2 - University of Kentucky Athletics

KENTUCKY SOFTBALL 2007 

MEET 

THE CATS 

GINA FLORENCE

Full Name: Katie Campbell 

Nickname: Soupy 

Birth Date: November 2, 1984 

Place of Birth: Renton, Wash. 

Parents: Chuck and Barb Campbell 

Siblings: Kellee (26) 

High School Mascot: Rams 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Our whole team is pretty 

funny! 

Favorite food: Mexican…I love enchiladas 

Worst habit: Procrastination 

Greatest fear: Failure 

My most-prized possession is: My photo album 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: I went 

to New York with my mom and sister 

One thing I’ve never been able to do, but want to is: 

Travel around the world 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: 

My parents…they have always been there for me 

First paying job: Victoria Clipper 

What has impressed you most about Coach 

Schmidt? Her desire to make this program succeed 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: 

Paul Wall…haha 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: 22 

Speedracer 

If a movie were going to be made about my life, I 

would want this actor to play me: Lindsey 

Lohan…it was just the first name that came to 

mind 

Last concert I went to was: 50 Cent 

My advice to youngsters is: Work hard and stay true 

to yourself 

I chose Kentucky because: I thought it was the right 

fit for me 

Favorite athlete: Dan Wilson 

Favorite sports team: Seattle Mariners 

Pets: Apparently my roommates and I have a cat 

named Bella, but I would rather not claim her 

Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends and going to 

movies 

Most memorable moment: The past four years have 

been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything 

and I will remember every part of it 

CAREER HIGHS 

HIGHS 

2006: Was one of four players to start all 57 games ... 

Led the team with a .315 batting average and 82 total 

bases ... Also ranked first on the team with a careerhigh 

42 RBI ... Tied a career high with four RBI 

against Youngstown State and Western Kentucky ... 

Had 11 multiple-hit games and led the team with 14 

multiple-RBI games ... Tied for team-lead with six 

home runs ... Hit 11 doubles, which was the secondhighest 

total on the team ... Second on the team with 

eight HBP ... Went 4-for-4 with a double, run scored 

and three RBI in the win over Indiana State ... Added 

a 4-for-4 performance against Ohio with a double, a 

run scored and two RBI ... Drove in 

four runs after going 3-for-4 with a 

home run and a double against 

Youngstown State ... Enters 

the season ranked seventh 

all-time at Kentucky with 

75 career RBI ... Ranks 

second on UK’s all-time 

home run list with 18 

career roundtrippers. 

KATIE 

22 

CAMPBELL 

SEATTLE, WASH. • MT. RAINIER • SOCIOLOGY 

C • 5-6 • R/R • SENIOR 

2005: Saw action in 45 games and made 40 starts ... 

Batted .233 for the season ... Finished second on the 

team with six home runs ... Ranked third on the 

team with 17 RBIs ... Was second on the team with a 

.426 slugging percentage and was fourth with three 

doubles ... Led the team with five multiple-RBI 

games ... Went 2-for-3 with a homer, two RBI and a 

run scored in the win over Auburn ... Hit two-run 

homers in back-to-back games against No. 13 Georgia 

and at No. 9 Alabama ... Named to SEC Academic 

Honor Roll. 

2004: Started 44 of 46 games played … Batted .207 

and was tied for second on the team with six home 

runs … Registered the first three hits of her career in 

the UTSA Tournament, all three being home runs ... 

Hit a grand slam against Kansas to bring UK within 

two in the eighth inning ... Had four hits in 10 at 

bats in a series against No. 7 Georgia. 

High School: Lettered all four years in fast pitch softball 

and basketball ... First-team all-league the last 

three years of high school in softball. 

Personal: Says the best thing about UK is the 

campus ... Chose UK because she liked the 

program and the school itself. 

Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Career High (Last) 

At Bats . . . . .4, 14 times (Mississippi State - 5/7/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, twice (Ohio - 4/4/06) 

RBI . . . . .4, three times (Western Kentucky - 4/5/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Arkansas - 4/15/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . .1, twice (Georgia - 4/14/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 games (2/24-3/8/06) 

2006 SEASON HIGHS 

Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Season High (Last) 

At Bats . . . . .4, 11 times (Mississippi State - 5/7/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 


RBI . . . . . . . . .4, twice (Western Kentucky - 4/5/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Arkansas - 4/15/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (Georgia - 4/14/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 games (2/24-3/8/06) 

CAMPBELL’S CAREER STATS 

YEAR AVG GP/GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB SLG% BB HBP SO GDP OB% SF SH SB-SBA PO A E FLD% 

2004 .207 46/44 111 7 23 0 0 6 16 41 .369 5 2 39 0 .250 2 5 1-2 163 24 4 .979 

2005 .218 45/40 101 8 22 3 0 6 17 43 .426 2 0 26 0 .229 2 2 0-0 132 12 7 .954 

2006 .315 57/57 162 17 51 11 1 6 42 82 .506 9 8 31 0 .376 2 4 1-1 243 23 1 .996 

Career .257 148/141 374 32 96 14 1 18 75 166 .444 16 10 96 0 .300 6 11 2-3 538 59 12 .980 

28

Full Name: Ashley Nicole Fertic 

Nickname: Ferti 

Birth Date: July 8, 1985 

Place of Birth: Tampa, Fla. 

Parents: Jim and Linda Fertic 

Siblings: Kim (36), Jeremy (23) 

High School Mascot: Cougar 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Katie Campbell 

Favorite food: Candy. I just can’t stop eating it! 

Unique talent: Still searching 

Worst habit: Worrying about things 

Greatest fear: Being abducted 

Greatest accomplishment: Leaving home to go out of 

state to college 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: 

Learned how to launch my boat into the water 

without letting my truck go in with it. 


Win the lottery! 


My parents. I love them so much! 

First paying job: Being an extra in an episode of 

Second Noah when I was 11 years old 


Schmidt? No matter what crazy, unbelievable, 

story she makes up and tells us, we all believe 

her. She had us thinking we were taking a train all 

the way to California! 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am finally not 

stressing over answering these questions. It has 

taken me four years to overcome. 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: It 

depends on who is calling 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Payday 

Last concert I went to was: Jesse McCartney with 

my niece, Andrea. I know…you are jealous! 

My advice to youngsters is: Work hard and don’t 

ever give up on your dreams 

I chose Kentucky because: It is in the SEC and it is 

really pretty 

Favorite athlete: Mark Lemke 

Favorite sports team: Atlanta Braves 

Most memorable moment: Hitting my first homerun 

and seeing the smile on my coaches’ and parents’ 

faces 

HIGHS 

CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . .5, twice (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . .2, five times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, twice (Belmont - 3/5/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . .2, four times (Kent State - 2/16/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Kent State - 2/26/05) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . .6 games (3/12-3/18/06) 



At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . .2, four times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Kent State - 2/16/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . .1, four times (Ohio - 4/4/06) 


2006: Saw action in 54 games last season ... Was second 

on the team with five home runs and 21 RBI ... Finished 

third on the team with six doubles and fourth 

with four stolen bases ... Ranked sixth on the team with 

a .222 batting average ... Set new career-highs in nearly 

every offensive category ... Had a career-best four RBI 

after going 3-for-4 with a double, a homer and two 

runs scored against Belmont ... Went 2-for-3 with a 

double, home run, two runs scored and pair of RBI in 

the series opener against Arkansas ... Had seven multiple-hit 

games and recorded five multiple-RBI games ... 

Recorded a six-game hitting streak ... Enters the season 

tied for tenth all-time at UK with seven career home 

runs ... Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2005: Was one of three players 

to start all 61 games for 

the Wildcats ... Saw 

time at third base and 

in the outfield as a 

ASHLEY 

10 

FERTIC 

VALRICO, FLA. • DURANT • ACCOUNTING 

UTL • 5-4 • R/R • SENIOR 

sophomore ... Led the team with two triples and batted 

.193 ... Ranked second on the team with 166 atbats 

... Led the team and was tied for sixth in the SEC 

with 10 sacrifice bunts ... Finished the season with 12 

RBI which was fourth-best on the team ... Was fourth 

on the team with four stolen bases in five attempts ... 

Had six multiple-hit games ... Recorded a hit in five 

straight games between Feb. 20 and Feb. 26 ... Went 

3-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in UK’s win over 

Kent State ... Belted her second career homer with a 1- 

for-3 performance against Texas State ... Went 2-for-4 

with a double and two RBI against Youngstown State 

... Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2004: Played in 52 games as a freshman … Batted 

.155 with 15 hits and eight RBI … Registered her first 

hit of the season in the Mardi Gras Classic ... Was 1- 

for-3 with a run against Ole Miss ... Hit an RBI single 

against Eastern Kentucky ... 

Had the best day of her 

young career vs. Indiana, 

going 4-for-5 

with three RBI in a 

doubleheader ... Hit 

the first home run of 

her career against 

Arkansas. 

