Softball Signs Three Players To National Letters Of Intent
11/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
BUFFALO, NY – Head softball coach Trena Peel has announced the addition of three players who have signed National Letters of Intent and will be joining the Bulls next season for the 2016-17 campaign. The class includes Jessica Goldyn, Ufuoma Ogagan, and Gabby Keller.
"I am thrilled to announce the addition of these three players," said Peel. "They are all very focused and driven student-athletes. They have a championship mindset and want to come in and add to what we are already building here.
Goldyn was born in Buffalo, but has lived in Virginia Beach, VA for the last 10 year with her father being in the US Navy. Goldyn plays softball at Ocean Lakes High School where she has been a three-year letterwinner. During her sophomore season, Goldyn was named first-team All-State and first-team All-Region, while also being an All-Conference player each of the last two years. For her Virginia Legends Club Team, Goldyn has played by catcher and outfield.
"Jessica is going to bring us depth behind the plate and in the outfield," said Peel. "She is a true competitor that wants to be the best at everything she does. She has a black belt in kickboxing and holds a 21-1 record. As you can see by that record, she is a true fighter and I'm excited to watch her grow during her four years here at UB."
Ogagan comes to the Bulls from Monroeville, PA where she plays softball at Gateway Senior High School and for the Pittsburgh Power Gold Team. Ogagan has been the starting catcher for varsity during her entire career and she has been a three-time All-League First Team selection. Ogagan is a left-handed batter that has served as the leadoff hitter for her high school squad.
"Ufuoma will be the fastest kid in the conference next year," said Peel. "I believe that she has the ability to set a new school record for stolen bases and on base percentage. I'm very excited to add her speed to the lineup. Defensively, she will primarily play in the outfield for us. Her discipline and leadership skills are also going to be a huge asset to our team. She is an honors student that participates in student government, class council, and the yearbook club so you can see that her leadership extends off the softball field as well."
Keller is a local product from Clarence High School where she plays shortstop, second base, and outfield. A perfect 4.0 student, Keller is looking to major in environmental engineering. Last season, Keller hit .518 for Clarence with 17 stolen bases and 32 runs scored. As a sophomore she hit .492 from the dish, while stealing 14 bases. Last season, she set the Clarence school record for doubles in a season and helped and in 2014 she helped lead her team to the state semifinals. Keller has been named a NYSSWA New York State Class AA All-star Selection and twice she has been named a NYS All-ECIC First-Team All-Star Selection.
"Gabby is going to be a fun player to coach," said Peel. "She is our local diamond in the rough. I believe that she has the ability to be a huge contributor over her four years as a Bull. Her defensive versatility is going to allow her to compete for various starting positions. She will also bring some power to our lineup and score a lot of runs for us."
