Eakin Announces Three Signees

PROVO -- BYU head softball coach Gordon Eakin announced the signing of three prep standouts on Tuesday.

Catcher/first baseman Megan Arnold from Yorba Linda, Calif., pitcher Caroline Umphlett from Elizabeth City, NC, and fielding specialist Haley Schenasi of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., have signed national letters of intent to play for the Cougars.

An outstanding hitter out of Esperanza High, Arnold is described by Eakin as “one of the best natural hitters I have ever seen.” Arnold led Esperanza to the Sunset League championship in 2008 and 2010. Playing for the Cal Lite 18 Gold club team, Arnold posted a .472 batting average.

Umphlett, an All-State pitcher out of Northeastern High, has a dominating presence on the mound, going 14-4 last season with a 0.65 ERA and 176 strikeouts. She was named District 1 2A Pitcher of the Year last season and picked up her second-straight 2A All-State honor. Umphlett will become the first North Carolinian to ever play at BYU the first time she steps on the mound for the Cougars.

“Look for Caroline to dominate throughout her career,” Eakin said.

Schenasi, from Palos Verdes High, is a defensive specialist and all-around athlete. Schenasi was named CIF First Team and All-League First Team last season in her third year playing varsity. In 2009 she was Bay League Co-Most Outstanding Player, first-team All-Bay League and second-team All-Area and has a career batting average of close to .500.

“Haley is an athletic player that could play at any position on the field,” Eakin said. “She has speed, power and a strong arm and will make an immediate impact.”

Coming off the most successful season in program history in 2010, BYU will begin the upcoming season on Feb. 10 against Oregon and Indiana in Tempe, Ariz., at the Kajikawa Classic.