Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Softball Signs Three During Early Period
November 15, 2007 | Cowgirl Softball
Garcia, the starting shortstop for Moore High School in Moore, Okla., led the Lady Lions to their second Class 6A state championship in three seasons. She went 6-of-11 in three games leading up to the state championship game and hit a solo home run in Moore's 2-0 win over Westmoore in the finals.
“Chelsea is a kid who goes quietly about her business,” said OSU head coach Rich Wieligman. “She is a good leader who allows her actions to speak for themselves. She makes great plays look easy on defense. She also is a good hitter with power.”
Garcia compiled a .464 batting average with five home runs and 40 runs batted in on the season. She was named to the Oklahoma High School Large West All-Star team by the coaches association.
Kelsey Anchors is a versatile left-handed slap hitter who plays primarily outfield but also played behind the plate for Olympic High School in Bremerton, Wash. She is a two-time first-team all-league selection and a two-time All-Kitsap County pick. A three-year varsity starter, Anchors currently holds the school records for hits, runs, doubles, triples, stolen bases and slugging percentage, both season and career.
Anchors was also recruited by Purdue, North Carolina State, Oklahoma and Washington.
“Kelsey is a kid who can beat you in so many ways,” said Wieligman said. “She's a left-handed slapper who can bunt and steal a base or hit a home run. She also plays an excellent outfield.”
Julie Ward, a first baseman who can also play outfield, is a power hitting left-hander who attends St. Lucy's High School in Altadena, Calif. Ward tied former UCLA star Stacy Nuveman's school record of 12 home runs in a season during her junior year.
“Julie has tremendous power and the ability to drive in runs,” said Wieligman. “This will bring depth to the middle of our lineup. Her ability to play first base or outfield will allow us the options of being able to put the best offense on the field.”
Ward was named the team's offensive player of the year in 2007 after batting .487 and was named first-team All-Sierra League and All-San Gabriel Valley.
“This class addresses some of our needs to build Cowgirl Softball into a Big 12 contender and compete on a national level,” Wieligman said. “They are tremendous athletes that can run, hit, hit with power and play defense. I am very excited with the addition of these players to our softball family and the future of OSU softball.”
