University of Connecticut Athletics
Softball Inks Three Recruits During Early Signing Period
12/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Dec. 14, 2010
Storrs, Conn. - University of Connecticut softball coach Karen Mullins and her staff have announced the signing of three student-athletes for the 2012 campaign during the early signing period. After losing three starting fielders and a starting pitcher from last year's squad, the Huskies will welcome Julie Curran (Nashua, N.H.), Lauren Duggan (Norwood, Mass.) and Emily O'Donnell (Niskayuna, N.Y.).
"This year's group is an exciting class that with confidence and experience, will impact us for years to come," said Mullins.
Julie Curran, Nashua, N.H. - 5-foot-7-inch - Outfield - Bats: Right - Throws: Right
Curran will join Connecticut after four years at Nashua High School North. A four-year varsity starter at the high school level, Curran competed with the Central Mass. Rapids Gold AAU team. With the Rapids, Curran recorded a career-high and team-high .460 batting average. She also earned four varsity letters with the indoor track team. Curran is a member of the National Honor Society at Nashua North.
"Julie's range and aggressive play really caught our eye. She'll bring depth and speed to the outfield and on the bases," said Mullins.
Lauren Duggan, Norwood, Mass. - 5-foot-8-inch - Pitcher/Utility - Bats: Right - Throws: Right
After three seasons at Norwood High, Duggan has led her team in home runs and RBI in every season. After becoming a pitcher her sophomore season, Duggan has led the team to 22-2 and 22-1 records in her sophomore and junior seasons while recording a .593 ERA. A Division 1 First-Team All-Star her sophomore and junior seasons, Duggan was named an All-Star at the 2009 Triple Crown Maximum Exposure Game at the Rising Stars Showcase in Florida. Duggan has also starred in volleyball and track and field. She was named First-Team All-Conference in the shot put while being named MVP of the volleyball team en route to becoming a Bay State League All-Star as a senior.
"Lauren is a powerful player who we expect will impact us immediately. Her strong mound presence is intimidating. She's a big strong kid who can set the tone on the mound. We think she will impact us right away," said Mullins.
Emily O'Donnell, Niskayuna, N.Y. - 5-foot-5-inch - SS/2B - Bats: Right - Throws: Right O'Donnell comes to Connecticut after a successful career at Niskayuna High. She has been named a Suburban Council All-Star the past four years while being named an All-Area All-Star in three seasons. O'Donnell has earned three varsity letters in basketball while being named President of the DECA Club at her high school.
"O'Donnell is a scrappy and intense defensive player with the versatility to play every infield position. She's also expected to become a staple in our batting lineup," said Mullins.
The softball team will begin the 2011 campaign at the Florida Atlantic Tournament from February 25-27 in Boca Raton, Fla. UConn faces Jacksonville in the opening game on Friday, February 25 at 4:00 p.m.
