April 22, 2009
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IOWA CITY – University of Iowa Head Softball Coach Gayle Blevins announced that Stephanie Ochoa has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Iowa next fall. Ochoa, who currently attends Iowa Lakes Community College, will have two years of eligibility at Iowa.
Ochoa is a native of Stanton, CA, and was high school teammates with current Hawkeye pitcher Brittany Weil at Pacifica High School. Ochoa also played for the ASA affiliated USA Victory, coached by Rob Weil, who is Brittany’s father.
Ochoa had a very successful freshman season at Iowa Lakes, batting .479 with five home runs, 31 doubles and 67 RBI. For her efforts in 2008, Ochoa was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) first team all-American and a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) second team all-American. Ochoa led Iowa Lakes to a 56-13 record in 2008.
She has continued her impressive offensive output this season at Iowa Lakes, leading the team with a .577 batting average. She also has a team-best 60 RBI, along with two home runs and 24 doubles. Iowa Lakes currently has a 47-4 record.
“We are thrilled to have signed Stephanie Ochoa,” Blevins said. “Stephanie comes from an outstanding softball background, and is having an excellent season at Iowa Lakes. Stephanie is an outstanding hitter and will match up well in the Big Ten Conference and on a national level. She has wanted to be a Hawkeye for a long time, and is excited for the opportunity that lies ahead of her. Stephanie has the ability to step directly into our program and make an immediate impact.”
Ochoa is the fifth recruit to sign with Iowa for next fall. Ochoa joins current Hawkeye recruits Johnnie Dowling (Des Moines, IA, Valley High School), Jordan Goschie (Eugene, OR), Chelsea Lyon (Broken Arrow, OK) and Ashley Vanderloo (Sioux City, IA, Sioux City East High School).