Fresno State Athletics
Ford Signs Five to NLI's
11/14/2014 12:00:00 AM | Softball
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. After receiving National Letters of Intent from five student-athletes, third-year head softball coach Trisha Ford unveiled the program's 2015 signing class.
The incoming class consisting of four California natives and one out of state signee includes Dominique Jackson, Kaitlyn Jennings, Kira McKechnie, Morgan Howe and Xeana Kamalami Dung who plan to join Fresno State and the Bulldog softball program starting in the 2015-16 academic year.
Ford describes the well balanced class of multiple utility players, pitchers and infielders as versatile, fast and powerful.
"This is a very dynamic class and one that we are extremely excited to announce," head coach Trisha Ford said. "We have kids from up and down California and one from Hawaii, which was something that as a staff we set out to do. This class will come in and make an immediate impact on our program and help continue the strong traditions here at Fresno State."
Fresno State's 2015-16 Recruiting Class
Dominique Jackson, 5'10, Pleasant Valley High School (Chico, Calif.)
Comments from Coach Ford...
"With one swing of the bat, Dominique can change the game. We needed some power in this class and Dominique fit that bill. Dominique is a player that everyone needs in their dugout. She has never met a stranger and will be a natural leader as soon as she arrives in Fresno. I am excited to see what she accomplishes as a Bulldog."
"I loved the coaching staff and the atmosphere at Fresno State," Jackson said. "The team is also very polite and fun."
• Two-time All-American
• Two-time Northern Section MVP
• Gatorade Honorable Mention
• Two-time All-Northern Section
• Two-time EAL League
• Two-time Northern Section Homerun Champion
• 2013 CalHi State RBI leader
• Featured in Sports Illustrated "Faces in the Crowd" May 2015 Issue
• First-team All-State (underclass and medium school)
• Also recruited by Utah State, Houston, University of San Diego, Cal Poly, University of Georgia, Northridge, Sac State
Kaitlyn Jennings, 5'3, Los Osos High School (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.)
Comments from Coach Ford...
"Speed, Speed and more speed is what Kaitlyn Jennings is all about. She is another player that I fell in love with her attitude, work ethic and how she plays the game. Kaitlyn is a field junkie, student of the game and will run through a brick wall for her team. I can't wait to work with her every day and watch her develop into the player she can be."
"I loved the atmosphere of Fresno and how the whole community just rallied behind Fresno State," Jennings said. "Also, the coaches and I got along great, and I know that I could learn a lot from them."
• Outstanding Outfield Player
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Two-time Scholar Athlete.
• Also recruited by Sacramento State, UConn, Cal State Fullerton
Kira McKechnie, 6'0, Christian Brothers High School (Sacramento, Calif.)
Comments from Coach Ford...
"Kira is a pitching coach's dream... long levers! She is very athletic, two sport athlete that has all the tools to be a very special player at this level. Kira has a lot of upside and with some hard work, will develop into a great pitcher. I can't wait to get her in the bullpen and start working."
"I chose Fresno State because I immediately felt a connection with the coaches, the team, and the community," McKechnie said. "Everyone is so supportive of the athletic teams and it's like nothing I have ever experienced. Coach Ford, coach Pickering, and coach Wynn are the most amazing coaches I have ever met and I am looking forward to competing at the next level!"
• Scholar Athlete of the Year • Best Defensive Player Junior Year
• Honorable Mention All-Metro (2013-2014)
• Four-Year dual sport Varsity Starter
• Softball Honorable Mention (2011, 2012)
• All-Conference (2013)
• 2014 Most Valuable Player
• All-Metro Honorable Mention (2013)
• On-Deck National Elite Futures Camp (Fall 2012)
• Also recruited by Seton Hall, Oregon State, Auburn University
Morgan Howe, 5'8, Westview High School (Mira Mesa, Calif.)
Comments from Coach Ford...
"Morgan is a player Coach Pick saw at a camp and said we need to get this kid. She has been fun to watch over these past couple of years and has a tradition every time we show up at a game that I hope continues. Morgan is another player that will bring both power and speed to our line-up. She is a player that will come in right away and compete for a starting job."
"I chose Fresno State because it just felt right," Howe said. "There was something that told me that this is the place for me and that this is where I want to spend the next four years of my life."
• Four year varsity letter winner
• CIF Open Division finalist in 2014
• First-Team All-CIF San Diego Section
• Two-Time First-Team All-Palomar League
• 2014 Offensive Player of the Year
• Two-time Golden Slugger Award
• San Diego Union Tribune- All Academic Team (2014)
• Also recruited by Michigan, Ohio State, Central Michigan, Southern Illinois, UT of Arlington, San Diego State and UC San Diego
Xeana Kamalani Dung, 5'8, Kamehameha Schools Kapalama (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Comments from Coach Ford...
"Kama is a true "Bulldog" on the mound and how she plays the game. She is someone that I am very excited to work with because of her mental make-up. Kama is a blue collar, out work her opponent kind of player, which fits very well into my system. She has won at every level she has played, knows how to compete, and is a versatile player who pitches and will compete to hit and play another position."
"I chose Fresno State because it seemed like the right fit for what I was looking for," Dung said. "The academics and to be a part of a high level softball program with top level coaches where I can contribute and help be an impact to the team's success. The coaches are great and I feel they recognize the type of player I am, and that I hope to be by providing me the best opportunities as a pitcher, hitter and position player. I love the school tradition, community pride, and the huge fan support."
• 4 year varsity letter winner
• All-State, ILH All-Stars, State All-Tournament and All-Conference First-Team Pitcher
• ILH Conference Champions
• All-State honors
• State championship Tournament Impact Player Award
• State tournament finalist
• State leader in strikeouts
• ASA Regionals National Champion
• TCS All-Star All-American
• PGF SoCal Nationals Berth Winner
• ASA State Division-I 18u Champions
• Worth Champions Cup (3rd place)
• Recruited by multiple Division-I programs.
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