University of Connecticut Athletics
Softball announces newcomers
11/28/2018 1:00:00 PM | Softball
Signees add to depth and versatility
STORRS, Conn.—UConn's softball team and Head Coach Jen McIntyre has announced the addition of several new Huskies who have recently signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI), to officially join the University of Connecticut Athletics family and softball's championship campaign.
Mackenzie Fitzpatrick, Meghan O'Neil, and Emily Sappington have committed to UConn during the early signing period this November.
"We are very excited to welcome the class of 2023 to the UConn Husky family. These young women embody our vision to create a championship program both on and off the field. They are dedicated to their studies in the classroom, and are true competitors. We are looking forward to having them join our program and further enhance our mission for championship softball."
--Head Coach Jen McIntyre
Read more on our newest Huskies below!
NAME: Mackenzie Fitzpatrick
HOMETOWN: Burlington, N.J.
HIGH SCHOOL: Burlington Township
POSITION: Outfied, First Base, and Catcher
HEIGHT: 5-5
High School career: Under the coaching of Nicolette Cannizzaro she was a four year varsity letter winner. During her freshman year, she was Second Team All-Conference, Third Team All-Group 3 All-State, and was the starting pitcher in every game, posted 126 strikeouts in 108 total innings pitched. Junior year she earned First Team All-Conference at the catcher position, First Team All-County in the utility category, Second Team All-South Jersey at catcher, Carpenter Cup Invitee, posted a .410 batting average, and led the team in RBIs, home runs, as well as triples. She was a 2017 & 2018 Patriot Division Champion in addition to 2018 BCT Athlete of the Week. She was also featured in the Burlington County Times in Willingboro, N.J. Academically she has been a four-year student government representative, a member of the National Honor Society, and on the Honor Roll.
Coach McIntyre on Mackenzie: "Mackenzie is a solid athlete and strong regional talent. She continues our long line of successful camp and clinic participants. She can run balls down in the outfield and has a solid fundamental skill set at first base. She will provide offensive punch to our lineup and we are looking forward to watching her continue to develop throughout her career."
NAME: Meghan O'Neil
HOMETOWN: Forest, Va.
HIGH SCHOOL: Jefferson Forest
POSITION: Pitcher
HEIGHT: 5-6
High School career: This three time All-Conference selection was also a four-year varsity letter winner in addition to being named to the All-District Team three times under the direction of Gary Harris. Meghan earned All-Area twice, Second Team All-Region twice, and was the varsity starting pitcher since her freshman year. She is a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and volleyball (earning varsity letters twice). She has earned an academic award for obtaining a 3.5 GPA in her junior year. Meghan was featured by News and Advance in Lynchburg, Va.
Coach McIntyre on Meghan: "Meghan brings a solid left arm to our pitching rotation. She has great command of her pitches and the ability to create a lot of swings and misses with her spin. She is deceptive and crafty and we are anxious to see her compete at the next level. Her natural athleticism is evident as she is a multi-sport athlete and power lifter. I am looking forward to her adding depth to our pitching staff."
NAME: Emily Sappington
HOMETOWN: Ashburn, Va.
HIGH SCHOOL: Stone Bridge
POSITION: Pitcher
HEIGHT: 5-4
High School career: Coached by William Rice, Emily earned varsity letters all four years. Her other accolades include; back-to-back conference champions (2016, 2017, 2018), All-Conference pitcher twice in 2016 and 2017, All-Conference first base in 2017, 2018 All-District and All-Region pitcher. She was also on the academic honor roll from 2016 to 2018. Emily was recognized by the Loudown Times and LOCO Sports.
Coach McIntyre on Emily: "We are excited to welcome Emily to our pitching rotation where she will join her older sister, on our roster. She is very unique on the mound and has the ability to change planes and mix speeds. In addition to her mound presence, she swings a big bat and can provide gap to gap power for us offensively. Competitiveness runs in her veins and we are eager to have her in a Husky uniform."
