Nov. 13, 2009

EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville softball Coach Sandy Montgomery announced the early signing of three student-athletes to National Letters of Intent.

The Cougars have added Rachel Coonrod (Moro), Kayla Riggs (Lincoln) and Jill Rackers (Jefferson City, Mo.). Montgomery said the Cougars sought offense for this recruiting class.

"We're definitely excited. All three players add immediate offense," said Montgomery.

The SIUE softball program is fast-tracked in the NCAA Division I reclassification process, and the Cougars will be eligible for the NCAA Championships in the 2011 season. This recruiting class will be the first to have four years of eligibility for the NCAA postseason and the first to play an Ohio Valley Conference regular season schedule.

"You have to be able to hit and pitch well at the Division I level. Our goal is to win a conference championship and make the NCAA Tournament," said Montgomery.

Coonrod enters her senior season at Edwardsville High School, which advanced to the state championship game last spring under head coach and SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer Lori Blade. A 2009 Alton Telegraph and Belleville New-Democrat Player of the Year, Coonrod was named a first team All-State performer at third base.

"She played mostly third base and catcher," said Montgomery. The Cougars look to take advantage of her power and RBI production.

Coonrod set school records for home runs (11) and doubles (20) at Edwardsville. She also provided a three-run home run to help the Tigers win the IHSA Regional Championship last season. The 2008 team Most Valuable Player, Coonrod also has been a three-time All-Southwestern Conference pick. She has played for the Midland Magic, the state champions in 2008, as well as for the 2009 Southern Force, which finished the summer season ranked among the top 64 in the nation.

"I think she's going to keep getting better and better," said Montgomery.

Riggs is a utility player at Lincoln High School. A three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time All-Area pick, Riggs was twice named the team's Most Valuable Player. She already is the school's all-time home run leader and still has one more season to play.

"She has a lot of talent and is physically strong already," said Montgomery.

Riggs has an extensive summer league resume, having played three years with Lincoln Chill, four with the Midland Magic and two with the Midland Magic 18 Gold.

"I think she's going to be a surprise as far as her offensive abilities," Montgomery added.

Rackers will come to SIUE from Helias High School in Jefferson City, Mo. A two-time All-State pick, she also has earned All-District honors four times and was an All-Region selection twice.

"She's a very athletic player with good speed and hits for power," said Montgomery.

Rackers already has proven to be one of the top talents in Missouri having broken Helias career records for hits, runs batted in and runs scored as well as single-season records for home runs and runs scored.

Montgomery said she will be an ideal outfielder in the upcoming seasons for the Cougars but can play multiple positions.

"She'll be a real impact player for us," said Montgomery.

SIUE opens the 2010 season on Feb. 12 at the South Alabama Tournament. The Cougars are coming off an impressive 40-win season in 2008, their first playing a full NCAA Division I schedule. SIUE has pieced together five consecutive seasons of 40 wins or more and 14 straight seasons of 30 wins or more.

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