May 9, 2006
Contact:
Stephens College News Bureau * (573) 876-7111
Athletics Department * (573) 876-7212
STEPHENS STARS SIGN JONI AHERN AS NAIA SOFTBALL RECRUIT FOR 2006-2007
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Stephens College announces the signing of Joni Ahern, a
senior at Atlanta C-III High School in Atlanta , Mo. , for the 2006-2007
softball season. A pitcher who plans to major in creative writing
at Stephens, Ahern will sign at 10 a.m. today, May 9, 2006, at Atlanta
C-III High School . The upcoming season will mark the return of
softball to the College. Cross
country will also be added to the College's NAIA sports teams in
volleyball, basketball, swimming and tennis.
During her high school career, Ahern earned four Tri-County Conference selections, four District Team selections, three Regional Team selections and two All-State Team selections in Softball. Joni has also been honored in additional sports including basketball and track. As a shot put and discus athlete, she has earned three All-State nominations with the 2006 season still in progress.
In 2005, Ahern excelled for the Atlanta Lady Hornets. Named team MVP, she led her team to a school record in single season wins (14). Posting a 14-9 record as a pitcher, Ahern struck out 197, walked 18 and yielded 80 hits in 135 innings pitched. Joni also shined at the plate, batting .582 with a .925 slugging percentage and .650 on base percentage. Ahern had three home runs and 33 runs batted in. Her excellence on the field in 2005 earned her the 2005 Daily Express Softball Player of the Year for northeast Missouri .
"I'm not sure I can put into words how excited I am to know Joni will be playing for us next spring," said Chris Collier, Stephens College head softball coach. "A coach's dream is to recruit the best combination in a student-athlete. Joni is just that, the valedictorian who can throw a shut out and knock in runs. We are very fortunate to have her."
Name Position Previous School
Joni Ahern Pitcher Atlanta C-III High School (MO)
Stephens College , established in 1833, is historically committed to meeting the changing needs of women. Stephens engages students in an innovative educational experience focused on pre-professional fields and the performing arts and grounded in the liberal arts.
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