Softball signs three to NLIs

GREENSBORO, NC – UNC Greensboro's softball team has signed three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the recent signing period, head coach Jennifer Herzig announced Tuesday.

Chelsea D'Ambrosio, Ally Johnson and Heather Robb will join the Spartans for the 2009-10 school year.

"I am very excited about our 2009 recruiting class and feel that it is a true privilege to welcome Chelsea, Ally, and Heather and their families into the Spartan Softball program," Herzig said. "All three players will come to UNCG from very competitive high school and/or summer ball programs, and I believe that they will adjust very quickly to the college game after spending the past several years competing against elite teams from all over the nation. Chelsea, Ally, and Heather are all very dynamic players, each bringing different strengths to our program."

D'Ambrosio, a catcher from Houston, TX, is a two-time all-district and All-Greater Houston selection for coach Robin Rackley at J. Frank Dobie High School. D'Ambrosio was named the squad's best offensive player in each of the last two seasons, and helped lead the Longhorns to a district championship in 2007 and a co-championship in 2008. Dobie was also the bi-area champion in 2007. D'Ambrosio was also a member of the 10U AFA national championship team, and currently plays for the 18U Texas Storm summer team coached by Carla Newsom and Kelly Bembry.

Johnson, an infielder from Port Orchard, WA, plays for coach Kathy Ballew at South Kitsap High School. A three-year member of the squad, Johnson owns a .480 batting average for Kitsap and was a Kitsap County All-Star in 2007 and 2008. Johnson plays for coach Wayne Miller for the 18U Washington Ladyhawks Gold – Miller, helping the team to the 18U ASA Gold Nationals in 2008. She also helped the Washington Acers to the 16U ASA "A" Nationals in 2007 and helped the Washington Sudden Impact get there in 2006. Johnson also helped the Sudden Impact reach the 14U ASA "A" Nationals in 2005.

Robb, an infielder from Apex, NC, is an all-state performer for coach Robbie Wray's Middle Creek High School squad. Robb has also earned all-district and all-county honors twice each and is a three-time all-conference and academic all-conference performer. She was Middle Creek's offensive MVP in 2008 and was Middle Creek's winner of the Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Robb holds three single-season school records and helped the Mustangs win the Tri-8 Conference championship in 2008. Middle Creek was also the regional runner-up and finished fourth in the 4A state championships. Robb also plays for the 18U NC Lady Lightning Gold summer team under the direction of coach John Corn.

"In addition to what our three signees will bring to the field athletically, they are all very strong students and people of the highest character," Herzig said.  "I truly think they have the ability to develop into very strong leaders for the future of our program. Not only am I excited to coach them as they grow and succeed over the course of their collegiate careers, I am thrilled to know they will be doing so while wearing Spartan Navy and Gold."

The Spartans open the 2009 season on Feb. 6 with games against North Florida and South Florida at the USF Louisville Slugger Tournament in Tampa, FL.

- UNCG -