November 20, 2012

GREENSBORO, N.C. –  Five prep seniors have signed national letters-of-intent to play softball for UNCG next season, Spartan head coach Janelle Breneman announced Tuesday.

Sidney Grkman (Salisbury, N.C./Jesse Carson), Hagan Kiser (Asheboro, N.C./Southwestern Randolph), Emily Lopez (Charlotte, N.C./Olympic), Kendall McKinney (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett) and Tory Wright (Potomac Falls, Va./Dominion) will join UNCG as freshmen next season. 

"I am extremely pleased with the talented 2013 class my staff and I have compiled," said Breneman.  "I feel like we are adding speed, power and athletic versatility that will make us stronger.  These young ladies are committed student athletes and I have enjoyed getting to know each of them. They are all unique but thoroughly love to play the game and
compete. I am eager to welcome them, along with their families, into the Spartan softball program."

Grkman is a three-time all-county selection and a 2012 all-conference player for Jesse Carson High School. She also was the 2012 NPC softball tournament champion, leading her team to a 17-7 overall record. Grkman finished her junior season with a .500 batting average on 39 hits, 27 runs and a .500 on base percentage. She also played three years of volleyball and was a member of the student council. Grkman played club softball for Team NC out of Mint Hill, N.C. under Coach Mike Ward and Buster Hill.

"Sidney is a left-handed swinger that will add pop to the lineup," said Breneman.  "Sidney possesses a strong arm and covers a lot of ground in the outfield."

Kiser has racked up numerous accolades in being a three-time all-conference and all-country player for Southwestern Randolph High School in Asheboro. Kiser also has been selected all-district and all-state for the last two seasons. She was named the 2012 SWR Best Defensive Player Award and claimed the 2010 NCHSAA 3A softball state high school championship. Kiser has a 4.5 GPA ranking her 15 out of 276 in her high school and is the FFA president. Kiser played club softball for Randolph Rage 18U out of Denton, N.C. under Coach Alvin Hogan Jr.

"Hagan is a talented shortstop and a fiery competitor," said Breneman.  "Her talent at the plate and her aggressiveness on the bases will help us score more runs."

Lopez is a two-time all-conference and defensive MVP for Olympic High School in Charlotte, N.C. She has played multiple positions in the infield while posting a .535 batting average on 38 hits and scoring 34 runs. Lopez led the team with a .925 fielding percentage and is a switch hitter with speed producing 28 stolen bases her junior season. She was given the ROTC Distinguished Athlete award. Lopez led her team to a 15-6 overall record which included 13 multi-hit games.

"Emily is a versatile athlete with the tools to play infield or outfield," said Breneman. "Her quickness from the left side of the plate will be threatening to any defense."

McKinney is a power hitter for North Gwinnett High School that is a two-time all-region, all-county and an all-star team selection in 2012. McKinney broke the single-season and career home run records at North Gwinnett. She led her team to a 22-9-2 overall record, winning the 2012 Region Championship and making the sweet 16 in the state playoffs. McKinney was also an outfielder for the South Carolina Elite club softball team in Greenville, S.C.

"Kendall is an aggressive talented outfielder," said Breneman. "Her run-producing power in the box will be welcoming to our lineup."

Wright is a first baseman for Dominion High School in Sterling, Va. that earned first-team all-district and all-region honors in 2012. She also is a two-time Coaches Award winner in 2011 and 2012. Wright finished the 2012 season with a .516 batting average, .600 on base percentage and an impressive .981 fielding percentage. Wright has a 3.83 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. She plays for on the Ashburn Shooting Stars 18U Gold club team in Ashburn, Va.

"Tory, a left handed first baseman will be added to the infield," said Breneman. "I have seen her hit for both average and power from the left side of the plate."

The Spartans will open the 2013 spring campaign with a trip to Charleston, S.C. to take part in the Charleston Southern Tournament, UNCG will begin with George Mason on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.

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