11/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Softball
CONWAY - The Coastal Carolina softball program will welcome in six freshmen as part of its 2016 signing class, announced by head coach Kelley Green on Monday.
Mackenzie Budinger (Chandler, A.Z.), Payton Hanson (Big Lake, Minn.), Kassidy Smith (Collinsville, Ill.), Samantha Tingler (Stokesdale, N.C.), Devin Wallace (Raleigh, N.C.), Kelsey Warren (Naperville, Ill.) have committed to continue their softball careers at Coastal Carolina beginning next fall.
"We are excited about the class of 2020," said head coach Kelley Green. "When recruiting this group, we knew they would have big shoes to fill. Once again we are graduating a phenomenal senior class that have forged their names into the Coastal Carolina Softball record books. The 2020 class will add pitching, speed, and power to our line-up. They are all high-character individuals and we have enjoyed getting to know them and their families. It will be fun to watch these new Chanticleers."
Mackenzie Budinger
Budinger is a four-year varsity member contributing at first and third base for Seton Catholic Preparatory. She was named second team all-state during her sophomore season recording a .551 on base percentage and .837 slugging average. That season, Budinger hit a .507 average while having 16 doubles, eight homeruns and 20 RBIs. She topped her homerun high from sophomore season recording 10 during her junior year. During her junior year she drove in 24 runs while adding a .460 average and 14 doubles.
"As a corner infielder, Mac can play either side of the diamond well," Green said. "She brings a powerful stick and will enjoy hitting plenty of big flies in our park."
Payton Hanson
Hanson has been a varsity member during her time at Monticello High School and received the Spotlight on Scholarship award of her first three season. During Hanson last season she averaged a .440 with 34 hits while recording three doubles, two triples, two homeruns and 13 RBIs. She also had a career high of 26 stolen bases, 30 runs and 42 putouts. As a sophomore, hit .541 with 42 hits, two doubles, two triples and nine RBIs. Hanson is a two-time all-conference honoree, while receiving all-section, most valuable at bat and MVP during her junior season.
"Payton has excellent speed and will wreak havoc on the base paths," Green said. "She is not only an offensive weapon, but she also does a great job tracking down balls in the outfield."
Kassidy Smith
Smith is a three-time All Southwestern Conference selection honoree and is coming off her junior season of setting Collinsville High School's career homerun record (21). During her junior season, Smith hit .457 while having 48 hits. She recorded 16 doubles, two triples, six homeruns and 34 RBIs. In 2014, was voted to the all-state 2nd team by the Illinois Coaches Association following a .458 batting average with a career high of 54 hits. Smith also had a career high of 12 homeruns during the 2014 season, which set the school record for most homeruns in a season. Smith was a two time Belleville News-Democrat all-area 2nd team selection and a two-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro 2nd team selection.
"Kass is a very strong defensive catcher and has an outstanding presence behind the plate," Green said. "Offensively she has a great swing with excellent power and will make an immediate impact in our line-up."
Samantha Tingler
Tingler was an offensive leader for Northwest Guilford High School leading the team with most home runs during her sophomore and junior seasons while tying for most homeruns during her freshman year. Last season she averaged a .455 with 24 hits while recording nine doubles, three triples and 19 RBIs. Tingler has tallied 28 stolen bases through her high school career. She is a two-time all-conference, all-district and all-state selection during her sophomore and junior seasons. Was awarded MVP Offensive and Player of the Year after her junior season.
"Sam is a versatile infielder with tremendous athleticism and passion," Green said. "She has a strong work ethic and experience playing at the highest level of club ball."
Devin Wallace
Wallace was a two-time pitcher of the year in her conference while at Middle Creek High School leading her team to back to back conference championships and a 2014 regional final appearance. Last season, she recorded 92 k's in 49 innings with a .073 ERA and six earned runs. At bat, Wallace hit .528 scoring 22 runs and had 23 RBIs, two homeruns and six doubles. During the 2014 season she had a career high of 162 k's in 91 innings with a .53 ERA and eight earned runs. In both seasons, Wallace was named to all-conference, all-district, and all-state.
"Devin is going to be a great addition to our pitching staff," Green said. "Her ability to change planes will undoubtedly lead to success in the circle for us."
Kelsey Warren
Warren is a four year member of the varsity softball team. She was a three-time All-Conference honorable mention throughout high school, while also earning an All-Conference special mention during the 2015 season. Warren is also a member of the Illinois Chill Gold team who recorded 55 runs over the last two years. She hit .338 during the most recent season with four doubles, six RBI's and recorded 44 hits. The year before Warren hit a .412 while contributing 35 hits, three doubles and nine RBI's.
"Kelsey is a triple threat in the box and another Chant who will be lethal on the bases," Green said. "Her ability to swing away, slap or beat out a drag will keep opponents guessing."