High School: Named first-team 

All-Western Conference and All- 

County at Durant HS ... Holds a 

career .293 batting average, including a 

.313 clip in 2002 and a .425 average her 

senior season ... As a senior, collected 28 hits and 

drove in 12 runs ... Was named to a District Five second-team 

All-State selection ... Named to the Florida 

All-Star west team ... In addition to her softball 

accomplishments, she was also a letter winner in basketball, 

golf and cross country ... Earned 11 letters 

during high school ... Graduated with a 5.4 weighted 

GPA and in the top-20 of her class. 

Personal: Chose UK because of CATS, the campus 

and the nice people ... Chose UK over Florida 

Southern ... Serves as Student-Athlete Advisory 

Committee President ... Named to the 

Frank G. Ham Society of Character. 

FERTIC’S CAREER STATS 


2004 .155 52/42 97 6 15 2 0 1 8 20 .206 6 0 30 0 .204 0 2 1-2 39 25 1 .985 

2005 .193 61/61 166 13 32 4 2 1 12 43 .259 12 0 29 0 .247 0 10 4-5 59 122 13 .933 

2006 .222 54/54 162 20 36 6 0 5 21 57 .352 9 2 30 1 .272 0 2 4-6 94 21 3 .975 

Career .195 167/157 425 39 83 12 2 7 41 120 .282 27 2 89 1 .247 0 14 9-14 192 168 17 .955 

29

Full Name: Gina Marie Florence 

Nickname: G.Flo 

Birth Date: March 9, 1985 

Place of Birth: Olympia Fields, Ill. 

Parents: Jerry and Maria Florence 

Siblings: John (15), Julie (14) 

High School Mascot: Eagles 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Pizza 

Worst habit: Checking Facebook 100 times a day 

Greatest fears: Underachievement and losing someone 

I love 

My most-prized possession is: My car or Bella, but 

she’s not really mine 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Went to 

see Kelly Clarkson in Indy 


Travel the world 


My mom, dad, brother and sister because they 

always have been incredibly supportive and have 

never left my side. 

First paying job: Swim Instructor 


Schmidt? Her ever-increasing ability to come up 

with phrases that no ones ever heard of before 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Still don’t have my 

ears pierced 


“SexyBack,” by Justin Timberlake 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: “The HBIC” 

Last concert I went to was: Kelly Clarkson 

My advice to youngsters is: Never let anyone tell you 

that you can’t do something 

I chose Kentucky because: I liked having the opportunity 

to compete in the SEC 

Favorite athlete: Paul Konerko, Michael Jordan 

Favorite sports team: Chicago White Sox, Bears, 

and Bulls 

Pets: My roommates and I have a talking cat named 

Bella B. and I am totally in love with her 

Hobbies: No time for hobbies….maybe next year 

Most memorable moment: Every moment with this 

team is memorable! 

CAREER HIGHS 

HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . .4, three times (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Marshall - 3/23/05) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, six times (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, eight times (Ohio - 4/4/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . ..1, 16 times (Ole Miss - 4/29/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . .1, five times (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 games (3/3-3/8/06) 



At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, twice (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . .1, 9 times (Mississippi State - 5/6/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, six times (Ohio - 4/4/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . .1, eight times (Ole Miss - 4/29/06) 

Stolen Bases . . .1, three times (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 games (3/3-3/8/06) 

2006: Saw action in 50 games and made 48 starts for 

the Cats ... Set a new career high with six RBI ... 

Also established a new personal best with nine runs 

scored ... Was a perfect 3-for-3 in stolen base 

attempts ... Recorded two multiple-hit games ... 

Went 2-for-3 against Arkansas ... Collected a pair of 

singles, going 2-for-3, against Ole Miss ... Finished 

1-for-3 with a triple and an RBI in the win over 

Ohio ... Named a member of the SEC Academic 

Honor Roll. 

2005: Played in 39 games and made 21 

starts primarily at second base ... Batted 

.200 with a pair of doubles ... Scored four runs 

and drove in two ... Was 1-for-2 in stolen base 

attempts ... Ranked third on the team with four 

sacrifice bunts ... Went 2-for-2 with a double in 

the Cats’ first win of the season against Minnesota 

... Was 1-for-2 with two runs scored in a win 

over Marshall ... Named to SEC Academic 

Honor Roll. 

2004: Batted .300 in 19 games played with six 

starts ... Was 6-for-20 at the plate with two 

runs scored ... Replaced an injured Friberg at 

second base in two games against Alabama 

and one vs. Louisville ... Sat out two weeks 

during the season after suffering a concussion 

in batting practice. 

High School: Two-year letter winner at 

Carl Sandburg High School ... Member 

of Chicago Sun Times Top-100 team ... Recipient 

of the Eagle Leadership Award her senior year ... 

Named to the Academic All-Area team ... Illinois 

state scholar ... Recipient of Ern Olmstead Memorial 

Scholarship for student-athletes ... Seven-year 

member of the Orland Sparks ... Appeared in seven 

ASA national tournaments ... Was a member of the 

team that finished third in the nation in 2002 ... 

Named to the 2003 Orland Park Sparks All-Tournament 

team. 

Personal: Chose UK because of its strong academic 

reputation and the exceptional athletic facilities ... 

Chose UK over Loyola Chicago and Northwestern. 

GINA 

5 

FLORENCE 

2B • 5-1 • L/R • SENIOR • ORLAND PARK, ILL. 

CARL SANDBURG • KINESIOLOGY/HEALTH PROMOTIONS 

FLORENCE’S CAREER STATS 


2004 .300 19/6 20 2 6 0 0 0 0 6 .300 0 0 7 0 .300 0 0 1-2 12 13 2 .926 

2005 .200 39/21 50 4 10 2 0 0 2 12 .240 8 0 15 0 .310 0 4 1-2 38 26 5 .928 

2006 .155 50/48 129 9 20 0 1 0 6 22 .171 8 1 27 0 .209 1 4 3-3 85 81 9 .949 

Career .181 108/75 199 15 36 2 1 0 8 40 .201 16 1 49 0 .244 1 8 5-8 135 120 16 .941 

30

Full Name: Kimberly Brooke Marnitz 

Nickname: Brooker, Brooklyn 


Place of Birth: Lexington, Ky. 

Parents: Chris and Kim Marnitz 

Siblings: Josh (25), Shelby (15) 

High School Mascot: Bulldogs 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Put all the seniors 

together and we make a pretty funny crowd 

Favorite food: Chinese, sushi, pepper steak, poppy 

seed chicken 

Unique talent: Drawing 

Worst habit: Biting my fingernails 

Greatest fears: Spiders, losing people dear to me 

My most-prized possession is: My pictures/photo 

albums and my computer 

Greatest accomplishment: Being named Miss Kentucky 

Softball 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Went 

skydiving and lived in Long Island 


Own a motorcycle 


My dad because of who he is, what he has done 

for my family, and for all the great things he has 

accomplished. I hope to have his success all 

around for my future. 


Schmidt? Her desire to win and her knowledge of 

the game 


“Chasing Cars,” by Snow Patrol 

If a movie were going to be made about my life, I would 

want this actress to play me: Sandra Bullock 

My advice to youngsters is: Live day by day, enjoy 

every moment, and do the things that make you 

the happiest 

I chose Kentucky because: I was born here and I 

love the countryside 

Favorite athlete: Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm 

Favorite sports team: Indianapolis Colts 

Hobbies: Water and snow skiing, anything outdoors, 

sports, the beach, and traveling 

Most memorable moment: Hitting for the cycle and 

winning a Catspy for it and hitting a game-winning 

homerun off Abbott to beat Tennessee 

CAREER HIGHS 

HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . .4, 24 times (Arkansas - 4/15/06) 

Runs . . . . . .3, three times (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . ..4 (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Stolen Bases . . .2, three times (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 




At Bats . . . . . . . . . .4, 13 times (Arkansas - 4/15/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Indiana State - 2/25/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . .2, twice (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 


2006: Started 50 games for the Wildcats ... Finished 

second on the team with a .309 batting average ... Led 

the team in slugging percentage (.540) and on-base 

percentage (.435) ... Recorded 12 doubles to lead the 

team and was tops on the team with 31 walks ... 

Ranked second on the team with seven stolen bases in 

eight attempts ... Tied for the team lead with six home 

runs ... Was second on the team with 24 runs scored 

and ranked third with 18 RBI ... Hit for the cycle in 

the Cats’ win over Indiana State becoming only the 

second player in UK history to complete the feat ... 

Won the CATSPY for Female Performance of the Year 

... Set a new UK record with four walks against Loyola 

Marymount ... Had 11 multiple-hit games and four 

multiple-RBI contests ... Went 3-for-4 with two doubles, 

a home run, two runs scored and an RBI in the 

series opener against LSU ... Currently ranks second 

all-time at UK with 59 career walks ... Ranks fifth alltime 

with 10 home runs and is eighth with 21 career 

doubles ... Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2005: Saw action in 42 games and made 36 starts after 

a wrist injury held her out of the first month of the season 

... Batted .301 to lead the 

team and tied for tops on 

the team with two triples 

BROOKE 

15 

MARNITZ 

SS • 5-7 • R/R • SENIOR • LEXINGTON, KY. 

