University of Delaware Softball Head Coach Jaime Wohlbach Announces Signing of Three High School Standouts
January 7, 2011
NEWARK, Del. -- University of Delaware softball head coach Jaime Wohlbach has announced the signing of three high school standouts who have signed National Letters of Intent with UD and will begin playing for the Blue Hens during the 2012 season. The class includes, Jess Epler, Jess Grisler, and Brianna Jennings. The trio will enroll at Delaware in the fall and comprise the Blue Hens’ Class of 2015.
Epler (above right), who attends Governor Mifflin High School in Shillington, Pa., was a first team All-State selection in 2009 before earning second team honors last season. She led Governor Mifflin to the District III Championship during her sophomore year and to the state semifinals as a junior. A three-year captain and three-time All-Berks County selection, Epler has posted 756 strikeouts and a .560 career batting average entering her senior year.
“I am ecstatic that Jess Epler will be joining the Blue Hen family in 2012,” Wohlbach said. “Jess’s offensive strength, matched with our current athletes’ abilities, will help bring our Blue Hens program to the next level of competition. Additionally, Jess offers versatility defensively as a pitcher and a utility infielder.”
Grisler (left) has started her first three seasons at Foothill High School in Sacramento, Calif., posting a .527 career batting average with 83 runs scored, 125 hits, 30 doubles, and 14 triples. A three-time first team All-Capital Valley Conference and two-time first team MaxPreps/River Cats All-City selection, Grisler batted .686 with 30 runs scored, 48 hits and 26 RBI as a junior. Grisler, who earned second team All-Metro honors in 2010, led the San Joaquin Section and ranked among the top 10 in the state in batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage.
“I am thrilled to have Jess wear the blue and gold,” Wohlbach stated. “Jess is an outstanding offensive leader and provides defensive depth to our infield. I believe this combination of talent will lead her to be an immediate impact on our program.”
Jennings (below right) has twice been named Pennsylvania Coaches All-State Honorable Mention while playing at Wyalusing High School. A three-time first team NTL Coaches and Daily Review All-Region selection, Jennings went 18-5 in the circle as a junior with posting a 1.13 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 149 innings pitched. Jennings was named the 2009 Pitcher of the Year by the NTL Coaches after finishing her sophomore year 11-3 with a 1.0 ERA and 124 strikeouts in 86 innings of work. She also batted .465 as a sophomore and .394 a year ago, and has knocked home 59 runs during her first three seasons.
“Brianna has a presence in the circle that can’t be taught,” Wohlbach noted. “She is energetic, confident, and throws with power. With the guidance of Coach (Michele) Hawkins, her command on the mound will help us contend for the CAA title.”
This is Wohlbach’s first recruiting class since taking over the Blue Hen softball program this August. The Blue Hens start their season at the Central Florida Tournament on February 18-20 with games against Miami (Ohio), UIC, Notre Dame, and UCF.
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