Missouri State University

Nov. 9, 2011

Missouri State head softball coach Holly Hesse announced today that her team is adding four players to the 2012-13 squad.

"Overall, it is a very talented class," said Hesse. "They will all come in and contribute immediately for us."

Braxton Coil, C, 5-5, Edmond, Okla., Edmond North High
Coil was a four-year starter behind the dish for head coach Rick Nordyke at Edmond North High. She batted .477 with a team record 62 RBI in her senior season en route to Conference Player of the Year and all-state accolades. A four-time all-city and all-conference selection, she advanced her team to the 6A regional championship for a third-straight season her senior campaign. As a junior, Coil hit .387 with 48 RBI. Her Oklahoma Force summer team advanced to its third-straight USA/ASA National Championship Tournament in 2011 after winning the ASA State Title each of her seasons on the team.

"Braxton has a strong arm and a strong bat," continued Hesse. "She will contribute behind and at the plate. She is a coach's daughter who understands the game."

Mary Stephens, 1B, 5-6, Sachse, Texas, Wylie High
Stephens has started her first three years at Wylie High for head coach Heather Damron. Her junior season, she set her school's record with 19 home runs, while batting .570 and driving in 74 runs. She was named Offensive Player of the Year, 4A District MVP and first-team all-state in her third season at WHS. A DFW Player of the Week, she was among the leaders in doubles, triples, home runs and RBI in the 4A district. Stephens earned academic all-district honors her sophomore and junior years. She was named to the all-district second team as a sophomore after batting.375. As a freshman, she was named District 8-5A Newcomer of the Year after hitting .346 and adding 16 RBI.

"Mary is a hitter," said associate head coach Sue Frederick. "She will add punch to the middle of our lineup."

Bethany Sullinger, IF, 5-6, Kansas City, Mo., Park Hill High
Sullinger was the starting shortstop all four years for head coach Stuart Sullinger at Park Hill High. A first-team all-state, all-region, all-conference and all-district honoree as a senior, she set the school record for batting average, slugging percentage, RBI and triples. She also earned the school's silver slugger award for the second-straight season and was named MVP of the team. As a junior, Sullinger set the school record for home runs in leading her team to a second-place finish in districts. She was an all-region, all-conference and all-district first team selection in her junior year. In 2009, she was named to the first-team all-conference and all-district squads while guiding her squad to a second-place finish in districts. As a freshman, she was named all-district first team and all-conference second team while earning the school's golden glove award for the first time. Sullinger also plays basketball at Park Hill.

"Bethany is extremely athletic," said associate head coach Beth Perine. "She is an impressive utility player that can play many positions."

Sarah "Jessie" Van Es, RHP, Russellville, Ark., Pottsville High
Van Es has been a standout pitcher for Pottsville High her first three seasons. As a junior, she hurled an 18 strikeout perfect game, two no-hitters and three one-hitters while averaging 13 strikeouts for the season. She was named to the all-state and all-conference teams in leading her team to the semifinals of the state tournament. She can also hit, earning the 2011 Outstanding Hitter Award and was named the top junior by the conference coaches. As a sophomore, she earned all-conference accolades after taking the most RBI's award for the second-straight season. She won the golden glove award after leading her team to the state semifinals. In 2009, she earned all-conference honors and took home the silver bat award. Van Es also plays basketball at Pottsville High.

"We are excited to be adding a pitcher who will come in and throw quality innings for us in her first year," Hesse said.

Missouri State will begin the 2012 season on February 17 at the Mean Green Classic in Denton, Texas. The Bears will host Iowa State in a twin bill at Killian Stadium in the home opener on March 10 at 12:00 p.m.

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