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR 

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT/CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

... Led the team with a .427 slugging percentage ... 

Ranked third on the team with six stolen bases in eight 

attempts ... Led the team with eight multiple-hit games 

... Went 3-for-4 with three runs scored against Belmont, 

tying a career-high for hits in a game ... Was 2- 

for-3 with a home run, two runs scored and an RBI in 

a second game against Belmont ... Went 2-for-4 with 

two runs and a game-winning extra-inning home run 

off Monica Abbott at No. 4 Tennessee ... Had a fivegame 

hitting streak from Mar. 6 to Mar. 13 ... Suffered 

a season-ending leg injury at Louisville on Apr. 27 ... 

Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2004: Hit .259 on the season in 52 games played … 

Was 11-for-14 on the base paths … Had 35 hits and 

17 RBI on the season ... Tied the game in the eighth 

inning against FIU with a double to right field and 

scored the go-ahead run one play later ... Had a 

multi-hit game in a win over Florida ... Had a fivegame 

hitting streak that included a 2-for-4 game over 

No. 6 Alabama and a 3-for-3 performance in two 

games against intrastate rival Louisville ... Went 3- 

for-3 against No. 18 South Carolina. 

High School: Has been a fixture in the infield for the 

Bulldogs since the seventh grade ... As a senior batted 

.622 with eight home runs and 42 RBI ... Named 

Miss Kentucky Softball in 2003 ... State record holder 

in home runs with 23 ... Was voted firstteam 

all-state and the top player in the 

11th Region as a junior and senior ... 

Graduated with 19 varsity athletic 

letters ... Graduated with a 4.37 

weighted GPA ... Made the Kentucky 

East/West All-Star team 

her junior and senior seasons ... 

Won the Wendy’s High School Heisman 

Award in 2003 ... Voted Kentucky Junior 

Player of the Year in 2002 ... Was a member 

of the Honor Roll of Distinction all four 

years of high school. 

Personal: Chose UK because of its proximity 

to home ... Chose UK over Florida, 

South Carolina, Indiana, 

Louisville and Georgetown College. 

MARNITZ’S CAREER STATS 


2004 .259 52/51 135 20 35 6 1 2 17 49 .363 18 2 42 0 .346 4 4 11-14 86 112 15 .930 

2005 .301 42/36 103 20 31 3 2 2 6 44 .427 10 0 18 0 .363 0 1 6-8 75 61 10 .932 

2006 .309 50/50 139 24 43 12 1 6 18 75 .540 31 0 27 0 .435 0 2 7-8 71 80 15 .910 

Career .289 144/137 377 64 109 21 4 10 41 168 .446 59 2 87 0 .385 4 7 24-41 232 253 40 .924 

31

Full Name: Jenny Sibert 

Nickname: Sibby 

Birth Date: May 13, 1985 

Place of Birth: San Diego, Calif. 

Parents: Tom and Debbie 

Siblings: Derek (25) 

High School Mascot: Raiders 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Mexican/Italian 

Worst habit: Falling asleep during movies 

Greatest fear: Losing my pride 

Greatest accomplishment: Being where I am today 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Go on 

vacation 


Visit family in Italy 


Parents 

First paying job: Coaching youth baseball/softball 


Schmidt? Her talks after the game and she runs a 

lot 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am left-handed in 

everything I do except softball 


Ciara 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: 

Applebottom 

My advice to youngsters is: Be tough 

I chose Kentucky because: Good opportunities and 

something different 

Favorite sports team: Oakland Raiders 

Pets: Dog 

Hobbies: Don’t have time 

Most memorable moment: Beating Tennessee 

sophomore year 

2006: Played in four games for the Wildcats, primarily 

as a pinch runner, before undergoing season-ending 

shoulder surgery ... Scored two runs for the Cats 

with the first coming against UNLV ... Also scored a 

run in the win over Kent State before being red-shirted 

for the remainder of the season ... Was named a 

member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2005: Played in 32 games and made 22 starts in the 

outfield as a sophomore ... Batted .257 on the year 

and drove in four runs ... Scored six runs ... Went 

1-for-2 with an RBI and two runs 

scored in UK’s win over Belmont ... 

Was 1-for-3 with a double at 

Arkansas ... Recorded one 

stolen base in three attempts 

... Named to SEC Academic 

Honor Roll. 

JENNY 

2 

SIBERT 

OF • 5-6 • R/R • SENIOR 

CORVALLIS, ORE. • CRESCENT VALLEY • JOURNALISM 

2004: Saw action in 15 games and batted .250 in 

limited duty … Saw her first start of the season vs. 

Mississippi as the designated player ... Got her first 

career hit at Eastern Kentucky, where she also scored 

a run. 

High School: Batted .300 with 21 RBI in 2002 ... 

Was selected first-team All-Valley League in both 

softball and basketball as a senior and second-team 

as a junior ... Lettered all four years of high 

school in softball and basketball ... Member 

of the National Honor Society ... 

Selected as a Gatorade Regional Athlete 

of the Month and Ambassador Athlete of 

the Month. 

Personal: Chose UK to play softball, get an 

education and meet new people ... Chose 

Kentucky over several schools in California 

and Kent State. 

HIGHS 

CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . .3, six times (Arkansas - 4/23/05) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Belmont - 3/5/05) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 10 times (Arkansas - 4/23/05) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, four times (LSU - 4/9/05) 

Walks . . . .1, five times (Mississippi State - 3/26/05) 

Stolen Bases . .1, three times (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (3/5-3/6/05) 



At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, twice (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

SIBERT’S CAREER STATS 


2004 .250 15/1 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 .250 1 0 0 0 .400 0 1 1-1 5 0 0 1.000 

2005 .257 32/22 35 6 9 1 0 0 4 10 .286 4 1 11 0 .350 0 1 1-3 21 1 2 .917 

2006 .000 4/0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 0 0 .000 0 0 1-1 0 0 0 .000 

Career .256 51-23 39 11 10 1 0 0 4 11 .282 5 1 11 0 .356 0 2 3-6 26 1 2 .931 

32

Full Name: Samantha Allen 

Nickname: Sam 

Birth Date: September 7, 1985 

Place of Birth: Winfield, Ill. 

Parents: Will and Denise 

Siblings: Jonathon (26) 

High School Mascot: Spartans 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Soupy and Brogdon 

Favorite food: Mexican food 

Worst habit: Procrastinating 

Greatest fear: Snakes 

My most-prized possession is: My car 

Greatest accomplishment: Setting the state records 

for strikeouts in a game in Florida 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Almost 

drowned at Laguna Beach with Sibby and Dimmy 


Travel through Europe 


My parents because they have always supported 

me and helped me get to where I am today 

First paying job: Hollister 


Schmidt? Her depth of knowledge in every aspect 

of the game 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Can’t explain to 

people what my major really is 


Shoulder Lean 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Toofless 


would want this actor to play me: Kate Hudson 

I chose Kentucky because: I wanted to play in the 

SEC 

Favorite athlete: Andruw Jones and Dwyane Wade 

Favorite sports team: Miami Heat 

Pets: Two cats and a dog at home and a fish named 

Jorge at school 

Hobbies: Going to the beach, sleeping, shopping 

Most memorable moment: Beating Florida last year 

in Gainesville 

CAREER PITCHING HIGHS 

HIGHS 


Innings . . .10, 2 times (Bowling Green St. - 2/27/05) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 (Florida - 5/7/05) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 (Florida - 5/7/05) 

Strikeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 (Belmont - 3/6/05) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 2x (Belmont - 3/6/05) 

2006 PITCHING HIGHS 


Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.0 (Florida - 4/22/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 (Tennessee - 3/29/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 (Tennessee - 3/29/06) 

Strikeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Ole Miss - 4/30/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Florida - 4/22/06) 

SAMANTHA 

ALLEN 

P • 5-7 • R/R • JUNIOR • DAVIE, FLA. 

HOLLYWOOD HILLS 

INTEGRATED STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 

8 

2006: Made 13 appearances in the circle for the Wildcats, 

including eight starts ... Had a record of 2-3 with 

a save in 34.2 innings of work ... Recorded 16 strikeouts 

and had an ERA of 4.04 ... Allowed just two hits 

in 4.0 innings of work in the Cats’ series-clinching win 

over South Carolina ... Notched a season-high four 

strikeouts in her final appearance of the season against 

Ole Miss while giving up one run on two hits in 4.0 

innings ... Enters the season ranked sixth 

all-time at UK in appearances with 62 

... Ranks seventh in UK career 

record books in games started 

(37), innings pitched (207.1) 

and wins (14) ... Named to SEC 

Academic Honor Roll. 

