Nov. 11, 2004
IOWA CITY – Head Softball Coach Gayle Blevins announced that Erin Riemersma, Quinn Morelock and Colleen McGlaughlin have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University of Iowa.
“We are extremely excited about these young women,” Blevins said. “One can just look at their accomplishments and understand the level of talent they bring to the University of Iowa.”
Riemersma is an Orland Park, IL, native and attends Carl Sandburg High School. She helped lead her team to a conference championship in 2003 along with regional championships in 2003 and 2004. She was an all-conference infielder in 2003 and a Chicago-Sun Times all-area selection in 2004. She was named team MVP as a sophomore in 2003 and led her team to a supersectional championship and an Illinois High School Association Elite Eight berth in 2004. Riemersma also plays for the U-18 Illinois Bandits and led them to a top 25 finish at the ASA National Tournament in 2004.
“We could not be happier to have Erin in the Iowa family,” Blevins said. “Erin is an excellent shortstop, possessing good range, quickness and a solid arm. She has a special kind of game maturity not often seen in such a young player. I have always loved coaching young women who come ready to play everyday and we are excited to have Erin at Iowa.”
Morelock is from Solon, IA, and is a three-time all-state selection. Last season, Morelock was named first team all-conference and all-state along with being named to both the all-area and all-district teams. Morelock will serve as a utility player that can play shortstop or third base. In 2004, Morelock hit .398 with a .813 slugging percentage and recorded 15 homeruns with 52 RBI. She is also a standout track athlete and qualified for state in four events in 2004.
“We are thrilled to have Quinn join the Hawkeye softball program,” Blevins said. “She is an outstanding athlete and we have had the opportunity to watch her develop over the last seven to eight years. She is an excellent hitting prospect for us with legitimate power. Quinn is a great example of a native Iowan who has grown up always wanting to be a Hawkeye.”
McGlaughlinn a Morton, IL native, is also a three-time all-state selection and has a school record batting average of .505 with a slugging percentage of .944. McGlaughlin has been named team MVP the previous three seasons and was also named all-conference and all-region in 2002-04. McGlaughlin, who is primarily an infielder, was a member of the U-18 Illinois Southern Force summer league team that was crowned Gold division National Champions in 2004. Her summer league team was also the Canada Cup Futures champions in 2003. McGlaughlin excels in the classroom as well, scoring a 35 on her ACT and is a National Merit Scholar semifinalist.
“Colleen is an outstanding prospect for the Iowa program,” commented Blevins. “She is an amazing student and excellent athlete. She is a great hitter who has played at the highest ASA level and has achieved impressive results. We feel confident she will elevate her game to an even higher level for the Hawkeyes.”
Iowa will open up the 2005 season February 11, at the Stetson Invitational in Deland, FL.