SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University head softball coach Leslie Lopez announced today that eight student-athletes have signed letters-of-intent to play softball for the Rams in 2013.

Maggie Gola (Nanticoke, PA/Greater Nanticoke Area), a third baseman, lettered in softball and field hockey for Greater Nanticoke Area. She helped lead her team to three conference championships and the 2010 PIAA state championship.

Desiree Joines (Stewartstown, PA/Kennard-Dale), a pitcher/first baseman/outfielder, was a four-year letterwinner in softball at Kennard-Dale. A two-time-first team All-County choice, Joines gained 2011 MVP honors.

Hayley Kitts (Havre de Grace, MD/Havre de Grace), a pitcher, was four-year varsity softball standout at Havre de Grace. She was a two-time team captain. Her father, Joe Kitts, a 1989 Shepherd graduate, played football for the Rams.

Shannon Lyons (Harpers Ferry, WV/Jefferson), an outfielder/first baseman/pitcher, lettered four years in softball and two in volleyball at Jefferson. Lyons was a three-time first team PVC selection and served as team captain as a senior. She was a first team All-State selection in 2011. Her father, John Lyons, a 1984 Shepherd graduate, played baseball for the Rams.

Carly Schmidt (Leesburg, VA/Heritage/Patrick Henry CC), a catcher/third baseman/shortstop, was a four-year letterwinner in softball at Heritage. She was a two-time team MVP. A transfer from Patrick Henry Community College, Schmidt was a second team JUCO All-American and was named Region X Player of the Year. She was also inducted into the Patrick Henry CC Hall of Fame.

Kalie Sprankle (Salisbury, MD/Mardela), a shortstop/second baseman, lettered in softball, soccer, and basketball. A three-time All-Conference selection, Sprankle helped lead Mardela to the state championship game in softball. She also helped lead her team to the state semifinals in soccer and basketball.

Kass Taylor (Huntingtown, MD/Huntingtown), a third baseman, was a four-year letterwinner in softball at Huntingtown. She helped lead Huntingtown to a regional championship. Taylor gained All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) honors and was an All-Met honoree.

Victoria Thompson (Bristow, VA/Brentsville District/Potomac State), a pitcher/first baseman, was a four-year letterwinner in softball at Brentsville District. She was a first team All-District and All-Area choice as a senior. Thompson helped lead her team to a pair of district championships. A transfer from Potomac State, she gained All-Region XX honors and was the 2011-12 Potomac State Female Athlete of the Year.