2005: Led the team and ranked seventh in 

the SEC with 29 games started ... Had a 

record of 12-17 and ranked second on the 

team with a 4.95 ERA ... Ranked third in 

the SEC with 49 appearances ... Led the 

pitching staff and was eighth in the league 

with 172.2 innings pitched ... Recorded a 

team-best 92 strikeouts ... Threw nine complete 

games and hurled two shutouts ... 

Struck out a season-high nine batters in a 

complete-game win over Belmont ... Tossed a 

complete-game 10-inning shutout against 

Bowling Green. 

High School: Coached by Jenna Andrews … 

Her team won the district championship four 

consecutive years … Career-high was a Florida 

High School Athletics Association record 

32 strikeouts in a single game … Named to 

the Class 5A first team her junior season by 

the Florida Sports Writers Association. 

Personal: Chose UK over Elon University 

and the University of Illinois-Chicago ... 

Chose to play at UK because she wanted to 

play softball in the SEC. 

ALLEN’S CAREER STATS 


2005 .000 6/5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 1 0 0 0 1.000 0 0 0-0 4 37 5 .891 

Career .000 6/5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 1 0 0 0 1.000 0 0 0-0 6 44 5 .909 

Allen’s UK Pitching Stats 

YEAR ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB OPP/AVG WP HBP BK SFA SHA 

2005 4.95 12-17 49 29 9 2/1 0 172.2 232 153 122 98 92 41 6 19 715 .324 6 16 0 11 23 

2006 4.04 2-3 13 8 0 0/1 1 34.2 36 21 20 17 16 5 0 5 132 .273 1 1 0 1 4 

Career 4.79 14-20 62 37 9 2/2 1 207.1 268 174 142 115 108 46 6 24 847 .316 7 17 0 12 27 

33

Full Name: Rebecca Evelyn Bishop 

Nickname: Becky, Bishop, Bish 

Birth Date: October 8, 1985 

Place of Birth: Kenton, Ky. 

Parents: Bob and Susanne Bishop 

Siblings: Elisha (26), Josh (23) 

High School Mascot: Rebels 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: All the girls make me 

laugh in different ways! 

Favorite food: Anything Mom makes 

Unique talent: Play guitar 

Worst habit: Procrastination 

Greatest fear: SPIDERS! 

My most-prized possession is: My family 

Greatest accomplishment: Accomplishing my lifetime 

goal of playing DI softball 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Helped 

coach my former travel ball team, Louisville Lady 

Sluggers, and the coaching staff was recognized 

nationally for travel ball “Coaching Staff of the 

Year” 


My sister because of all the trials and tribulations 

she has been through. It makes me realize that I 

can do anything I set my mind to as long as I do it 

with heart and passion. 


Schmidt? Her ability to get through to all types of 

players. She knows the game better than anyone 

and she is great at passing her knowledge along 

to the team in a constructive yet positive way. 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Sing karaoke on a 

regular basis 


“Summer of ‘69,” by Bryan Adams. It’s my favorite 

song! 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Samsonite 


would want this actor to play me: Angelina Jolie 

because she’s my favorite 

My advice to youngsters is: Never lose sight of your 

goals and give everything you have in all aspects 

of life, because if you aren’t, someone else is! 

Favorite athlete: Pete Rose 

Favorite sports team: Cincinnati Reds 

CAREER HIGHS 

2006 (at Western Kentucky): Played in 41 games 

for the Hilltoppers and made 28 starts ... Batted 

.195 with two doubles and seven RBI ... Was 3-for- 

4 in stolen base attempts ... Scored 12 runs and 

drew four walks. 

2005: Sat out as a redshirt at Western Kentucky 

High School: Four time all-state selection by the 

Northern Kentucky Coaches Association and Kentucky 

Post at Boone County High School ... Named 

a first team All-Star by the Kentucky Enquirer 

four times ... Academic all-state choice each 

of her four years ... Northern Kentucky 

Coaches Association Player of the Year and 

Kentucky Enquirer Player of the Year in 

2004 ... All-region and all-district three 

times under coach Angel Buchanan ... Kentucky 

state record holder for most runs 

scored in a career (249) ... Second all-time in 

the state of Kentucky in career hits (276) ... 

Holds BCHS career records for RBI (148) 

and doubles (16) ... Lifetime batting average 

of .438. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because of the tradition 

and atmosphere of the school and the 

competitiveness of the SEC ... cousin of former 

UK quarterback Tim Couch. 

BECKY 

11 

BISHOP 

OF • 5-6 • R/R • JUNIOR • FLORENCE, KY. 

BOONE COUNTY • KINESIOLOGY 

HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . .4, twice (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Louisville - 3/4/06) 

Hits. . . . . . . . .2, twice (Eastern Kentucky - 4/19/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . .2, twice (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . .1, four times (Indiana - 3/24/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . ..1, three times (Indiana - 3/24/06) 




At Bats . . . . .4, twice (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Louisville - 3/4/06) 

Hits. . . . . . . . .2, twice (Eastern Kentucky - 4/19/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . .2, twice (Loyola Marymount - 2/26/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . .1, four times (Indiana - 3/24/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . ..1, three times (Indiana - 3/24/06) 


BISHOP’S CAREER STATS 


2006 .195 41/28 82 12 16 2 0 0 7 18 .220 4 2 10 0 .250 0 4 3-4 20 4 2 .923 

Career .195 41/28 82 12 16 2 0 0 7 18 .220 4 2 10 0 .250 0 4 3-4 20 4 2 .923 

* Stats are from WKU 

34

Full Name: Lindsay Kate Brogdon 

Nickname: Brogdon 

Birth Date: June 4, 1986 

Place of Birth: Birmingham, Ala. 

Parents: David and Suzanne Brogdon 

Siblings: Emily (18), Ethan (9) 

High School Mascot: Eagles 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Everyone is funny 

Favorite food: Chick-fil-a grilled chicken sandwich 

Unique talent: I usually can get out of uncomfortable 

situations 

Worst habit: Being too impatient 

Greatest fear: 18-wheelers 

My most-prized possession is: My cell phone 

Greatest accomplishment: Making it to the SEC level 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Pulling 

my abdominal muscle while tubing behind Ferti’s 

boat 


Snowboard 


My mom and dad because they always believed in 

me. 


Schmidt? Her personality 


Sweet Home Alabama 

I chose Kentucky because: I loved the coaches and 

girls. 

Favorite sports team: Atlanta Braves 

Pets: My lab Winston 

Hobbies: Traveling, taking pictures, tanning, and text 

messaging 

Most memorable moment: Going to Italy, France, 

and Switzerland 

HIGHS 



Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.1 (Ohio - 3/4/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 (LSU - 3/25/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, twice (LSU - 3/25/06) 

Strikeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Ohio - 3/4/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, three times (LSU - 3/25/06) 



Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.1 (Ohio - 3/4/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 (LSU - 3/25/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, twice (LSU - 3/25/06) 

Strikeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Ohio - 3/4/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, three times (LSU - 3/25/06) 

2006: Made 18 appearances for the Wildcats in her 

first season at Kentucky ... Started four contests and 

ended the season with a record of 3-2 ... Finished the 

season with an ERA of 4.59 ... Tossed 39.2 innings 

and struck out 15 batters on the year ... Earned her 

first win of the season against Long Beach State after 

allowing one run on five hits in 4.0 innings of work 

... Earned the win over Indiana State, tossing a complete 

game and giving up three runs on seven hits 

over 5.0 innings. 

2005 (At Central Alabama Community College): 

Completed her freshman season with a 16-3 

record and one save ... Posted an ERA of 

0.98 ... Recorded 121 strikeouts in 114 

innings of work. 

High School: Tossed 33 complete 

games as a senior at Oak Mountain 

High School while going 27-10 with a 

0.47 earned run average ... Recorded 

353 strikeouts in 252.1 innings of 

work ... Was named Shelby County’s 

Player of the Year in 2004 ... Received 

All-State, All-Metro, All-County and 

Super All-State honors as a senior ... 

Recorded four no-hitters and 12 

shutouts as a senior ... Named MVP of 

the state sectionals en route to a state 

championship title in 2001 ... Member 

of state All-Tournament team ... Earned 

All-State honors as a freshman and 

received honorable mention as a sophomore 

and as a junior ... Posted a four-year prep 

record of 83-23 (.783) with 893 strikeouts 

and 51 shutouts ... Four-year member of Overthe-Mountain 

softball team ... Three-time member 

of All Shelby County team. 

LINDSAY 

32 

BROGDON 

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. • OAK MOUNTAIN • MARKETING 

P • 5-11 • R/R • JUNIOR 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because of the coaches, 

the location and she always wanted to play at the 

SEC level ... Chose UK over schools in Alabama, 

Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee. 

BROGDON’S CAREER STATS 

YEAR ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR AB OPP/AVG WP HBP BK SFA SHA 

2006 4.56 3-2 18 4 1 0/0 0 39.2 51 28 26 13 15 15 0 3 164 .311 4 4 0 4 5 

Career 4.56 3-2 18 4 1 0/0 0 39.2 51 28 26 13 15 15 0 3 164 .311 4 4 0 4 5 

35

Full Name: Ashley May Dimkich 

Nickname: Dimmy, Lil dim 

Birth Date: April 29, 1986 

Place of Birth: Pasadena, Calif. 

