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JUNE
7 — Program Begins Rebuilding With FitzSimmons
Local
standout first to sign with Leafs this summer, brings strength,
smarts |
Goshen, IN — Goshen head coach
Linda Bontrager did not have to look far in starting her efforts
to revamp the Leafs’ softball program this off-season, as
the first-year head coach announced the signing of 2006 Elkhart
Memorial High School graduate Heather FitzSimmons on Wednesday.
A three-year starter at both first base and catcher for the Crimson
Chargers, FitzSimmons marks the first of Goshen’s incoming
recruiting class for 2006-2007.
“We are really excited to start our recruiting efforts with
a player and person the caliber of Heather FitzSimmons,” Bontrager
said. “She is someone who possesses tremendous leadership
qualities and is a heads-up ballplayer. Heather will help our team’s
needs immediately.”
Helping Memorial to a 22-7 record in 2006 and a combined mark of
61-25 in her three years as a varsity starter, FitzSimmons batted
.394 this season with a slugging percentage of .532. Her on-base
percentage of .532 and 26 RBI were both near top honors on Memorial’s
squad, while FitzSimmons was named First Team All-Northern Lakes
Conference as a junior at first base.
“Heather is a heck of a player,” said Craig Sears,
Elkhart Memorial Head Softball Coach. “She will compete well
at the next level not only because of her skills, but because she
is committed
to improving. She is a great leader and works hard at whatever
she does.”
FitzSimmons will be asked to provide some much-needed pop into
the Goshen lineup next spring, as the Leafs finished just 2-28
overall this season and 2-16 in the ultra-tough Mid-Central Conference.
Bontrager said she believes FitzSimmons can do just that, as the
multi-sport athlete — FitzSimmons also played volleyball
and basketball during her high school campaign — led Memorial’s
softball program in RBI and stolen bases in at least one season
apiece at the varsity level.
“Heather has a strong bat and is passionate about the game,” Bontrager
said. “She is versatile and capable defensively, but what
makes her really good is her work ethic and leadership abilities.
We need players that can lead us through trying situations.”
With a cumulative GPA of 3.16 and a class ranking of 94th out of
391 students, FitzSimmons brings a standout record in the classroom,
finishing as a 10-time Principal’s (high) Honor Roll recipient
and three-time regular Honor Roll member while at Elkhart Memorial.
FitzSimmons said that Goshen’s nursing program — the field
in which she plans to study — was a major reason she chose the
institution, coupled with the opportunity
to continue her softball career.
“Goshen was a Christ-centered school that has a renowned
nursing program, and that meant a lot to me,” FitzSimmons
said. “Being
able to pursue both the academic and athletic side of things is
exciting. I’m looking forward to helping Coach Bontrager
build up a good program here. She has a vision, and I want to be
a part of it.”
Bontrager said that FitzSimmons is the first of what she hopes
to be a talented, deep class of incoming players. Check back to
this website for the most up-to-date recruiting information and
team news. To contact
Coach Bontrager call her at (574) 535-7233 or click here to
send her an email.
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  Heather
FitzSimmons
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