December 12, 2007
Contact: Evangel University Athletics 865-2815, Ext. 7282
Evangel head softball coach Jerry Breaux has signed shortstop Marriana Nelson and catcher Kasey Kay Spencer to play on the 2008 Lady Crusader team.
Nelson is from Eden Prairie, Minn., and is in her final year at Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minn. In addition to playing for Thomas Jefferson, Nelson also plays ASA softball for the Minnesota Blizzard. Marriana is the third Nelson sister to play for Breaux. Sister Kaylee is a three-year letter winner (05-07) and a senior on the 2008 squad. Sister Christianna, a 2007 Evangel graduate, played for Breaux during the 2006 and 2007 seasons after transferring from Morningside College (Iowa).
“Marriana is a serious and dedicated softball player. We have scouted her the past two years and she is a power-hitting shortstop with the skills and experience we look for in our middle infielders,” stated Breaux. “She has great potential to be an outstanding college player, who will contribute immediately to our team and championship tradition. In addition, Marriana is an outstanding student, bringing academic excellence to our program. Marriana will be a terrific addition to Evangel University and to our softball program.”
Spencer is currently a senior at Liberty (Mo.) High School. She earned all-conference, all-district, all-regional, All-North Land, and All-Greater Kansas City honors this past season. During the past season, Spencer helped lead Liberty to championships at the conference, district, and sectional levels. Liberty also placed second in the Greater Kansas City Tournament. In addition to her high school experience, Spencer plays summer ball for the Kansas City Originals.
“Kasey is an outstanding defensive catcher with a strong arm,” Breaux stated. “She provides great vocal leadership for her pitcher and team. Kasey is what we call a 4-tool player as she has the ability to hit for average and power. She has great potential to be an outstanding college player.”
Breaux begins his 15th year in 2008 as the head softball coach at Evangel. He was recently honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for earning his 400th career victory as a softball coach. Breaux was presented with an Easton Club Award at the 2007 NFCA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. Breaux’s teams have won eight Heart of America Athletic Conference titles (four in a row) and gained one NAIA National Tournament appearance (2006). Breaux has been named the conference coach of the year five times and his record over the past 14 seasons is 400-270-1. The 2007 team finished its season with a 32-13 record, was ranked No. 18 in the nation on the final NAIA poll, won the program’s eighth conference championship and advanced two games into the NAIA Region V Tournament.