The Gannon softball program has announced its first three recruits.
Dan Teliski, Director of Athletic Media Relations
12/10/2009 1:58:33 PM
ERIE, Pa. - Gannon head softball coach Tom Jakubowski has announced the addition of Kirstie Cortazzo (Jeannette, Pa./Jeannette), Katelyn Dunn (Troy, Mich./Troy) and Heidi Frynkewicz (Ambridge, Pa./Ambridge Area) to the program Thursday afternoon. All three student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent during the NCAA’s early signing period.
Cortazzo was named to the All-State honorable-mention team as a junior at Jeannette (Pa.) High School last season. The second baseman is a three-time all-section and two-time team MVP selection. She was named to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette East All-Area and the MSA Sports Network Softball All-Star teams as a junior.
The Jeannette, Pa., native is a three-sport athlete. Cortazzo is a four-year letterwinner in basketball and three-year letterwinner in soccer. She led the soccer team in scoring three consecutive seasons and was the basketball team’s second-leading scorer two straight campaigns. Cortazzo has served as a team captain for both teams. Academically, she is a member of the honor roll.
“Kirstie is a throw-back type of player,” said Jakubowski. “She is an all-conference first-team player who has a high batting average and tremendous defensive range. Kirstie is solid in the classroom (4.1 GPA) and on the field.”
Dunn has helped Troy (Mich.) High School win three consecutive district and regional championships. The catcher has earned all-state, all-region, all-district, all-area and all-county accolades during her high school career. Defensively, she has thrown out 47 of 62 base runners during her first three seasons and has a career .484 batting average with 67 RBI. She has struck out only 17 times the last two years and has a .634 career slugging percentage.
“Katelyn is a tremendous defensive catcher with a good throwing arm,” noted Jakubowski. “She hits with power to all fields and has a passion for the game that is second to none.”
Frynkewicz will become a four-year starter this season at Ambridge Area (Pa.) High School. The outfielder is a four-sport athlete, lettering four times in bowling and band. She also lettered once in golf. Academically, she is a member of the honor roll and listed in “Who’s Who Among High School Students.” Frynkewicz is also a member of the National Honor Society.
“Heidi brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to our program,” said Jakubowski. “She has been a starter since her freshman year and has played eight years of travel ball. Heidi is extremely fast, gets a great jump on the ball and will be a terrific addition to our outfield.”
Gannon finished the 2009 season with a 22-21 overall record. The Lady Knights have recorded 20 consecutive winning seasons and 19 straight 20-win campaigns.