Parents: Mitch and Sandy Dimkich 

Siblings: Kimberly (17) 

High School Mascot: Titans 

Q & A 

Funniest players on the team: Katie Campbell and 

Lindsay Brogdon 

Favorite food: My dad’s BBQ’s and Mexican food 

Unique talent: I have an excellent kick-ball change. 

Worst habit: Piling clothes up on this one chair in my 

bedroom 

My most-prized possession is: My digital camera 

because I love to take pictures! 

Greatest accomplishment: Playing Softball for UK 

and making the SEC Academic Honor roll both my 

freshman and sophomore year 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Visited 

Sam Allen down in Florida. Then Sam and Jenny 

Sibert came to California and we went on the Price 

Is Right!!! 


My parents have been the backbone of my success. 

Without them, I would not be where I am 

today. They mean the world to me! 

First paying job: Kentucky softball camp instructor 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? 

Her high level of energy, intensity and work ethic. In 

her time here, she has done a lot for this program 

and she genuinely loves what she does! 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Have been playing 

golf since I was 4 years old 


“You and Me” by Lifehouse 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Cali Cat 


would want this actor to play me: Jennifer 

Aniston!! I love her! 

Last concert I went to was: Rascal Flatts 

I chose Kentucky because: UK has a beautiful campus, 

a great college of education, and an athletic 

program filled with tradition 

Favorite athlete: Tiger Woods 

Favorite sports team: Los Angeles Dodgers and 

Angels 

Most memorable moment: The day I decided to 

become a Kentucky Wildcat 

2006: Played in 25 games and started 14 times for the 

Wildcats ... Tied her career-high with four at-bats 

against Auburn ... Scored four runs and recorded three 

RBI on the year ... Drew three walks and laid down 

one sacrifice bunt ... Went 1-for-1 with a run scored 

in the win over Morehead State ... Finished 

1-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI against Arkansas 

... Named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. 

2005: Saw action in 17 games and made nine starts 

primarily at second base ... Batted .103 with a run 

scored ... Recorded three RBIs ... Played solid defense 

with just one error on the year ... Went 1-for-2 with 

a run scored and an RBI in UK’s win over Virginia ... 

Was 1-for-3 with an RBI at LSU ... Named to SEC 

Freshman Academic Honor Roll. 

ASHLEY 

26 

DIMKICH 

1B • 5-6 • R/R • JUNIOR • SAN MARINO, CALIF. 

SAN MARINO • ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 

High School: Coached by Mitch Dimkich … Hit 

.342 in her four-year high school career, including a 

.429 clip in her senior season with 17 RBI … Twotime 

San Marino High School MVP ... Was named 

an All-CIF second-round choice in her senior season 

… Also competed in golf and was the first girl in her 

high school’s history to compete as a CIF Freelance 

Golfer ... Inducted into San Marino High School’s 

Hall of Fame ... Was a member of the National 

Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation 

Lifetime Seal Bearer. 

Personal: Lists her most memorable softball moment 

as the day she decided to become a Kentucky Wildcat 

... Chose UK for the beautiful campus, the College 

of Education and the opportunity to play for a 

school with such a rich athletic tradition ... Chose 

UK over Arizona State, UC-Davis and UC-Santa 

Barbara. 

HIGHS 

CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . .4, three times (Auburn - 3/12/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . .1, five times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . .1, five times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, six times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Walks . . . .1, three times (Mississippi State - 5/6/06) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (2/25-2/26/05) 



At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Auburn - 3/12/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . .1, four times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, twice (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . .1, three times (Arkansas - 4/14/06) 

Walks . . . .1, three times (Mississippi State - 5/6/06) 


Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

DIMKICH’S CAREER STATS 


2005 .103 17/9 29 1 3 0 0 0 3 3 .103 0 0 13 0 .103 0 1 0-0 24 15 1 .975 

2006 .049 25/14 41 4 2 0 0 0 3 2 .049 3 3 17 0 .170 0 1 0-0 13 17 2 .938 

Career .071 42/23 70 5 5 0 0 0 6 5 .071 3 3 30 0 .145 0 2 0-0 37 32 3 .958 

36

Full Name: Allison Marie Eckman 

Nickname: Alli 

Birth Date: July 19, 1986 

Place of Birth: Vancouver, Wash. 

Parents: Chris Eckman and Rhonda Brewer 

Siblings: Angie (26), Amber (24) 

High School Mascot: Panthers 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Gina Florence 

Favorite food: Spaghetti 

Unique talent: I am pigeon toed in my left foot 

Worst habit: Biting my fingernails 

Greatest fear: Spiders 


Greatest accomplishment: Playing a Division I sport 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Did 

swim-ex almost every day 


Backpack through Europe 


My father for always telling me I can do anything I 

put my mind to 

First paying job: Never had a job 


Schmidt? Her knowledge of the game 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Have bunk beds 


“Show Stopper,” by Danity Kane 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Tootsie Roll 

Last concert I went to was: A New Found Glory 

My advice to youngsters is: Always play because 

you love the game 

I chose Kentucky because: It seemed like a good 

place for me 

Favorite athlete: Scottie Pippen 

Favorite sports team: Seattle Mariners 

Pets: Two cats - Simon & Toby 

Hobbies: Sports, sleeping, hanging out with my 

friends 

Most memorable moment: Brooke Marnitz hitting a 

homerun against Abbott on the highway behind the 

field in Tennessee 

2006: Made eight consecutive starts before suffering 

a season-ending knee injury in February ... Hit her 

first career home run - a grand slam - in the Wildcats’ 

win over Long Beach State ... Went 1-for-3 with 

a run scored and four RBI in that game ... Added her 

second career long ball when she went 1-for-3 with a 

homer, a run scored and an RBI against Kent State ... 

Batted .217 in her injury-shortened season with six 

runs scored, two home runs and six RBI. 

2005: Started 55 games last season and played in 58 

contests ... Batted .217 with four doubles ... Ranked 

second on the team with 18 RBIs ... Was fifth on the 

team with 11 runs scored ... Had six multiple-hit 

games and four multiple-RBI games ... Went 2-for- 

3 with a triple, an RBI and a run scored in the 

win over Tennessee Tech ... Was 2-for-3 with 

two RBIs, a double and a stolen base 

against Belmont ... Added a 3-for-3 

performance with a run scored 

and three RBIs in the Cats’ 

ALLI 

ECKMAN 

7 

1B/C/OF • 5-7 • L/R • JUNIOR 

WASHOUGAL, WASH. • WASHOUGAL • KINESIOLOGY 

win over Marshall ... Was a perfect 4-for-4 and drove 

in four runs in the series with the Thundering Herd. 

High School: Coached by John Carver … Hit .375 

her senior season with 10 RBI and 15 stolen bases … 

Named first team all-league catcher three of her four 

years in high school … Also lettered three years in 

basketball and volleyball. 

Personal: Lists her most memorable softball moment 

as hitting a home run to become defending league 

champions and earn a birth to districts ... Chose UK 

over Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky. 

HIGHS 

CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 (Illinois State - 2/6/05) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Marshall - 3/23/05) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Long Beach State - 2/11/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Marshall - 3/23/05) 

Stolen Bases . . . . . . . .1, 2 times (Belmont - 3/6/05) 




At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (UNLV - 2/12/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . .1, five times (Kent State - 2/17/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 (Long Beach State - 2/11/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . .1, three times (Kent State - 2/17/06) 


Hitting Streak . . . . . . .2 games, twice (2/16-2/17/06) 

ECKMAN’S CAREER STATS 


2005 .217 58/55 129 11 28 4 1 0 18 34 .264 7 3 36 0 .271 1 2 2-5 68 10 2 .975 

2006 .217 8/8 23 6 5 0 0 2 6 11 .478 3 0 3 2 .308 0 2 0-0 24 2 0 1.000 

Career .217 66/63 152 17 33 4 1 2 24 45 .296 10 3 39 2 .277 1 4 2-5 92 12 2 .981 

37

Full Name: Megan Nichole Jolly 

Nickname: MJ 

Birth Date: December 7, 1985 

Place of Birth: Owensboro, Ky. 

Parents: Kerry and Paula Jolly 

Siblings: Emily (15) 

Major: Business Marketing 

High School Mascot: Aces 

Q & A 

MEGAN 

21 

JOLLY 

P • 5-6 • R/R • JUNIOR • OWENSBORO, KY 

OWENSBORO • BUSINESS MARKETING 

Favorite food: Italian 

Unique talent: Singing really loud while listening to 

my iPod 




Greatest accomplishment: Recovering from back 

surgery in high school to play collegiate softball 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Made a 

trip to Orlando 


Snow ski 


My parents because they are so supportive 

First paying job: Babysitting 


Schmidt? Her dedication and commitment to the 

program 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am a natural 

blonde 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: The 

default one 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Winner 


would want this actor to play me: Jennifer Aniston 

Last concert I went to was: The Fray 

My advice to youngsters is: Be true to yourself and 

always work hard 

I chose Kentucky because: Strong academics, proximity 

to family 

Favorite athlete: Jeff Francouer 

Favorite sports team: New York Yankees 

Pets: Dog named Deuce 

Hobbies: Listening to my iPod, going to concerts, 

watching movies, making picture collages 

Most memorable moment: First game playing collegiate 

softball 

HIGHS 



Innings . . .7.0, 4 times (Eastern Michigan - 2/17/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 (Mississippi State - 3/30/05) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . .7, four times (Tennessee - 5/6/06) 

Strikeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 (Southern - 2/19/05) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, twice (Alabama - 3/25/05) 



Innings . . . . . . . . . .7.0 (Eastern Michigan - 2/17/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 (Tennessee - 5/6/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, twice (Tennessee - 5/6/06) 

Strikeouts . . . . .7, twice (Texas Southern - 2/22/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . .3 (Eastern Michigan - 2/17/06) 

2006 (at LSU): Made 13 appearances, going a perfect 

6-0 on the season ... Recorded three completegame 

shutouts with a save ... Posted a season-best 

seven strikeouts in games against Grambling State 

and Texas Southern ... Came on in relief and did not 

allow and earned run in 2.1 innings against nationally 

ranked Oregon state ... Also threw two innings of 

shutout relief in a win over nationally ranked Oklahoma 

... Threw a complete-game one-hitter against 

Grambling State … Named to SEC Academic Honor 

Roll. 

2005 (at LSU): Made 22 appearances, going 7-5 ... 

Recorded three games with 10 or more strikeouts, 

which was tied for sixth in the SEC ... Threw three 

complete-game shutouts on the season ... Recorded a 

win over nationally ranked Florida ... Threw a complete-game 

one-hitter against Southern ... Action was 

limited until late in the season after a rib injury during 

the Purple & Gold Challenge ... Struck out a season-best 

11 batters against Southern ... Also posted 

10 strikeouts against Michigan State and Southeastern 

Louisiana … Member of the SEC Freshman Academic 

Honor Roll. 

High School: Earned six letters in softball ... 2004 

NFCA third-team All-American ... Kentucky's Miss 

Softball ... Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year ... 

Honored with the OCHS Liz Lukschu Outstanding 

Female Athlete Award ... Team finished as the state 

runner-up as she was named to the all-state tournament 

team ... Selected to the all-state first team ... 

Finished the season at 19-3 with a 0.26 ERA and 

314 strikeouts ... Was a member of the 2003 NFCA 

second-team all-region team and all-state team ... Led 

her team to the 2003 state championship and was 

named to the all-state tournament team ... Went 18- 

3 with a 0.64 ERA and 261 strikeouts in 2003 ... 

Also led her team to a 2001 state runner-up finish ... 

2001 Honorable mention all-state selection ... 2000 

all-district selection ... 1999-01 all-region selection ... 

Threw 11 no-hitters and a perfect game in high 

school ... Summer ball team won the ASA state 

championship in 1999, 2000, 2002 and state runnerup 

in 2001 ... 2001-03 NFCA All-American Scholar 

Athlete ... 2001-03 first-team academic all-state selection 

... Miss OCHS... Selected Homecoming Queen 

in 2004 ... Student council treasurer in 2004 ... Volunteers 

with the Special Olympics and Girls, Inc. 

JOLLY’S CAREER STATS 

YEAR ERA W-L APP GS CG SHO/CBO SV IP H R ER BB SO 2B 3B HR BF OPP/AVG WP HBP SFA SHA 

2005 2.32 7-5 22 11 6 3/0 0 90.1 80 44 30 35 71 15 4 5 385 .240 8 3 5 9 

2006 1.76 6-0 13 5 3 3/0 1 43.2 36 17 11 15 32 4 0 0 191 .216 4 3 1 5 

Career 2.14 13-5 35 16 9 6/0 1 134.0 116 61 41 50 103 19 4 5 576 .232 12 6 6 14 

* Stats are from LSU 

38

Full Name: Audrey Marie Meyer 

Nickname: Aud, Audi 


Place of Birth: Salem, Ore. 

Parents: George and Marlene Meyer 

Siblings: Lorraine (23), Suzanne (18) 

High School Mascot: Rams 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Lindsay Brogdon 

Favorite food: Anything my Mom cooks 

Worst habit: Shopping 

Greatest fear: The dark 

My most-prized possession is: My cell phone 

Greatest accomplishment: Won the 2005 NJCAA 

National Championship 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: My 

road trip out to Kentucky 


Backpack through Europe 


My parents. They are the best and without them I 

wouldn’t be where I am today. 

First paying job: Combine driver 


Schmidt? Her knowledge of the game and her ability 

to fold socks 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am a farmer’s 

daughter 


“Far Away,” by Nickelback 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Shoulderhurts 

Last concert I went to was: Mariah Carey 

My advice to youngsters is: Never give up 

I chose Kentucky because: I liked the girls and the 

coaches 

Hobbies: Shopping, hanging out with friends, late 

night talks, and pictures 

2006 (Central Arizona JC): Joined the Wildcats after 

spending the past two seasons at Central Arizona 

College, one of the nation's top junior college programs 

... Is a potent threat at the plate and fonished 

the season with a .394 batting average ... Stole 31 

bases in 38 attempts and scored 56 runs ... Notched 

eight triples and had 42 RBI ... In 180 at bats, Meyers 

struck out just eight times ... Ranked second in 

the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference 

with eight triples ... Her 31 stolen bases placed her 

among league leaders, ranking fourth in the conference 

... Earned first team All-ACCAC honors ... 

Named to the all-region team. 

2005 (Central Arizona JC): Finished her freshman 

season ranked fifth in the league with 96 

hits ... Was sixth in the conference with 37 

stolen bases ... Was named third team All- 

Conference by the ACCAC ... All-Tournament 

team member of the 2005 squad 

that won the National Junior College Athletic 

Association (NJCAA) national championship 

... Batted .406 on the year and 

earned third team All-ACCAC honors. 

AUDREY 

MEYER 

OF • 5-5 • L/R • JUNIOR • JEFFERSON, ORE. 

REGIS • SOCIOLOGY 

4 

Year as a senior ... Was a Tri-River Conference first 

team selection as a catcher in 2004 ... Received second 

team all-state honors as a sophomore and again 

as a junior ... Was a Tri-River Conference first team 

outfield selection in 2003. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because she liked the girls 

and the coaches ... Chose UK over Memphis. 

High School: Played at Regis High School and was 

named the Tri-River conference Player of the Year 

as a senior ... Earned first team all-state accolades 

in 2004 after batting .500 with 30 RBI and 17 

stolen bases ... Named the 2A Player of the

Full Name: Elizabeth Angelyn Fadde 

Nickname: Faddegirl 


Place of Birth: Lafayette, Ind. 

Parents: Peter Fadde and Patricia Sullivan 

Siblings: Jae (23) 

High School Mascot: Red Devils 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Salmon 

Unique talent: I can stir-fry anything 

Worst habit: Waiting too long to do the dishes 

My most-prized possession is: My Bible 

Greatest accomplishment: Is yet to come 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Athletes 

in Action’s Ultimate Training Camp in Colorado 


Go skydiving 


My mom. We are so close. 

First paying job: Babysitter 


Schmidt? How much she cares about us. 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Took fifth place in 

the fourth grade geography bee 


“Touch the Sky,” by Kanye West 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Aunt Jemima 


would want this actor to play me: Jennifer Garner 

Last concert I went to was: Indy Jazz and Blues Fest 

My advice to youngsters is: Don’t do drugs 

I chose Kentucky because: I liked it and the chance 

to play in the SEC 

Favorite athlete: Roosevelt Colvin 

Favorite sports team: St Louis Cardinals 

Hobbies: Watching Grey’s Anatomy 

Most memorable moment: Advancing to the state 

finals in high school softball 

2006: Saw action in 13 games and made three starts 

for the Wildcats ... Scored three runs on the year ... 

Made her first appearance in the blue and white as a 

pinch runner against Kent State and scored a run ... 

Collected her first career hit with a single against 

Youngstown State and scored a run in that game ... 

Drew a pair of walks in the Cats’ win over Ohio ... 

Named to the SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll. 

ELIZABETH 

16 

FADDE 

OF • 5-7 • R/R • SOPHOMORE • WEST LAFAYETTE, IND. 

WEST LAFAYETTE • MATERIALS ENGINEERING 

High School: Four-year starter at West Lafayette 

High School ... Served as team captain as a junior 

and a senior ... Named All-Hoosier Conference as a 

junior and senior ... Led team to a AAA state runnerup 

title in 2004 ... Received the team’s Mental Attitude 

Award ... Hit the only grand slam in school history 

... Member of National Honors Society. 

Personal: Chose UK for the chance to play softball in 

the SEC ... Chose Kentucky over Purdue, Evansville, 

Chicago and Indiana State. 

