University of Memphis Athletics
Nov 13, 2013 | Softball
Nov. 13, 2013
MEMPHIS - Three softball players from the state of Louisiana, a pitcher from Oregon and a local utility player make of the University of Memphis softball team's 2014-15 signing class that was completed on Wednesday.
John Curtis Christian School's Brooke Lee (infielder - St. Bernard, La.) and Katie Brignac (pitcher - River Ridge, La.) as well as Ellender Memorial High School's Kyler Trosclair (outfielder - Houma, La.) signed national letters of intent to play for the Tigers. All three played travel ball together for the Louisiana Voodoo Gold. Current Memphis freshman outfielder Lindsay Crowdus (Houma, La.) also played with the three of them on the Voodoo club team.
The Voodoo Gold finished in the top seven in the Premier Girls Fastpitch league in 2013 and the top 13 in 2012. The 16U team finished in the top 10 in 2011.
Evangelical Christian School's Addison Maxwell also signed an offer of admission with the University of Memphis to play softball with the Tigers. Yamhill-Carlton High School pitcher Molly Smith completed the signing class.
"I'm really excited about the group that's coming in," said Memphis head softball coach Natalie Poole. "These kids are focused, and they're definitely excited to be a part of our program. I think that all of them will have the expectation to help lead us to the postseason. That's their goal, and that's why we want them here."
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Katie Brignac |
 Katie Brignac  |
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Brignac earned all-state outstanding player in 2012 and 2013 and was also the all-metro pitcher of the year both years. She earned two all-district MVP honors and was all-metro and all-district in 2011.
"Katie is a very impactful pitcher," Poole said. "She does a great job of moving the ball around and has a good strong body. She pitchers for power."
Brignac went 20-0 with 225 strikeouts and a 0.75 ERA as a junior in 2013. She also hit .444 with 30 RBI and 10 home runs. In three seasons, Brignac is 69-7 with a 0.50 ERA and 650 strikeouts. She is the daughter of Joe and Tammy Brignac.
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Brooke Lee |
 Brooke Lee |
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"Brooke has got great hands and a great arm," Poole said. "She plays the middle infield with maturity. She has a great offensive presence and is very steady at the plate."
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Addison Maxwell |
 Addison Maxwell |
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"I think she's going to be a versatile player for us," Poole said. "She's got great speed. She plays aggressively. She'll help us in both the infield and the outfield. She's excited to be a Tiger and the continue being a part of our local community."
Coached by her mother, Kim Maxwell, at ECS, Addison was named to the Commercial Appeal's Best of Preps in 2012 and 2013. She is a three-time all-district selection and was named all-region in 2012 and TSCA All-State in 2013.
In 2013, Maxwell hit .491 with a .594 on-base percentage, 29 stolen bases, 28 run scored and a .698 slugging percentage. During her career at ECS, she has hit .432 with 68 stolen bases, 81 runs scored and a .568 on-base percentage.
Maxwell has played travel ball with the Collierville Dragons (2004-08), Germantown Red Devils (2009-10), Tennessee Illusions (2010-11) and most recently the Mississippi Glory (2012-14). Her club team placed second at the ASA Northern Nationals in 2011 and this year the Mississippi Glory placed first at the USFA Southern Nationals. She is the daughter of Marc and Kim Maxwell.
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Molly Smith |
 Molly Smith |
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"Molly pitches for power and has a good, strong body," Poole said. "She's very aggressive and has a good presence in the circle. I think both of our pitchers in this signing class are going to be able to step in with some maturity because they are playing teams from all over the nation day in and day out."
Smith played travel ball with the Oregon Blaze 18U Gold. A three-time all-state and all-league player, she will be the first student-athlete from Yamhill-Carlton High School to play at the NCAA Division I level. She is the daughter of Meredith and Hank Smith.
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Kyler Trosclair |
 Kyler Trosclair |
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"Kyler is a slapper with excellent speed," Poole said. "She's got a great offensive presence. She knows how to get on and then she can steal bags."
Trosclair is a two-time first team all-state and all-region player and earned first team all-district three times. She also lettered three years in track, two in volleyball and one in cheerleading. She earned two all-district selections in volleyball and a first place finish at regionals in track. She is the daughter of Dwayne and Janie Trosclair.
