "I am very excited to be a Cavalier and play softball. Montreat is a beautiful place to go to college and play ball," Emily shared about being a Lady Cavalier.

Transferring from Bob Jones University, Maria Waller (Temple Baptist School, NC) will compete for playing time at 3rd base, and will add competition to the infield positions. The daughter of Thomas and Jackie Waller, Maria will pursue a degree in Human Services at Montreat College.

The Lady Cavaliars have added yet another player capable of playing multiple positions. Jennifer Aderholdt (Lincoln Charter School, NC) adds more depth to 3rd base and may also compete for time in the outfield. "I'm really excited to start this new adventure in my life by coming to Montreat and I'm excited to see what opportunities await!" Aderholdt plans to major in Worship Arts with a concentration in Music.

The Lady Cavaliers will count on the athleticism of two-sport athlete Courtney Rogers (Asheville High School, NC) to bring speed to the outfield. Recruited to play both basketball and softball at Montreat, Courtney will join the softball team in the spring and should contribute immediately to Coach Swanson's aggressive offense. Courtney is the daughter of Reginald and Terri Rogers and will major in Marketing.

Continuing to rely on talent from Montreat's backyard, Katie Carpenter (West Henderson High, NC) brings an offensive prowess that will compliment the Lady Cavaliers strategy. Batting .365, Katie record 13 doubles, 2 triples, 17 RBIs and drew 11 walks. Katie should give the team a player capable of manufacturing runs as she scored 23 runs and stole 6 bases during her senior season. Just as impressive as her offensive stats are her 6 assists as an outfielder, demonstrating her ability to contribute defensively as well. "I looked at so many different colleges and Montreat felt like home," Katie said about choosing Montreat. "I love the team and the atmosphere that is around the team. I truly can't wait to start college and I can't wait to start working with my team and coaches!"

Looking to play alongside Montreat's Player of the Year is Surry Community College's Player of the Year, Brittany Draughn (Surry Community College, NC). Brittany is a two-time All-Tournament and All-Region selection. Her .980 fielding percentage will provide a stable defensive option in the outfield. Looking to study Business Administration, Brittany is "excited about the opportunity to continue my education at Montreat and join the Caviler family!"

Tori Butler (Trinity High School, NC) gives the coaching staff the luxury of having three quality pitchers in this year's rotation. Having been a starting pitcher since she was a freshman in high school, Tori is familiar with leading a team from the mound. She received All-Conference Honorable Mention as a freshman, and was named All-Conference as a junior and senior. During her senior year, she pitched 7 shutouts and 5 no- hitters. Tori won't have to rely solely on the offensive production of her teammates this season. Her .512 batting average as a senior, along with a .533 batting average in travel ball, prove she's capable of contributing to the run support she'll need to win at the next level.  

We are hoping to add a couple more standout transfers within the next week or so to add even more quality to this year's recruiting class. Coach Swanson expects new possibilities for the year ahead: "This year's recruiting class combined with the talent we have returning should allow us options not available in the past. Coach Payne and Montreat Admissions have done an amazing job allowing us to recruit such talented, qualified women for the future of the Montreat Softball."