BATON ROUGE — Leading up to the 2009 softball season, LSUsports.net will get to know the 10 newcomers on the Tiger softball team. Today’s final edition features pitcher/outfielder Kirsten Shortridge and infielder Anissa Young.
Shortridge already has two seasons of Division I experience and was a member of Baylor’s 2007 Women’s College World series team. As a dual threat, Shortridge won Big 12 Freshman of the Year with a .340 batting average and an impressive 17-6 record in the circle. She also had a prolific high school career and was named the 2006 Gatorade National Player of the Year while at Keller High School in Texas.
“Wearing the LSU uniform means everything I’ve ever dreamt for,” Shortridge said. “It took me a couple of years to find my place, but this is exactly where I should be. My goal is to continue the tradition that has already been built here.”
Young racked up three All-League and All-County honors along with two All-State citations as a member of Bloomington High School in California. She was selected 2008 San Bernardino Sun Player of the Year and may hold the state’s career home run record as her total from her freshman season is unavailable.
“I feel a lot of pride when I put on the LSU uniform,” Young said. “For me, playing first base has more responsibility in college. I’m more involved in the relay plays from the outfield and have to cover bases other than first on certain occasions. Everything moves quicker, but I love the challenge.”
LSU begins on the 2009 season at the Paradise Softball Classic, squaring off against UAB, No. 10 Oklahoma and host Hawai`i from Feb. 5-7. The new Tiger Park opens against McNeese State on Feb. 11.
Season tickets are on sale now at www.LSUSports.net, the official Web site of LSU Athletics. Tickets also can be purchased at the ticket office or by calling (225) 578-2184 or (800) 960-8587.
There are a limited number of chair-back seats still available for $100, while reserved bleacher seating is $75. Fans are encouraged to get their season tickets to guarantee great seats for LSU’s marquee home schedule that features six games against teams that made the 2008 Women’s College World Series.
Know Your Softball Tigers, Vol. 5, 2009
Anticipated Major
Nickname
Thoughts on playing in the New Tiger Park
TV Show that I stay home to watch:
SpongeBob SquarePants
My favorite midnight snack is:
Celery with ranch dressing and peanut butter.
I would never want to be a _____ because I think they have the toughest job in the world.
Coach Girouard
Who has the singing voice to win American Idol?
If you could have dinner with any athlete or coach, who would it be?
Quality a teammate has that I wish I had: