University of North Carolina Athletics
The 2019-20 Tar Heels at Sunday's Rookie Brunch
UNC Welcomes Six New Tar Heels To The Team
August 18, 2019 | Softball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Carolina softball program welcomed its first-year Tar Heels and kicked off the fall semester Sunday at the team's annual Rookie Brunch. Held at Top of the Hill on Franklin Street, the brunch brought together the 2019-20 team along with coaches, parents and support staff.
The Tar Heels welcome six freshmen to the team this fall. They are:
• Gaby Katz from Helotes, Texas
• Destiny Middleton from Forsyth, Ga.
• Dominique Monteon from Hollister, Calif.
• Katie Perkins from Buford, Ga.
• Alyssa Stanley from Las Vegas
• Brianna Stubbs from Canton, Ga.
"Today is great because it signifies that everyone is back on campus and we're getting ready to start our season," said UNC coach Donna J Papa, who is beginning her 34th year in Chapel Hill. "I haven't lost my excitement for it. We've been watching these freshmen for years and it's going to be really fun to get to work with them and see their development. To have all the families here and meet our whole support staff and create that family environment –that's really what it's all about, making sure the freshmen feel welcome as part of our Tar Heel family."
Although they're new to the roster, the freshmen are not entirely new to campus. All six attended summer classes, which Carolina's incoming players have done for the past few years. "It accomplishes a couple of things," Papa said. "They feel more comfortable on campus – they know where the classrooms are, know where they need to go. They learn a little bit about how Carolina works.
"You get to work out with your strength coach, you get to be around your teammates. It just gives them a little glimpse what it's going to be like when they get here in the fall, and they already have this family they're associated with. All of those things go to building that culture we're trying to build. It's such an advantage – we've done it for the last three years and every player has really appreciated that opportunity."
The Tar Heels finished last season 38-20, the program's 21st winning record in the past 22 years. UNC made its 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Regional final for the first time in program history. At the same time, the team performed well academically, with 14 players on the ACC Academic Honor Roll for the year and nine making the Dean's List in fall, spring or both.
The Tar Heels welcome six freshmen to the team this fall. They are:
• Gaby Katz from Helotes, Texas
• Destiny Middleton from Forsyth, Ga.
• Dominique Monteon from Hollister, Calif.
• Katie Perkins from Buford, Ga.
• Alyssa Stanley from Las Vegas
• Brianna Stubbs from Canton, Ga.
"Today is great because it signifies that everyone is back on campus and we're getting ready to start our season," said UNC coach Donna J Papa, who is beginning her 34th year in Chapel Hill. "I haven't lost my excitement for it. We've been watching these freshmen for years and it's going to be really fun to get to work with them and see their development. To have all the families here and meet our whole support staff and create that family environment –that's really what it's all about, making sure the freshmen feel welcome as part of our Tar Heel family."
Although they're new to the roster, the freshmen are not entirely new to campus. All six attended summer classes, which Carolina's incoming players have done for the past few years. "It accomplishes a couple of things," Papa said. "They feel more comfortable on campus – they know where the classrooms are, know where they need to go. They learn a little bit about how Carolina works.
"You get to work out with your strength coach, you get to be around your teammates. It just gives them a little glimpse what it's going to be like when they get here in the fall, and they already have this family they're associated with. All of those things go to building that culture we're trying to build. It's such an advantage – we've done it for the last three years and every player has really appreciated that opportunity."
The Tar Heels finished last season 38-20, the program's 21st winning record in the past 22 years. UNC made its 15th appearance in the NCAA Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Regional final for the first time in program history. At the same time, the team performed well academically, with 14 players on the ACC Academic Honor Roll for the year and nine making the Dean's List in fall, spring or both.
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