May 12, 2010

RedStorm softball signs Myers

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball program is continuing to bolster its roster for the 2011 season, adding more depth to an already stout pitching staff with the signing of Amber Myers of Cuyahoga Falls High School.

Myers, a pitcher/first baseman, was a 2^nd Team All-Ohio performer last season for the Black Tigers. She has made 1^st Team all-district twice and 1^st Team all-conference all four years in high school. 

"I'm very excited," Myers said after the signing. "It's a perfect school with everything I want. I cannot wait to start playing for the RedStorm and be an asset to the team and the school."

Course of study and location were key factors in Myers' decision to sign with Rio Grande. "Well, they had to be okay with my major of nursing and softball together," she said. "Plus, the location is perfect for me. I'm ready to start fresh."

Myers stressed that she is a team player and considers that her best asset and despite her success in the pitcher's circle she believes she still needs to work on that aspect of her game to be successful in college. "I feel my best asset is being a team player and helping lead them to victory," Myers said. "I could always work on pitching better."

Rio Grande head coach David Pyles was pleased to add Myers to the fold. "The pitching should go very deep next year. This should give us four, good quality pitchers in the circle, that everyone of them at any time out can give you a great game," Pyles said. 

"Amber comes in being highly touted and obviously she'll have a learning curve in college, but I'm sure she's talented enough to adapt and be very successful," Pyles added.   

Myers said she was aware of the success of the softball team in their recent history and knew the nursing program at Rio was highly regarded. "I knew it was a good university with a great softball program and nursing program," she said.

Pyles discussed what he liked about Myers. "I saw her at Kent State a couple of years ago and you could just tell she had a very hard work ethic, good control, good command of her pitches, has a good off-speed (pitch) and I just really liked the looks of her," Pyles said. "I think she'll do real well here." 

Her goal for her career at Rio Grande is to make the RedStorm program stand out. "I want to make Rio Grande a university to be remembered for," Myers said. "Everyone can play a role in that." 

Amber is the daughter of John & Denise Myers of Cuyahoga Falls.

Myers joins Piketon High School's Shella Zimmerman and Rachael Connaughton of Ross High School as the current members of the 2010-11 softball recruiting class for Rio Grande.

The RedStorm finished the 2010 campaign with a 30-23 overall record. Rio was fourth in the Mid-South Conference compiling a 17-11 mark.