HIGHS 

2006 SEASON/CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3, twice (Indiana - 4/12/06) 

Runs . . .1, three times (Youngstown State - 3/4/06) 

Hits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (Youngstown State - 3/4/06) 

RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 (Ohio - 4/4/06) 


Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 game (3/4/06) 

FADDE’S CAREER STATS 


2006 .067 13/3 15 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 .067 2 1 6 0 .222 0 0 0-0 6 0 0 1.000 

Career .067 13/3 15 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 .067 2 1 6 0 .222 0 0 0-0 6 0 0 1.000 

40

Full Name: Catherine Mary McCarty 

Nickname: Ktmac, Mac 

Birth Date: June 8, 1987 

Place of Birth: Louisville, Ky. 

Parents: Tom and Peggy McCarty 

Siblings: Kevin (29), sister-in-law Beth (26), 

Michael (24) 

High School Mascot: Valkyries 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Gina Florence 

Favorite food: My mom’s lasagna 

Unique talent: I can pick objects up with my toes 

Worst habit: Popping my knuckles 

Greatest fear: Heights 

My most-prized possession is: My first glove 

Greatest accomplishment: Hasn’t happened yet 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Worked 

out with Coach Tracey-Simmons 


Visit Ireland 


My immediate family because they are my inspiration 

and motivation 

First paying job: Camp counselor 


Schmidt? Her knowledge of the game and sense 

of humor 


Mission Impossible 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: License 

Plate 

Last concert I went to was: Jimmy Buffet 

My advice to youngsters is: Never give up on your 

dreams because you never know when you will 

accomplish them 

I chose Kentucky because: I have always been a 

Cat fan and I love everything about the school 

Favorite athlete: Derek Jeter 

Favorite sports team: New York Yankees 

Hobbies: Reading 

Most memorable moment: My first college hit being a 

two-RBI double 

2006: Played in 10 games for the Cats and made five 

starts as a freshman ... Scored one run and drove in 

four on the year ... Recorded her first career hit with 

a two-run double against Youngstown State ... Had 

two multiple-RBI games ... Went 1-for-3 with a run 

scored and two RBI against Ohio. 

High School: Was a team captain as a junior and a 

senior ... Batted .375 with 25 doubles for her career 

at Sacred Heart ... Named Offensive Player of the 

Year in both 2002 and 2003 ... Member of Kentucky 

7th Region All-Star team ... Also named to the Kentucky 

East/West All-Star team ... Received the Golden 

Glove Award in 2002 ... Was named Senior Athlete 

of the Year ... Was a four-time Academic 

All-State recipient ... Member of the honor roll ... 

Received the Ambassador of the Year Award for academic 

excellence. 

Personal: Chose UK because she was impressed with 

the academic and athletic programs and she liked the 

size of the school ... Chose Kentucky over Northern 

Kentucky and Dayton. 

KATIE 

MCCARTY 

6 

3B • 5-6 • L/R • SOPHOMORE 

LOUISVILLE, KY. • SACRED HEART • SOCIAL WORK 

HIGHS 

2006 SEASON/CAREER HIGHS 


At Bats . . .3, three times (Mississippi State - 5/7/06) 

Runs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (Ohio - 4/4/06) 


RBI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, twice (Ohio - 4/4/06) 

Walks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 (Belmont - 3/5/06) 


Hitting Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 game (4/4/06) 

McCARTY’S CAREER STATS 


2006 .118 10/5 17 1 2 1 0 0 4 3 .176 1 1 3 0 .211 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 .000 

Career .118 10/5 17 1 2 1 0 0 4 3 .176 1 1 3 0 .211 0 0 0-0 0 0 0 .000 

41

MOLLY 

18 

JOHNSON 

UTL • 5-7 • R/R • FRESHMAN • TUCSON, ARIZ. 

SABINO • BIOLOGY 

Full Name: Molly Anne Johnson 

Nickname: Molls, MJ 

Birth Date: December 21, 1987 

Place of Birth: Ventura, Calif. 

Parents: Don and Teri Johnson 

Siblings: Chris (30), Sarah (28), Daniel (23) 

High School Mascot: Sabercats 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Homemade pasta salad 

Unique talent: I know random facts 

Worst habit: Waking up early 

Greatest fear: Losing someone I love 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Spent ten days in 

the Northwoods of Minnesota 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: My parents 

because they support me entirely and are always there for me 

First paying job: Babysitting 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? Her 

knowledge of the game and her ability to connect with the 

players 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Was born with a broken collar 

bone 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: Just what’s on 

the phone 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Monsoon Saloon 

If a movie were going to be made about my life, I would want this 

actor to play me: Rachel McAdams 

Last concert I went to was: Bowfire 

My advice to youngsters is: Never give up 

Most memorable moment: Winning the 4A state championship 

High School: Saw time at shortstop and catcher 

as a four-year starter at Sabino High School in 

Tucson, Ariz. ... Earned Most Valuable Player 

honors as a senior ... Batted .494 with 11 home 

runs and recorded 62 RBI as a senior ... Named 

the team's defensive Most Valuable Player three 

times ... Committed just two errors last season ... 

Batted .435, posted a .674 slugging percentage 

and recorded 32 RBI as a junior ... Earned First 

Team All-State honors as a junior as Sabino won 

the AAAA state championship ... Was also 

named All-Arizona and first team All-Southern 

Arizona as a junior ... Is a member of the 

National Honor Society. 

1 

AMBER 

MATOUSEK 

P • 5-9 • R/R • FRESHMAN • GLENDALE, ARIZ. 

MOUNTAIN RIDGE • KINESIOLOGY 

Personal: Chose Kentucky for its academics and 

the opportunity to compete in the Southeastern 

Conference ... Chose UK over Louisville, Stony 

Brook, Virginia Tech, and Colorado State. 

Full Name: Amber Jean Matousek 


Place of Birth: Phoenix, Ariz. 

Parents: Susan and Steve Matousek 

Siblings: Melinda (17) 

High School Mascot: Mountain Lions 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Mexican 

Worst habit: Texting. I love text messaging. I don’t know what I’d 

do without it. 

Greatest fear: Losing someone close to me 

Greatest accomplishment: Being able to come play at a school 

like UK 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Traveled all over for 

club softball 

First paying job: I worked at a senior center 

High School: Was a standout pitcher for Mountain 

Ridge High School in Glendale, Ariz. ... 

Tossed a pair of no-hitters, the first two in 

school history ... Earned all-region honors in 

2005 and 2006 ... Named all-state honorable 

mention in 2005 ... Received the Coach’s Award 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: My parents. 

They have always pushed me to do my best and never 

gave up on me 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? Her love 

for the game and how much she pushes us to do our best 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: “Show Stopper,” 

by Danity Kane 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Sunshine 

Last concert I went to was: Kenny Chesney 

My advice to youngsters is: Strive for nothing but the best and 

never give up 

I chose Kentucky because: It is something completely different 

than home and when I got here I fell in love with everything 

Favorite athlete: Steve Nash 

Pets: Four cats – Baby Monster, Baby Spider Monkey, Alli and 

Pita Pie 

Hobbies: I love hanging out with friends, shopping, talking on the 

phone and watching tv 

in 2004, the Positive Attitude Award in 2005 

and the Heart of a Lion Award in 2006 ... Also a 

standout in the classroom, Matousek was a twotime 

recipient of the Rising Star award ... Member 

of the academic honor roll throughout her 

high school career. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky for its commitment to 

education, the facilities and the coaching staff ... 

Chose UK over LSU, Akron and CSU-Pueblo. 

42

DESTINEE 

13 

MORDECAI 

OF • 5-9 • R/R • FRESHMAN • MCGREGOR, TEXAS 

MIDWAY • ELEMENTARY EDUCATION 

Full Name: Destinee Lee Mordecai 

Nickname: Dest 


Place of Birth: West, Texas 

Parents: Micah and Leann Mordecai 

Siblings: Taylor (9), Tanner (6) 

High School Mascot: Panthers 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Salads 

Worst habit: Biting my nails 

Greatest fear: Snakes 

My most-prized possession is: Pictures 

Greatest accomplishment: Playing in the SEC 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Experience hurricane 

weather in Florida 

One thing I’ve never been able to do, but want to is: Skydive 

First paying job: PEP – after school program 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: My parents. 

They are behind me 100 percent and always believe in me no 

matter what. I look up to them for many different things. 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? She likes 

to work hard but have fun 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am allergic to tomato based 

products 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: “Lips of an 

Angel,” by Hinder 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Painted Lady 


actor to play me: Mischa Barton 

Last concert I went to was: Kevin Fowler 

My advice to youngsters is: Never give up and always do your 

best 

I chose Kentucky because: I felt at home and always wanted to 

go away for college 

Favorite athlete: Scott Podsednik 

Favorite sports team: Dallas Mavericks 

High School: Versatile player who saw time at 

first base and in the outfield while playing for 

Midway High School in McGregor, Texas ... 

