The three recruits are pitcher Veronica Flournoy, Gilbert, Ariz., pitcher Erin Kalka, Chandler, Okla., and shortstop Heather Kunkel, Oak Forest, Ill. as incoming softball student-athletes for 2001-02.
"Veronica and Erin are pitchers that can dominate right away," said Miller. "They both have good speed and rise balls that will complement Ingrid Werner. I look for both of them to step in and contribute as freshmen." Both participated in top-level Amateur Softball Association (ASA) play during the summer.
Flournoy attends Highland High School in Arizona where she competes under coach Tom McCann. While playing for Highland, she earned first team All-Region honors, first team All-East Valley honors, was selected as Defensive Player of the Year, and broke her high school record for strikeouts. She played summer ball for the Arizona Aztecs Gold. "I'm very excited about coming to Missouri. The coaches, players, and facilities are top-notch, and I am excited about developing as a pitcher. That's what Coach Miller is known for, and that made a difference in my decision to attend Mizzou," said Flournoy.
Erin Kalka, from Chandler, Okla., pitched for Chandler High School under Coach Mark Howard, where her team finished second at the Oklahoma 4A State Championship this fall. Kalka also pitches for the Oklahoma Ultimate summer team. She was an all-stater, was named Region Pitcher of the Year, was selected to her fourth all-conference team and was honored with her fourth All-City Pitcher award in four years.
Heather Kunkel, a shortstop/second baseman from Oak Forest, Ill., is the third and final recruit for the Tigers. A three-sport athlete in Oak Forest, Kunkel was named all-area and all-conference, and her junior year she led the team in batting average, runs scored, doubles, triples, on-base percentage and stolen bases. "Heather plays for the top team in Illinois. She hits with a lot of power, and will be also be able to step right into the lineup. She's an excellent shortstop with a good arm, and she has extensive experience in ASA ball," said Coach Miller. The Whiteford Sharks, her summer team, won the American Fastpitch Association National Championship in 1998.