Ohio State Softball Inks Three Top Recruits for 2001 – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/19/1999 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 19, 1999
COLUMBUS, Ohio— Linda Kalafatis, head Ohio State softball coach, announced today the signing of three highly-touted recruits to be added to the softball program. Wendy Allen (Moreno Valley, Calif.), Kristi DeVries (Corona, Calif.) and Beth McAbier (Carrollton, Ohio) all signed letters of intents to attend Ohio State next season.
“We could not have done any better with this recruiting class,” Kalafatis said. “Wendy, Kristi and Beth are all premier student-athletes that we are very proud to have in our program for next season. Each exhibit strong work ethics and great dedication that makes them outstanding leaders not only on the field, but also in the classroom.”
Allen, a pitcher from Moreno Valley, Calif. was one-of-16 players in the nation to be named a National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-American. She also was a three-time first team CIF honoree and three-time all-league pick.
“Wendy is a highly skilled, extremely competitive player with a great understanding of the game,” Kalafatis said. “She will not only be a great addition to our pitching staff, but also in one of the top spots in our lineup.”
DeVries is a high school All-American from Corona, Calif. As a pitcher, DeVries notched a 24-6 record last season with 321 strikeouts and 23 walks.
“Kristi is such an outstanding, versatile player we know she will have immediate success for us,” Kalafatis said. “She is a terrific pitcher and also brings a strong bat.
“Kristi and Wendy will make an immediate impact in the very tough Big Ten Conference.”
McAbier, a shortstop from Carrollton, Ohio, was a two-time all-conference pick and three-sport athlete at Carrollton High School.
“Beth is a great Ohio prospect,” Kalafatis said. “She is a talented player with great size and athletic ability. She also adds to the outstanding athletes from Ohio on our team roster. We are very excited to have her as a Buckeye.”
Wendy Allen, Pitcher
Moreno Valley, Calif. (Moreno Valley High School)
Allen was a NFCA All-American and Riverside County first teamhonoree. She also was a three-time CIF first team pick and athree-time first team all-league honoree. She led Moreno ValleyHigh School’s softball team to the CIF finals and a 23-8overall record. Allen, a left-hander, had a 0.22 ERA with 258strikeouts in 126 innings pitched and posted a winning record of22-2. With the bat, she recorded a .395 batting average with 10doubles, 12 triples, 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 31 games. Allen wasnamed MVP at the San Bernadino Tournament and a two-time team MVP.She competes on the ASA Gold Gordon’s Panthers, thewinningest summer youth softball program in the country.Academically, she ranks in the Top 10 percent of her class.“Wendy is an unbelievable asset to theBuckeyes,” Eric Lindner, Allen’s high schoolcoach, said. “She is a true student-athlete, because ofher discipline in the classroom and softball field. She carries ateam and can raise a team’s playing ability just by herown example. She is a two-dimensional player, because of her strongpitching and as a threat at the plate.” “I wasvery impressed with the program and the school, itself. CoachKalafatis, the girls and the university really gave me a sense offamily,” Allen said. “I also choose Ohio Stateknowing that I would be playing with Kristi. We are both committedto bringing much success to this program.”
Kristi DeVries, Pitcher
Corona, Calif. (Corona High School)
DeVries was a first-team All-American and the Riverside CountyPlayer of the Year last season. She also was a three-time firstteam all-conference and all-league honoree. The right-hander ledher high school team with a 24-6 record, 321 strikeouts and 23walks in 230 innings pitched last season. DeVries also had a .368batting average with 39 hits and 15 RBI. She competes on the ASAGordon’s Panthers, the winningest summer youth softballprogram in the country. Academically, DeVries is ranked in the TopFive of her class. “Kristi is a great example of anoutstanding student-athlete,” Jo Ann Byrd,DeVries’ high school coach said. “She is trulydedicated and works extremely hard in her classes andsoftball.” “I loved the campus, the program andthe opportunities Ohio State offers,” DeVries said.“I also really felt welcomed by Coach Kalafatis and myfuture teammates. That was important to me, because I will bespending everyday with them for the next four years.”
Beth McAbier, Shortstop
Carrollton, Ohio (Carrollton High School)
She is a four-time starter and a four-time letterwinner involleyball, basketball and softball at Carrollton High School. Shewas a two-time second team all-conference pick and two-timehonorable mention District 5 honoree in all three sports. In herjunior campaign, she recorded a .306 batting average, one home runand 17 RBI in 28 games. This season, McAbier was named first-teamall-district and district MVP in volleyball. She competed for thesummer league Ohio Bandits team and led them to a 65-11 record lastsummer. She batted .374 with six home runs and 72 RBI. McAbier alsowas named to the Academic Hall of Fame. “Beth is probablythe best shortstop I have ever coached,” Jodie Poole,McAbier’s high school coach, said. “She is verycompetitive, dedicated to improving every season and has a greatnack for the game. She also has always wanted to be a Buckeye. Thisis a dream come true for her.” “Growing up inOhio, it was always a lifelong dream for me to come to OhioState,” McAbier said. “I have finally achievedone of my goals. There are many great opportunities here at OhioState and I am very happy in my choice.”