Four-year letterwinner ... She earned second team 

all-district honors as a centerfielder in 2005 ... 

Named honorable mention in 2003 and 2004. 

JESSICA 

RICE 

3 

OF • 5-4 • L/R • SOPHOMORE • HARLAN, KY. 

HARLAN • SPORTS MANAGEMENT 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because she wanted to 

go away for school, and for the coaches and academics 

... Chose UK over Texas A&M, Texas, 

Baylor and Oklahoma State. 

Full Name: Jessica Louise Rice 

Nickname: Rice Cakes 

Birth Date: February 15, 1987 

Place of Birth: Harlan, Ky. 

Parents: Timothy and Cheryl Rice 

Siblings: Robin (24) 

High School Mascot: Green Dragons 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Brogdon 

Favorite food: Italian 

Unique talent: I can blow smoke without a tobacco product 



My most-prized possession is: My shoe collection 

Greatest accomplishment: Scoring the winning run in the high 

school district championship game 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Nothing. I worked 

all summer. 

High School: Four-year letterwinner at Harlan 

High School ... Named first team All-County 

each of her four seasons ... Served as team captain 

during senior campaign ... Named All- 

County Most Valuable Player as a junior ... 

One thing I’ve never been able to do, but want to is: Skydive 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: My dad 

because he never settled for anything but success 

First paying job: Cleaning my grandad’s law office 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? Her sense 

of humor 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Have never been in an 

airplane 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: “My Love,” by 

Justin Timberlake 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Starburst 


actor to play me: Rachael Leigh Cook 

Last concert I went to was: I’ve never been to a concert 

My advice to youngsters is: Don’t let anyone else make your 

decisions for you 

I chose Kentucky because: I have always loved UK sports 

Favorite athlete: Tayshaun Prince 

Favorite sports team: The Pistons 

Four-year member of Beta Club and served as 

vice president ... Also a four-year member of the 

Harlan Musettes choir ... Member of Future 

Educators of America. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because she grew up 

loving UK athletics and it seemed like the best 

fit ... Chose UK over Union and Cumberland. 

43

NATALIE 

00 

SMITH 

2B • 5-5 • L/R • FRESHMAN • GLENDALE, ARIZ. 

GREENWAY • JOURNALISM 

Full Name: Natalie Catherine Smith 

Nickname: Nat 

Birth Date: March 16, 1988 

Place of Birth: Phoenix, Ariz. 

Parents: Matthew and Mary Smith 

Siblings: Katie (28), Becky (26), Vern (23) 

High School Mascot: Demons 

Q & A 

Funniest player on the team: Gina and Soupy tie 

Favorite food: Pasta 

Unique talent: I am an expert at movie trivia 

Worst habit: I spit a lot and my roommates hate it 

Greatest fear: Losing someone close to me 

Greatest accomplishment: Graduating in the top three percent of 

my high school 

First paying job: Cerreta Candy Factory 

Most interesting thing I did last summer was: Spent three days at 

the beach with my best friend 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: My mom. 

She’s responsible for the person I’ve come to be today. I owe 

her everything. 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? I love the 

goals she has for this team. Every day, we are working toward 

something. 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Am a huge Bette Midler fan 


actor to play me: Amber Tamblyn 

Last concert I went to was: Bette Midler 

My advice to youngsters is: Be active and get involved at school. 

Don’t sit on the sidelines. 

Favorite athlete: Steve Nash 

Favorite sports team: Chicago Cubs 

High School: Played middle infield at Greenway 

High School in Glendale, Ariz. ... Named All-Arizona 

and first team All-Region in 2006 ... Was 

named First Team All-State in 2005 ... Two-time All- 

Region selection ... Received second team all-state 

honors in 2004 ... Broke the Greenway HS singleseason 

record for hits with 56 as a sophomore and 

earned second team All-State honors ... Has succeeded 

off the field as well and is a member of the 

National Honor Roll, Who's Who Among America's 

High School Students and was a Wendy's High 

School Heisman School Nominee ... Served as the 

JENNIFER 

28 

YOUNG 

P • 5-5 • R/R • FRESHMAN 

RADCLIFF, KY. • NORTH HARDIN 

INTEGRATED STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS 

Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper as a senior. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky not only for a chance 

to play in the SEC, but also for the opportunity 

to get a wonderful education ... Chose UK over 

Arizona State and Barry University. 

Full Name: Jennifer Marie Young 

Nickname: J. Yo 


Place of Birth: Fort Knox, Ky. 

Parents: Jeffrey and Pok Young 

Siblings: Julie Shultz (22) 

High School Mascot: Trojans 

Q & A 


Favorite food: Chicken nuggets 

Unique talent: I can pop my pinkies nonstop 

Worst habit: Biting my nails 

Greatest fear: Not being successful 

My most-prized possession is: My phone 

High School: Played at North Hardin High School ... 

Ace of the North Hardin pitching staff with a 28-6 

record this season ... Had a team-best 0.49 ERA ... 

Struck out 355 batters in 226 innings of work ... Gave 

up just 16 earned runs as a senior ... Batted .372 with 

13 RBI, 12 doubles and two home runs ... Received 

All-State honors and was named the News Enterprise 

Player of the Year ... Named to the 17th district and 

Greatest accomplishment: Getting third in state 

Person that has most influenced me in life and why: Grandpa 

because he helps so many people without getting anything in 

return 

First paying job: No job for me 

What has impressed you most about Coach Schmidt? Her humor 

and patience 

You’d be surprised to know that I: Was an oboist that played at 

Carnegie Hall 

Song currently playing on your cell phone ringer: “Shake Ya 

Money Maker” 

If I had a Derby horse, I would name it: Mr. Miyagi 


actor to play me: Jennifer Aniston 

Favorite athlete: Albert Pujols 

Favorite sports team: St. Louis Cardinals 

5th Regional All-Tournament teams ... In the 20-team 

Ballard tournament, Young compiled a 5-0 record as 

she blanked then top-ranked Greenwood and no-hit 

Grayson County ... In that five-game stretch, Young 

surrendered just two runs and threw four shutouts ... 

In that same 34 innings of work, she allowed 12 hits 

and struck out 62 batters ... Has been named to the 

17th District All-Tournament team three times ... Is a 

two-time member of the All-Fifth Region All-Tournament 

Team ... Member of honor roll, National Honors 

Society, Who’s Who Among High School Students. 

Personal: Chose Kentucky because it was a 

decent distance from home, but still close to 

home, and for the academic programs ... Chose 

UK over Ball State and Eastern Kentucky. 

44

John Cropp is 

in his 16th 

year at the University 

of Kentucky 

and his 32nd overall 

involving collegiate 

athletics. 

As Associate 

Athletics Director, 

Cropp oversees the 

administration of 

seven of UK’s 22 

athletic teams, including softball. He assumed 

his current responsibilities in April 1995, after 

having served previously as Assistant AD for 

JOHN CROPP 

Associate Director of Athletics/Administration 

Special Projects (1993-95), Athletics Recruiting 

Coordinator (1992-93) and Assistant Football 

Coach (1991). 

For the first 22 years of Cropp’s athletics 

career he was involved in coaching football. His 

first head coaching position came at Tennessee 

High School in Bristol, Tenn. Cropp’s squads 

compiled an impressive 48-15-3 record with two 

state AAA titles (1971-72) and the ‘72 mythical 

national championship. 

Cropp returned to his alma mater, Vanderbilt, 

in 1973 as an assistant coach under Steve 

Sloan. He followed Sloan as an assistant to Texas 

Tech (1975-77), Ole Miss (1978-82) and Duke 

(1983). In 1984, Cropp returned to Vanderbilt 

under head coach George MacIntyre. He entered 

private business for two years (1986-88) before 

returning to Vanderbilt for a third time. Cropp 

served as Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance 

at Vanderbilt for three years before coming 

to Kentucky. 

Cropp earned three varsity letters at Vanderbilt 

as a guard/linebacker. He received the Wade- 

Looney Memorial Award as a senior and graduated 

in 1961. He earned his masters of arts in 

teaching in 1962. 

Cropp and his wife, Mary Ann, have two 

grown children, Karen and David, and three 

grandchildren, Kate, Baxter and Griffin. 

SOFTBALL STAFF 

Mike 

Blackwell 

Manager 

Scott 

Clark 

Facilities Manager 

Amy 

Craiglow 

CATS Counselor 

Marcus 

Dean 

Grounds Crew 

Amanda 

Makaii 

Trainer 

Cliff 

Matekovich 

Video Coordinator 

Jamie 

Moberly 

Event 

Management 

Lisa 

Peterson 

Senior Women’s 

Administrator 

Matt 

Reiter 

Manager 

Jenna 

Schwartz 

Trainer 

Nathan 

Schwake 

Marketing 

Stephanie 

Tracey-Simmons 

Strength and 

Conditioning 

Kim 

Traylor 

Staff Support 

Associate 

Aaron 

Wasson 

Equipment 

Manager 

50

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