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 23-8 overallrecord. Allen, a left-hander, had a 0.22 ERA with 258 strikeouts in126 innings pitched and posted a winning record of 22-2. With thebat, she recorded a .395 batting average with 10 doubles, 12triples, 11 home runs and 29 RBI in 31 games. Allen was named MVPat the San Bernadino Tournament and a two-time team MVP. Shecompetes on the ASA Gold Gordon’s Panthers, the winningest summeryouth softball program in the country. Academically, she ranks inthe Top 10 percent of her class. “Wendy is an unbelievable asset tothe Buckeyes,” Eric Lindner, Allen’s high school coach, said. “Sheis a true student-athlete, because of her discipline in theclassroom and softball field. She carries a team and can raise ateam’s playing ability just by her own example. She is atwo-dimensional player, because of her strong pitching and as athreat at the plate.” “I was very impressed with the program andthe school, itself. Coach Kalafatis, the girls and the universityreally gave me a sense of family,” Allen said. “I also choose OhioState knowing that I would be playing with Kristi. We are bothcommitted to 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 softball program inthe country. Academically, DeVries is ranked in the Top Five of herclass. “Kristi is a great example of an outstandingstudent-athlete,” Jo Ann Byrd, DeVries’ high school coach said.”She is truly dedicated and works extremely hard in her classes andsoftball.” “I loved the campus, the program and the opportunitiesOhio State offers,” DeVries said. “I also really felt welcomed byCoach Kalafatis and my future teammates. That was important to me,because I will be spending everyday with them for the next fouryears.”
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 probably the bestshortstop I have ever coached,” Jodie Poole, McAbier’s high schoolcoach, said. “She is very competitive, dedicated to improving everyseason and has a great nack for the game. She also has alwayswanted to be a Buckeye. This is a dream come true for her.””Growing up in Ohio, it was always a lifelong dream for me to cometo Ohio State,” McAbier said. “I have finally achieved one of mygoals. There are many great opportunities here at Ohio State and Iam very happy in my choice.”
