May 13, 2009
San Antonio – St. Mary’s University softball coach Donna Fields announced on Tuesday the signing of five student-athletes to national letters of intent. Shiner native Heather Haas, La Coste native Crystal Keller, San Marcos native Kaitlin Nichols, Devine native Kailyn Miller and San Antonio native Christina Rodriguez all will join the team for the 2010 season
Haas (5’8″, Fr., Shiner) is the first pitcher to sign with the Rattlers. She was named Class A Softball Most Valuable Player for coaches Brandon and Carrie Lynn Siegel at Shiner High School. She was a three-time all-state honoree and was named District 28-1A Most Valuable Player. She helped lead Shiner to a state championship and three state finalist appearances. Off the field she earned Honor Roll recognition, was a member of the National Honor Society, the U.S. Achievement Academy and was named to Who’s Who Among American High School Students. Haas plans to major in exercise and sports science.
Nichols (5’4″, Fr., San Marcos) was a four-year letterwinner for coach Cathy McBride at San Marcos High School as a centerfielder. She was a 2008 Louisville Slugger/NFCA High School All-American, a first team all-region honoree and was a Texas Sports Writers Association second team all-state honoree. She helped lead SMHS to three 25-5A bi-district championships. Off the field she was a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club and earned academic all-district honors. She plans to major in exercise and sports science.
Rodriguez (5’6″, Fr., San Antonio) was a three-time all-district pick at catcher for coach and St. Mary’s graduate D’Layne Kelly at Clark High School. In 2008 she earned first team all-district honors and received the Cougar Award. In 2007 she was named San Antonio Express-News Newcomer of the Year and was a first team all-district pick. In 2006 she was a first team all-district pick and second team all-state pick at Cornerstone High School. She helped lead Clark to a pair of playoff appearances. She plans to major in Biology.
The Rattlers finished the 2009 season with a 32-32 overall record and were second in the Heartland Conference standings. The Rattlers return six starters for the 2010 season.