BATON ROUGE – LSU head coach Beth Torina has announced the signing of Bianka Bell, Kellsi Kloss, Victoria Koerselman, Sandra Simmons and Hailey Smith to National Letters of Intent Tuesday to continue their softball careers at LSU.
The quintet represents the states of California, Florida, Texas and Virginia.
“I am very proud and extremely excited to welcome Bianka, Kellsi, Victoria, Sandra and Hailey into the LSU softball family,” Torina said. “Since our program has eight seniors on this year’s roster, there’s no doubt that this signing class will have some big shoes to fill. All five of these players with their talent level and ability can certainly make an immediate impact on LSU softball.”
Bell [Tampa, Fla.] is a shortstop and pitcher from Chamberlain High School in Florida. She was an All-County First-Team Selection as both a freshman and sophomore. Her teams also have won two District Championships during her career.
Bell is the third player from her family to play softball at an SEC school. Her sisters, Brittany and Briana, played at Mississippi State. She was one of 42 players to attend 2010 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team Camp and her travel ball team is the Tampa Mustangs.
“We are very excited to have a player of Bianka’s caliber joining our program,” Torina said. “She will help us athletically in the infield, on the mound and especially at the plate. She will have an immediate impact in our team and in the SEC with her ability. Most of all, I love her competitive drive and want to win. She is sure to make the entire team better.”
Kloss [Cypress, Calif.] is a catcher from Pacifica High School in California. She is a 2011 All-Empire League First-Team pick and Defensive MVP. Her team has won the Empire League Championship during her three seasons.
In the classroom, Kloss is a three-time member of the honor roll. Her travel ball team is the SoCal Firecrackers.
“We are so happy to not only have an athlete of Kellsi’s ability coming to LSU, but to have a person of Kellsi’s character signing with us as well,” Torina said. “She will be a huge presence behind the plate for our program for many years to come. Kellsi also will do a lot to continue to build the character of this program. It will be fun for the fans of Baton Rouge to follow her career.”
Koerselman [Huntsville, Texas] is a utility player from Huntsville High School in Texas. She garnered District 18-4A’s Offensive Player of the Year honors and Texas Coaches Association All-State accolades during the 2011 season. She also powered her team to an undefeated District 18-4A championship.
Koerselman is an All-District Academic Team member. Her travel ball team is Texas Eclipse Gold, a mainstay at the prestigious ASA Nationals, Premier Nationals and Boulder Independence Day Tournaments sponsored by Louisville Slugger.
“Tori will add a lot of depth to our outfield as well as power from the left side of the plate,” Torina said. “She has an unbelievable work ethic, and she continues to improve every time I see her play. Tori is not even close to maximizing her potential as a player, and I expect her to continue to develop into a great outfielder for our team.”
Simmons [Fountain Valley, Calif.] is a first baseman from Marina High School in California. She has secured All-Sunset League in her first three seasons highlighted by a pair of first team picks during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Her team won the 2009 and 2010 Sunset League Championship.
Simmons is a three-time Scholar Athlete award recipient. Like Kloss, her travel ball team is the SoCal Firecrackers.
“Sandy is a special athlete and a versatile player that could help us at several positions,” Torina said. “No matter where she ends up on the field, I am confident that she will be a huge asset to our offensive production. She possesses so many weapons that will make her a great success at the plate.”
Smith [Bristow, Va.] is a shortstop for Stonewall Jackson High School in Virginia. Her impressive list of awards includes Cedar Run All-District along with state All-Region, All-Area and All-State. She also was a 2008 and 2009 Top 100 Adidas Futures’ Selection.
Smith is a member and graduate with honors of the International Baccalaureate Program. Her sister, Krystal, is a sophomore infielder with Kentucky. She has played travel ball with the 18U Shamrocks and the New Jersey Intensity KOD.
“Hailey is a solid athlete that will be a key contributor to our infield and offensive lineup,” Torina said. “She has a great mix of both speed and power. Those attributes will allow her to be very successful at the SEC level.”
LSU returns 17 players from its 2011 roster sparked by NFCA All-American Third-Team and All-SEC First-Team selection Brittany Mack along with All-SEC Freshman Team pick Simone Heyward. The Tigers notched a 40-18 record and made their 13th NCAA Regional appearance last season.
LSU plays host to the Tiger Classic from Feb. 10-12 to start the 2012 season. The Tigers face off with Big 10 NCAA Tournament foes Michigan and Penn State along with Louisiana Tech on opening weekend.