Dec. 7, 2007

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford University softball team received a national letter-of-intent from standout catcher Alex Adams on Friday as the highly-touted native of McDonough, Ga., became the Bulldogs' first signee of the 2007-08 recruiting period.

"We are extremely excited about having Alex join our team," said Samford head coach Beanie Ketcham. "She was also being recruited by South Carolina and Lipscomb, and we are glad that she is going to be a Bulldog. We feel that she is going to be a great player at the college level, because she is very talented and hard-working."

Adams, who is one of the top catchers in the state of Georgia, earned First-Team All-State honors in both 2005 and 2007. She finished her illustrious prep career with a .350 batting average and led Union City High School to a pair of 5A Region 2 championships.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to attend Samford University and to play softball for Coach Ketcham, (Assistant) Coach (Erin) Gallagher and (Assistant) Coach (John) Garris," said Adams. "Samford is a great University that can provide me with an excellent education. I hope to contribute to the team and help win championships."

A left-handed catcher with a quick release and strong arm, Adams was voted the Defensive Player of the Year as a junior at UGHS. She also garnered Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore and senior.

"Alex is an outstanding defensive catcher," Ketcham said. "She has great presence and commands the field well. She also swings the bat extremely well and we expect her to make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively."

Samford is expected to sign at least three players during the 2007-08 recruiting period. Information will be provided on the additional signees as soon as it becomes available.

2008 Samford Softball Signing Class

Name, Position, B/T, Hometown, High School
Alex Adams, C, R/L, McDonough, Ga., Union Grove HS