Feb. 18, 2010

ROCHESTER, Mich. - The Oakland University softball team will welcome 10 more new faces to the roster this fall, as Bailee Braunreuther (Clarkston, Mich.), Shannon Cleveland (Portage, Mich.), Kayla DeWitt (Utica, Mich.), Shelby Gott (Bloomfield, Ind.), Julia Maksym (Manistee, Mich.), Katie Moy (Rochester Hills, Mich.), Erika Polidori (Brantford, Ontario), Megan McQueen (Portage, Mich.), Brittany Prior (Farmington Hills, Mich.) and Alyssa Shriver (Noblesville, Ind.) will all suit up for the Golden Grizzlies next season.

"I think not only is this a good athletic class, but a great academic class," said head coach Glenn MacDonald. "Most of these players have over a 3.5 grade point average. The academics are by far the most important thing because they are student-athletes and we look forward to them having successful careers at Oakland in both earning their degrees and contributing to the softball program."

Braunreuther, a senior at Clakston High School, is 2009 all-district, all-region, all-league and all-county honoree, as well as an all-state honorable mention. The number one pitcher for her team, Braunreuther also takes to the mound for Compuware.

"We look forward to her coming in and shoring up our pitching staff," said MacDonald.

Cleveland, an outfielder, attends Portage Central and was named the Player of the Year in the greater Kalamazoo area. She was also a member of the Big League World Series championship team.

"She has an opportunity to come in and possibly start as a freshman for us," said MacDonald.

DeWitt, a catcher out of Utica High School, earned all-conference and all-county honors and was voted best defensive player for her team.

"She will definitely see some action for us her freshman year," said MacDonald.

Gott is a student at Bloomfield Junior Senior High School and is an all-area and all-county honoree, as well as earning player of the year accolades.

"Shelby will be coming in as an outfielder for us, but she is also an accomplished pitcher, holding the school record for 17 strikeouts in a single game," said MacDonald. "Our pitching staff will be taking a look at her to see what she can do."

Maksym is a pitcher out of Manistee High School who has earned all-state honorable mention accolades.

"Julia has a lot of movement on the ball," said MacDonald. "We look forward to her coming in and helping our pitching staff."

Moy is a local product out of Avondale and plays second base and pitcher.

"She throws most of the games for Avondale and she is a fine pitcher and a very good middle infielder."

Polidori, of St. John's College, has been named to the Canadian Junior National team's 25-man roster. She is also the recipient of the Phyllis Gretzkey Female Youth Leadership award for the city of Brantford, Ontario.

"She is a solid utility player as a catcher, first baseman and outfielder," said MacDonald. "She's a left-handed catcher and I have always wanted to have one. She's going to be a very big plus for us next season."

McQueen is third baseman out of Portage Central who is also a member of the Big League World series championship team.

"We're looking for her to come in and get playing time right away," said MacDonald.

Prior, is all-league utility player from Farmington Hills Mercy Catholic High School.

"Brittany will be that person who comes in to fill the spots that we need when we have injuries," said MacDonald. "She's very versatile and can fill in just about anywhere."

Shriver is a student at Noblesville Millers High School and plays both middle infield and catcher.

"She's got her eye on being a starter and we're looking forward to her coming to Oakland," said MacDonald. "I feel very fortunate that she chose us to play ball for."

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