May 3, 2010

RedStorm softball inks first recruit

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball program returned to fertile ground for its first signing for the 2010-11 season. Rachael Connaughton of Ross High School has signed a national letter of intent to play softball for the RedStorm beginning in the fall. 

Connaughton comes to Rio Grande from the high school that produced standouts Emily Cooper, Shannon Abbott and current pitcher Anna Smith. She is also a cousin to Jenny Olding, arguably the best player ever to suit up for the Rio Grande softball program. 

Connaughton was 1^st Team All-Fort Ancient Valley Conference (FAVC) all four years. She earned 2^nd Team All-Ohio honors in 2008 and was honorable mention All-Ohio in 2009. 

"I am really excited and cannot wait until next year," Connaughton said following her signing. 

Connaughton had heard a lot of good things about Rio Grande from Olding and the former Ross High School players who had played here, and she said she liked the small school atmosphere. "I have heard everyone likes it here," she said. "I really like the softball coach and I feel like the small school environment is a good choice for me."

"I knew the nursing program (her major) was good and my cousin, Jenny Olding, had told me a lot about the softball program also," she added.

Rio Grande head coach David Pyles was pleased to be able to sign another recruit from an established program that has helped him have a lot of success as a coach. "She was familiar with the program, with her cousin playing here a few years ago," he said. "We're fortunate to get a kid like Rachael, she's going to add a lot of versatility to our infield and I think she's going to bring some much-needed offense to our line-up."

"She is a very good catch for us. She comes from a very successful high school program and a very good summer program, so she's been well-coached," Pyles added. "She knows the game well, has a good glove and a good bat."

Although Pyles is planning on big things from Connaughton, he is not expecting her to put up the staggering numbers Olding did while here at Rio. "We don't expect Rachael to come in here and live up to Jenny Olding's play, but boy if she's just anywhere near that level it would be a plus because Jenny obviously was a tremendous, tremendous player here and the first All-American we had."

"I think Jenny helped us land Rachael, I think she was giving us a lot of good publicity," Pyles added. 

Connaughton is a switch-hitting infielder who considers herself a team leader and a player who thrives on the pressure situations. "I am a team leader and I adapt well in stressful situations," she said. "I can hit both left and right. I believe I could be a stronger hitter."

Connaughton's goal for her time at Rio will be to contribute to winning teams. "My goal is to contribute to the team in all ways possible," she said. "I want to be successful and have winning seasons."

Rachael is the daughter of John and Shelly Connaughton of Ross, Ohio. 

She is the first softball recruit to sign for the 2010-11 academic year.