Dec. 9, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- The Samford Softball coaching staff announced the signing of Julianne Surane to the 2011 roster on Wednesday. Julianne "Juj" Surane is a second basemen from Newbery Park, California.

Surane comes to Samford by way of La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks, Calif. She plays softball for an elite club team, the Southern California Combat Panthers 18U Gold, and recently had the honor of receiving their "Iron Man" award for playing in 412 consecutive games and never missing a practice in five years. In addition, she has helped the Panthers qualify for the ASA National Championships in three of the last four years.

Surane is an intelligent player with an impeccable work ethic. She takes a lot of pride in her work on and off the field and she understands the importance of teamwork.

"We expect Julianne to take the reins at second based base and compete for the lead-off spot in the lineup," Samford head coach Beanie Ketcham said.

As a lead-off slapper for the Panthers, Surane hit .437 with a .657 on-base percentage in 2009. She also performs her best in the classroom as well as on the field. She plans to major in business and pursue a Masters in Business and a Juris Doctorate after graduation.

"Julianne made an impression from the first time she stepped on campus," Ketcham said. "She is a winner and we are proud to have her joining our program."

Julianne is following in the footsteps of a long line of elite athletes in her family. Her grandfather played football at Marquette and in the NFL. Her uncle also played baseball for the Atlanta Braves while her father, Bob Surane, played football at LSU. Her sister, Catherine "Cat", plays softball for Santa Clara University.

"Samford University has everything an an athlete could ask for," Surane said. "Great facilities, a hard-working program, and a coaching staff that loves and knows how to play the game. I'm very excited to become a part of this team and to step on the field as a bulldog!"