Nov. 18, 2004
LAS VEGAS - The UNLV softball program has received signed national letters of intent from five student-athletes to enroll at UNLV in the fall of 2005 and play softball for Rebels starting with the 2006 season, head coach Lonni Alameda announced Thursday.
Kelli Fangonilo, Kelly Griego, Jaci Hull, Jennifer Newman and Christie Robinson are the five players that signed during the early signing period.
Fangonilo, a senior middle infielder/utility player from Palo Alto (Calif.) High School, is a three-time first team all-league selection. She was voted the SCVAL Palo Alto High School offensive MVP her freshman year and was selected the team's MVP her sophomore and junior seasons.
"Kelli has the ability to be a difference maker for us," Alameda said. "Not only is she a ball player who loves the game, but she is a true team player. We are fortunate to have Kelli as part of this Rebel program."
Griego, a senior pitcher/outfielder from Silverado High School in Henderson, Nev., was named the offensive MVP of her team and was selected first team all-state.
"Kelly will be a great asset in the pitching circle for us," said Alameda. "It is very important for us to keep our local student-athletes here and Kelly is a good representation of that."
Hull, a senior middle infielder/utility player from Horizon High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., was first team all-state and first team all-region.
"Jaci will add to our lineup from the left side," Alameda said. "We are very excited about the versatility that she brings to the table for our program. She comes from a very competitive summer ball program and will jump into the college program well prepared."
Newman, a senior middle infielder/utility player from Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, Ariz., is a four-sport athlete. She competes in track, basketball, volleyball and softball. Her summer club team was the 16-and-under division runner-up in 2004.
"Jennifer will be a great addition to our lineup," said Alameda. "Not only can she hit for power, but she can run and play any defensive position on the field. We are excited about what the next four years brings with her in our lineup."
Robinson, a senior pitcher from South Whidbey High School in Clinton, Wash., was first team all-area Pitcher of the Year and the NCC Player of the Year. Her team won the league and district championships from 2002-04.
"Christie will add depth to the pitching circle," Alameda said. "She will bring a very coachable and team-oriented attitude with her to UNLV. She is the type of pitcher that the defense will want to play behind and it will be fun to see her develop over her four years as a Rebel.
"Overall, this recruiting class is a very solid, versatile group. In the building of the UNLV softball program, we needed to sign student-athletes who have the mindset and abilities to make a difference. Fortunately for us, this 2005-06 class is the group we need to make it happen.
"With the 2005 team training hard right now and the addition of players with speed and versatility like Hull, Newman and Fangonilo, along with the depth in the circle with Griego and Robinson, we are on the right track.
"It is imperative to our program that we recruit student-athletes that understand our goals. Number one is the commitment to family, number two is graduating in four years and following closely at number three is to have a top 25 program and a run at a very successful postseason. As a coaching staff we are excited to have combined, in two recruiting classes, a team of student-athletes who believe in the same goals and philosophy as we do."
