DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Signs Softball Talent From Around the Country
11/16/2009 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
CHICAGO - Looking to remain among the top softball programs in the nation, DePaul's class of 2009 recruits include standouts from Florida, California, Texas and Illinois.
Right-handed ace Hannah Penna of Miami and left-handed pitcher Kirsten Verdun of Coal City High School---third in the Illinois High School Association Class 2A Tournament---signed letters of intent with the Blue Demons.
Also signing with DePaul are left-handed hitting speedsters Megan Coronado of Pearland, Texas and Allie Braden of Chino, Calif.
"Potentially, this is the type of recruiting class that can help us win a national championship," said DePaul coach Eugene Lenti, who won his 1000th game last season. "Penna and Verdun give us depth at pitching accompanied by strong hitting. Coronado and Braden are lefty hitters with excellent speed and surprising power for their size.
"This is a very hard-working group of athletes who are all good students and come from solid families. They will help keep us at the top of the BIG EAST and in contention for a berth in the Women's College World Series."
Verdun dominated throughout the IHSA season last spring with a 31-3 record, a 0.28 earned-run average and 447 strikeouts in 244 innings. She also hit .528 with six home runs and 42 RBIs.
"She's a power pitcher with a really good riseball and lots of movement on all her pitches," Lenti said. "She can drive the ball and is a power hitter who can also run the bases."
Penna was 19-8 with a 0.69 ERA and 229 strikeouts for Southwest Miami High School last season and can play third base and first base when she isn't pitching.
"We like our pitchers to be able to hit and play other positions," said Lenti, pointing out that Verdun also plays first base. "Hannah throws in the mid-60s (roughly the equivalent of a 95-miles-per-hour fastball in baseball) and has a riseball, screwball and changeup."
Penna is the younger sister of Missy Penna, who was a First Team All-American pitcher as a senior at Stanford last season.
Coronado is talented outfielder-first baseman at Pearland (Texas) High School who played on the same summer team as Blue Demon freshman Bree Brown. Coronado is the third player from Texas to land in Lincoln Park along with junior Tara Voss.
"Megan is a very versatile lefty hitter with great speed," Lenti said. "She doesn't have a weakness in her game."
Braden, who plays at Chino (Calif.) High School, will be just as versatile with her ability to play shortstop, second base or the outfield.
"We have an affinity for lefty hitters," Lenti said. "Allie will be similar to Megan with her speed and the pop in her bat.
"These four are going to help keep us in the Top 25 in the country."
