Ohio State Signs Three for 2016-17 – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 12, 2015
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COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to further the academic and athletic careers as members of the Ohio State softball program, head coach Kelly Kovach Schoenly announced today.
The newest Buckeyes are middle infielder Amy Balich, outfielder Andi Farrah and shortstop Carley Gaskill.
Amy Balich | MIF | Palos Park, Ill./Mother McAuley High School
Girls Catholic League Player of the Year and team captain in 2015 … all conference in 2014 and 2015 … also a two-time academic all-conference honoree … plays club ball for the Beverly Bandits … the Bandits placed second at PGF Nationals in 2014 and seventh in 2015 … lists her greatest sports thrill as beating rival Sandburg in the 2015 sectional semifinals with a three-run rally in the seventh inning … has an uncle, Jim Balich, who played football at Washington State … brother, Paul, wrestles at Milwaukee School of Engineering and cousin, Tom Zale, plays football at Illinois Wesleyan … also plays basketball at Mother McArthur … vice president of the student council … member of the National Honor Society … would like to be an engineer following graduation.
“Amy has many of the obvious strengths a shortstop needs – tremendous range, grittiness, a strong arm and is game savvy,” said Kovach Schoenly. “Right away, I noticed she was the most athletic player on the field. I believe with Amy’s coachability she will develop quickly and help us tremendously in the infield.”
Andi Farrah | OF | Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central
Played her first two years of high school softball at North Canton Hoover before transferring to Pickerington Central last year … in 2015, hit over .500 and broke Pickerington Central’s single-season record for hits … member of the OHSAA Division I state champions in 2013 and 2014, batting over .500 each season … as a freshman, had three hits in the state championship game and helped Hoover finish 34-0 … in 2014, was member of the 50-50-50 club (50+ hits, 50+ runs, 50+ RBI) … plays club ball for the Ohio Lasers … won a ASA national championship in 2014 with current Buckeye Emily Clark … lists her greatest sports thrill as winning a state championship and national championship in the same year … has two older sisters – Nikki and Ally … Ally plays softball at Ashland University … member of the National Honors Society … would like to pursue a career in the medical field following graduation.
“Andi is among the fastest players I have ever seen,” said Kovach Schoenly. “She will be a game changer immediately with her speed. But that’s not all she brings – she can hit for power and average and is a proven champion. There’s a reason all the teams that she’s been on have won championships. She sets the table and puts so much pressure on the defense. I can’t wait to see the havoc she creates for our opponents.”
Carley Gaskill | UTL | West Hills, Calif./El Camino Real High School
Four year varsity letterwinner … first team all-league in 2013 … honorable mention all-CIF in 2013 and 2015 … two-time second team all-league selection … went 3-for-5 with two doubles and five RBI in a first round playoff victory as a junior … member of the Los Angeles Daily News Watch List … plays club ball for the So Cal Choppers … the Choppers finished 13th at PGF Nationals in 2014 … father, Bob, played basketball at Pacific Christian College and mother played softball at Cal State Northridge … wants to major in sports medicine.
“Carley has natural instincts and impeccable glovework in the infield,” said Kovach Schoenly. “What excites me about Carley is that she has improved every season we have been tracking her. I definitely believe her best softball in ahead of her. From a family full of athletes, Carley understands how to compete and will bring that edge to the Buckeyes.”
