Missouri Southern Head Softball Coach Bill Gray has announced four signees for the 2016 season.
Joining the Lions are Kylie Wesbrooks, Taurean Guzman, Ashley Caldarella, and Angelica Badalamenti.
"This is a very strong group of young women who will make an instant impact on the Missouri Southern softball program. They supply us with power, speed and a competitive nature that we need to make the next step and contend in the MIAA," said Coach Gray about this recruiting class.
Wesbrooks played at Augusta HS in Augusta, Kansas under coach Shane Steinkamp. During her senior campaign she helped the Orioles to the KSHSAA Class 4 DI state championship while earning first team All-League and All-State honors. During her junior season Wesbrooks helped the Orioles to the state runner up and earned freshman athlete of the year honors in 2012.
Kylie also played basketball where she was a member of the substate runner-up team in 2013 and ran cross country for AHS.
"Kylie has great versatility. She will give us depth in the infield and outfield and has a lot of power in her bat. Her high school team has played for the last two state titles in Kansas and won one so she is a proven winner and brings that our program," added Coach Gray.
The daughter of Chad and Katie Wesbrooks she plans to major in kinesiology at Southern. Kylie is the oldest of three kids while her father played baseball at Butler County Community College and Emporia State and mother played volleyball at Butler County.
Ashley Caldarella comes to Southern from Kansas City, Missouri and Staley High School where she played the corner positions for coach Tapp. She was a two time second team All-District and All-Conference selection for the Falcons during her junior and senior seasons. During those two years the Falcons won two conference titles and one district title as well. Ashley and her fellow seniors set the school record for most wins by a senior class.
On Ashley Coach Gray added, "Ashley can play either corner position and is a total threat at the plate. She has a great knowledge of the strike zone and when you come to it she will drive the ball."
Ashley is the daughter of Anthony and Laurie Caldarella and plans to major in education while at Southern. Her brother, Anthony, Jr., currently plays baseball at North Central Missouri University in Trenton.
Angelica Badalamenti played catcher for Timberland High School in Wentzville, Missouri. During her senior season she earned first team All-District honors and second team All-Conference and All-Regions honors behind the plate. Angelica also set the school record for homeruns in a single game with two this past season.
"Angel has all of the qualities you want from a catcher. She blocks and receives well, with a great arm, and power in her bat. With her softball knowledge and passion for the game she is a great addition to the program," added Coach Gray.
She has one sister, Lori, and is the daughter of Gus and Judi Badalamenti. Angelica is undecided on her major at Southern.
Taurean Guzman hails from Spring Hill, Kansas and Spring Hill High School which does not have a softball team. She played club ball for the KC Originals-Sharp where she was selected for three All-Star games this past summer as well as one All-American game while maintaining a 0.956 ERA.
At SHHS she was a four year starter at defensive specialist for the Broncos.
"Taurean may be undersized for a pitcher but whatever she doesn't have in size she makes for in skill and drive. She get excellent movement on every pitch and she knows how to compete every pitch," said Coach Gray.
Taurean has a younger brother, Daimean, and is the daughter of Juan Carlos and Jamie Guzman. She plans to major in special education while attending Southern.
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