Softball Signs Five for 2008

NORMAN, Okla. The Oklahoma softball program signed five athletes to National Letters of Intent, announced head softball coach Patty Gasso on Friday morning. Joining the Sooners in the fall of 2007 will be Dani Dobbs (Moore, Okla.), Krystle Huey (Garland, Texas), Chana'e Jones (San Jose, Calif.), Katelyn Rouppet (Stockton, Calif.) and Wendy Trott (Fountain Valley, Calif.).

“This is one of the best classes we have signed since I've been here because it fits all of our needs so well,” Gasso said. “All of these girls were heavily recruited and bring a lot of speed and power to our lineup. What I love most about this class is they know how to win and that is something that defines our program - winning championships.”

2007 Roster | 2008 Signing Class Bios

Dobbs is the lone Oklahoma native in the 2008 recruiting class, but brings championship experience as she led Moore High School to the state title in 2005 and a runner-up finish in the title game in 2006. The Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year is extremely versatile as she is a solid third baseman, but can also play behind the plate as a catcher.

Dani Dobbs

“We've been watching Dani for a long time and we're extremely excited for her to join this program,” Gasso said. “She brings a lot of power to the lineup and can really make things happen at the plate. I also love the work ethic she will bring to this team.”

Huey will make a case for the fastest player to ever wear the Crimson and Cream. The 5-1 speedy utility player led Garland High School to a No. 3 national ranking and state title in 2006. The EA Sports All-American broke single season records at Garland in hits, runs scored and triples.

“Krystle brings pure speed to this squad and I project her and current freshman Iver McDonald to battle for the OU base stealing record during their time here,” Gasso said. “She creates a lot of havoc at the plate because in addition to her slapping capability she can also stand in and hit with a lot of power.”

Jones was one of the most sought after recruits in the country this season as she was recruited by Cal, Washington, Florida, Fresno State and a handful of others, but chose to attend Oklahoma. The two-time All-State selection is a challenge for any pitcher as she brings a triple-threat to the plate because she can bunt and slap with her speed, but can pound home runs with her power.

“Chana'e caught my eye immediately when I first saw her because she has an incredibly smooth swing,” Gasso said. “She reminds me of former All-American Kristin Vesely because she is such a force at the plate. She is way ahead offensively compared to where most girls her age are.”

Rouppet will bring athleticism to the Sooners as the four-sport star led A.A. Stagg High School (Calif.) to the most league wins in school history and led her high school in every offensive category as a freshman. The versatile infielder (3B/SS) recorded a .397 batting average with the her travel team, the San Jose Sting, this summer.

“Katelyn is one of the hardest workers I've encountered and she is adamant about being the best in everything she does,” Gasso said. “She is an exceptional athlete and a great leader that brings a strong power threat when she's up to bat.”

Wendy Trott

Trott is one of three California players in the 2008 recruiting class as the left-handed first baseman hails from Fountain Valley, Calif. The 5-11 power hitter and two-time all league selection at Fountain Valley H.S. led her summer team, the Worth Firecrackers, to a runner-up finish at the 2006 Gold National Championships.

“We were really searching for a No. 4 or 5 power hitter this season and Wendy definitely fills that need,” Gasso said. “She is an incredible RBI and home run threat and the type of player that can change the game with one swing of the bat. I really liked the team she played for this summer because they know how to win and that is what this program is all about.”

The Sooners lose a large senior class this season as Stacia Aleman, Norrelle Dickson, Jamie Fox, Mariee Mena, Jade Prather and Amber Spaulding will finish their softball career at OU this spring.

“I believe this incoming 2008 class will be similar to the class we graduate this spring,” Gasso said. “This group of five has great potential to leave a strong legacy at Oklahoma.”

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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