University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Softball Signs Three For 2009
December 6, 2007 | Softball
Dec. 6, 2007
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina softball program has announced the signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period head coach Donna J. Papa announced Wednesday. The three newest Tar Heels will enter school in the fall of 2008 and will begin their college softball careers on the diamond in 2009.
The three signings for 2009 are Leah Francona of Brookline, Mass., Kelsey Green from McLean, Va. and Kelli Wheeler of Marietta, Ga.
"I am really excited about the class that we have brought in for 2008. They are a talented class that will add speed, power and depth to our lineup," head coach Donna J. Papa said.
Francona is a middle infielder from Brookline High School and plays her summer ball for the Polar Crush. She was First Team All-Bay State League and earned league MVP honors as a sophomore. During her time in Pennsylvania she was named Second Team All-Southeast Pennsylvania, Courier Times and Suburban One League as an outfielder. Francona was also named to the inaugural Carpenter Cup All-Star team. She will join her sister, Alyssa, who will be a junior in 2008.
"Leah is a middle infielder that will provide a wealth of experience and depth up the middle, as we graduate our All-ACC second baseman. Leah is excited to play on the same team as her sister, Alyssa, a current junior. This makes the first siblings to play for me," Papa added.
Green is a shortstop who hails from Langley High School where she has been a three-time first team all-district selection. Along with a first team all-region honor, Green has been named to the all-region second team twice and was named Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention. A Gatorade Rookie Player of the Year, Green, plays her summer ball for Shamrocks who placed fifth at the ASA Gold Nationals in 2007.
"Kelsey is another middle infielder that will add depth up the middle along with Leah. She plays for an elite 18U ASA team, the Virginia Shamrocks, and has competed against some of the best teams in the nation," Papa commented.
Wheeler is an outfielder from Lassiter High School, which captured the 5A state championship in 2007. Wheeler is a two-time all-state honoree in Georgia and has been named the Cobb County Player of the Year the last two seasons. A four-time all-region selection, Wheeler plays her summer ball for the East Cobb Bullets.
"Kelli will be a great addition to a solid core of outfielders and will strengthen our offense with her power at the plate. Her high school team won the Georgia High School State Championship this fall, so she brings a championship mentality to our program," Papa said.
"In addition to their athleticism, they are all good academic students making them an excellent fit for UNC. I am looking forward to their arrival in Chapel Hill and feel that they will make an immediate impact on our future success," Papa added.
