Baylor head softball coach Glenn Moore announced the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent Wednesday. The class is made up of four high school athletes and one junior college transfer.

“This is the first class in which our 2007 Big 12 Championship and Women’s College World Series appearance had influence,” Moore said. “This class is a great example of the positive effect of that kind of success. My staff did a tremendous job of utilizing those accomplishments for maximum results and I believe this class will compete for Big 12 Championships every year.”

The signing class includes the following players: Holly Holl (C, Katy HS, Katy, Texas), Dani Leal (IF, Pratt [Kan.] CC, Mexico, City, Mex.), Kelsi Kettler (UTL, Alvin HS, Alvin, Texas), Courtney Repka (East Bernard HS, East Bernard, Texas) and Kathy Shelton (OF, McKinney HS, McKinney, Texas).

Holly Holl, C

Holl is a two-time first team all-district selection (2007, 2008). She was named to the Houston Chronicle’s All-Greater Houston Area third team as well as first team all-district 18-5A in 2008. In 2007, Holl helped lead the Tigers to a 35-9 record and the 5A state title game. Holl is a member of the Texas Magic Gold, coached by Tommy Howe.

"Left-handed catchers are a rarity in this sport,” Moore said. “So when you find one, you know they can play the position. Holly is a great competitor with a strong and accurate arm. Offensively, she is a tough out and will excel quickly under Coach Lumley’s guidance”.

Dani Leal, IF

Leal will begin her Baylor career in 2009 with two years of eligibility remaining. Last season at Pratt [Kan.] CC, Leal was named second team All-Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) and earned first team All-Region after batting .483 with 13 home runs, 14 doubles and 55 RBI. The Mexico City, Mexico, native was selected to play for the Mexican National team in 2005, where she played shortstop for two seasons.

"Dani is simply a great athlete,” Moore said. “She is so natural and has one of the best gloves I have seen. She plays with attitude and confidence, and I think she will be a crowd pleaser with her offensive power.”

Kelsi Kettler, UTL

Kettler recently helped lead Alvin High School to a 2008 5A state championship and earned all-tournament honors at first base. In 2007, she earned second team all-district and second team all-county, while also earning her team’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Kettler is a product of Larry Durham’s Texas Storm DeMarini Gold and has helped guide her club team to Gold Nationals the past two years.

"Maybe she’s no Nolan Ryan (also from Alvin), but she wouldn’t be afraid to hit against him,” Moore said. “Kelsi has great bat speed and the gift of a ‘natural hitter’. She can be a feared hitter in the Big 12 early in her career.”

Courtney Repka, RHP

For the second-straight season, the Lady Bears have landed one of the top pitchers in the state. In her three seasons at East Bernard, Repka has recorded 69 wins, 1,023 strikeouts, 31 shutouts, 24 no-hitters and 15 perfect games. Repka led the Brahmas to the 2008 2A state championship and was named MVP of the state tournament. She was the 2008 2A State Player of the Year and is a two-time 2A first team all-state pitcher. Repka has also garnered back-to-back district and county MVP honors and is a three-time Fort Bend Area Pitcher of the Year. She played the 2008 season with the Tommy Howe’s Texas Magic Gold and advanced to ASA Gold Nationals.

“While Courtney has already made a name for herself, she has not even tapped her potential,” Moore said. “With her 6-2 frame, she can already dominate the average hitter. I am anxious to see her progress in the Big 12 under the guidance of (pitching coach) Britni Newman.”

Kathy Shelton, OF

Shelton comes to the Lady Bears with the ability to play several positions. The McKinney, native racked up numerous awards in 2008 after helping lead McKinney North to the District 9-4A championship, which helped Shelton earn District and High School Sports Magazine Collin County MVP honors. She was also named to the Dallas Morning News first team All-Dallas-Fort Worth, McKinney Courier Gazette “Ms. McKinney Softball” and McKinney News.net Softball Player of the Year. She also excels in the classroom, earning Academic All-District in 2008. In 2007, she helped guide the Bulldogs to the 4A state semifinals and was named to the TGCA All-State team as well as the McKinney Courier Gazette first-team. Shelton also holds several records at McKinney North, including career and season steals and single-season hits. She is also a standout for North’s volleyball and basketball teams, where she has garnered numerous individual and team accolades.

"Kathy is a great athlete period,” Moore said. “She is extremely fast can play several positions very well. “I see her eventually in the outfield for us and always putting pressure on the defense with her bat. She is the daughter of Kevin Shelton, manager/coach of the Texas Glory softball organization, so the college prep is there."

The 2009 season marks Coach Moore’s ninth at the helm of Baylor softball. He returns 12 letterwinners and seven starters from last season’s team.