Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Six Players to Join FAU Softball Program
11/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 29, 2006
BOCA RATON, FL -- Rose Gressley, Cari Curfman, Ashlyn Parmerter, Brittany Walker, Quincy Wilson and Caitlin Bliss have signed with the Florida Atlantic University softball program and will join the Owls next year.
Gressley, a 5-11 pitcher from Virginia Beach, VA, prepped at Green Run High School under head coach Dale DeSarro. During her junior season she posted a 0.81 ERA and 226 strikeouts versus only 16 walks in 119 innings while batting .544 at the plate.
She was named First-Team All-Beach District for her efforts as well as All-Beach District Pitcher of the Year. Other honors include being named First-Team All-Tidewater and First-Team All-Eastern Region.
She played her club ball for the Virginia Legends and head coach Barry Paul from 2004-present, posting 84 strikeouts against just 10 walks in 60 innings in the 2005 fall season.
"Rose is a pitcher with a lot of upside and will fight for time right away," Head Coach Joan Joyce said. "She is probably the hardest thrower we've brought in and is a very good hitter. She'll be in the lineup somehow every day."
Curfman, a 5-5 infielder from Tampa, FL, prepped at Durant High School and played for Matt Carter. She was the team's Most Valuable Player her sophomore and junior season and Second-Team All-State, First-Team All-County and First-Team All-Conference in 2006. She participated in the Tampa Bay Showcase, which features the area's top prospects. Curfman hit .403 with 19 runs and 17 RBI as a junior.
"Cari is very smooth over at first base. She's an excellent athlete," Joyce said.
Parmerter, an infielder, is from Polk County, FL and attended Winter Haven High School in Winter Haven, FL. She has played club ball for Tom Taylor and the Twilight Maniacs who have combined with another team to form Florida Gold, coached by Johnny Broyles and Taylor.
"Ashlyn is a third baseman with a quick release, especially on bunts. She'll certainly be an addition to what we have on the left side of the infield."
Walker, a 5-7 catcher/outfielder from Winter Haven, FL, attended Ashbrook High School and was coached by Rex Carrnes. She earned All-County and All-Conference honors from 2004-2006 and All-State honors in 2004 and 2005. Other honors include Female Athlete of the Year from 2003-2005 at Ashbrook High and Charlotte Observer First-Team honors in 2004 and 2005.
She was an All-American Scholar in 2005 and a Wendy's Heisman nominee in 2006. Walker played her club ball as a member of the Twilight Maniacs and the Florida Gold. A two-sport athlete, Walker also excelled in cross country, earning All-County and All-Conference honors from 2003-2006. She was also named Conference Female Runner of the Year in those years as well, posting four first-place finishes in the county and conference meets. She finished fifth in the 2004 3A State meet.
"Brittany is a player who can be used as both an outfielder and at the catching position," Joyce said.
Wilson, a 5-5 catcher from Crystal River, FL prepped at Crystal River High School for Head Coach Justin Wentworth. As a two-sport athlete, Wilson excelled in both softball and weightlifting.
She was an All-County and All-Conference member from 2004-2006, leading her team to a district championship in 2005. In 2006 she led her team in batting average (.423), home runs and RBI.
In weightlifting she was named All-Conference and All-County from 2004-2006. She was a county and regional champion in 2005 and 2006, qualifying for the state competition in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
"Quincy is coming in mainly to be a catcher. She has tons of hustle and takes charge on the field. She makes sure she is the first one on and off the field," Joyce said.
Bliss, an outfielder, is a transfer from Manatee Community College. The Lutz, FL native played for Jeff Roberts at MCC.
"Caitlin is an outfielder who can play some second base as well. She's a very good contact hitter and makes solid contact," Joyce said. "I'm extremely excited about this class. We've added a lot of quality players."
Florida Atlantic opens the 2007 season with five home tournaments. The FAU Miken Invitational is scheduled to open the season, February 9-11.
