Nov. 21, 2001
Columbia, Mo.-University of Missouri softball coach Jay Miller announced the four members of the Tiger softball 2002 recruiting class on Wednesday. Kendra Power (Kansas City, Mo.), Samantha Fleeman (Pleasant Hill, Mo.), Devon Francy (Pleasant Hill, Mo.) and Stephanie Standley (Lamar, Mo.) make up the class that has Coach Miller excited about the next four years.
"We signed the top four players in the state of Missouri this fall," Miller said. "This is an outstanding class and ranks with our top recruiting classes ever here at MU. They fill the spots of people who we loose after this season to graduation and I expect all four to make an immediate impact for us next fall."
Power (2B/SS) will help sure up the Tiger middle infield for the 2002-03 season. A versatile player who can play both second base and short stop, Power was a member of the Park Hill South squad that reached the final four this fall in Class 4A. Power was named to the State All-Tournament team and also was a member of the "KC Lasers" summer traveling team that finished in the top 16 at the ASA Gold Nationals. Miller said that Power is a complete player and will make things happen in the Tiger line up.
"Kendra is a great player and a great athlete," Miller said. "She has a very good arm and has good power at the plate. She runs the bases well and should have a big impact for us next year.
Fleeman (P/1B) was considered by many to be the best pitcher in Missouri this year. She will also play first base for the Tigers. Fleeman was a vital member of two Pleasant Hill State Championship teams during her time at PHHS and set the Missouri high school record for strikeouts in a game with 44 in the State Final Championship game that lasted a record 21 innings this past fall. Fleeman was featured in the Nov. 19 issue of Sports Illustrated in recognition of her record, setting outing in the "Faces in the Crowd" section.
She sported a 22-0 record last season and allowed opponents to hit only 0.96 against her. For her efforts, she was selected to the Missouri All-State squad. Fleeman is also a member of the "KC Shockwaves" summer traveling team, that finished second in the nation at last summer's ASA National Tournament.
"Samantha is a great pitcher and a strong hitter from the left side," Miller said. "She bring a lot of power to the plate and also knows how to drive in runs. She will be an excellent addition to our pitching staff and our team as a whole."
Francy (C/OF) was Fleeman's catcher at Pleasant Hill. She was one of the top hitters on the Pleasant Hill squad, which won two state championships and was a two-time all-state selection. Francy drove in the game-winning run in the 21st inning of the Missouri State Championship game, the same game in which her teammate, Fleeman set the single-game strikeout record. She was also a member of the "KC Shockwaves" summer traveling team.
"Devon can play both catcher and outfield," Miller said. "She is an excellent lead-off hitter and is very aggressive on the bases. She will fit into our system well here at Missouri."
Francy and Fleeman also both play on the Pleasant Hill girls basketball team.
Standley (OF/Middle Inf.) will also provide depth and versatility for the Tigers. Her ability to play multiple positions will be key for the Tigers as they look to solidify their lineup. She was named first team All-Big 8, all-district, all-sectional and all-state this past fall. She also is a pole vaulter and plays basketball at Lamar High School.
"Stephanie has outstanding speed," Miller said. "She will be one of the fastest athletes we have ever had at MU and will provide great athleticism for us."