ATHENS, W. Va. – Concord University softball head coach
Alisa Tasler announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent Thursday. Jessie Burney, Allyson Cutlip, Nicole Neri and Alycea Watson will enter Concord at the start of the 2014-15 school-year and be eligible for the 2015 season.
The four-women recruiting class features two players from Virginia, one from Ohio and one from Delaware.
Jessie Burney
5-5, OF/C/SS
Gar-Field High School / Woodridge, Va.
Burney, who has proven capable of playing all around the field at shortstop, catcher and in the outfield throughout her prep career, is a two-time all-district athlete. A team captain at Gar-Field High School, Burney has also earned an MVP Certificate GFHS.
Why I Chose Concord: "I have always wanted to play softball at the college level and when I visited Concord, I really liked the coaches, the players, and the campus overall," Burney said. "I feel like I really have a chance of becoming a more successful student-athlete at Concord University. "
Allyson Cutlip
5-2, SS/3B/OF
Bath County High School / Bath County, Va.
A two-sport star out of Bath County High School, Cutlip led BCHS to state titles in softball in 2011 and 2012 as well as a volleyball state crown in 2011. Cutlip posted a game-winning two-RBI triple in the 2012 state championship game. Her individual accomplishments include 2012 all-district honors in both softball and volleyball in addition to honorable mention all-region accolades during the 2012 volleyball season.
Why I Chose Concord: "The first time I visited Concord was for a softball camp in 2012 and I absolutely loved it!" Cutlip said. "Coach Tasler helped me a lot and is an amazing coach! The players were very nice, helpful, and made me feel welcome. Concord University is a beautiful school and fits all my academic needs. I dreamed of attending school and playing softball at Concord ever since my first visit. Great coach, friendly players, beautiful campus, and outstanding academics; what's not to love?"
Nicole Neri
5-8, C/1B
Keystone High School / Elyria, Ohio
Neri has enjoyed extensive success on the high school level having led Keystone High School to one state title, two regional crowns, two district champions and one other state championship game appearance. Personally, Neri is an all-county and all-conference athlete at catcher and first base. Neri, a member of the National Honor Society, has compilied a 4.26 GPA. She plays travel ball for the Exlposive Fastpitch team.
Why I Chose Concord: "When I visited Concord, I felt the students, professors and coaches all welcomed me and made me feel like I was at home," Neri said. "Coming from a small town, I was very comfortable with its size, and fell in love with the location."
Alycea Watson
5-6, SS/3B
William Penn High School / New Castle, Delaware
Watson is a two-time all-conference selection and a four-year starter at William Penn High School where she played shortstop and third base. In addition to her scholastic career, Watson is also a member of the Delaware Cobras 18U Gold travel club. Off the field, Watson is a member of the National Honor Society.
Why I Chose Concord: "I chose to peruse my softball career at Concord University because academically they are going to provide me with what I want to study," Watson said. "Athletically I really like the coaching staff and their demeanor toward coaching. I honestly love softball and I love playing and want to be around people who want the same things as I do when it comes to softball."
The Mountain Lions finished their 2013 season 20-31 overall. Concord, which opens its 2014 season Feb. 1 at Fayetteville State, is set to return six starters from last year's team.
