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Butler Lands Two Promising Softball Prospects
Nov. 20, 2006 New Butler softball coach Jeanne Rayman received a double dose of good news with the signing of two promising high school prospects for her 2007-08 squad during the fall signing period. Rayman began her initial recruiting class by landing pitcher/outfielder/infielder Lauren Ott of Mundelein, Ill., High School and infielder/outfielder Erin Jackson of New Palestine High School. "Both of these young women are talented players and great people," praised Rayman. "I expect them to have an immediate impact on our program. These young women have proven themselves both on the field and in the classroom. I expect them to excel in the same manner at Butler University." Ott enters her senior season as one of the top pitchers in the Chicago area. She's been a starting varsity pitcher at Mundelein since her freshman season. Ott was named her high school team's "Rookie of the Year" as a freshman, and chosen as the team's MVP as both a sophomore and junior. She's a two-year all-conference and all-area performer, and last spring she was named one of the "Top 100" area softball players by the Chicago Sun-Times. As a junior, Ott started 28 games and posted an 18-9-1 record. She had 293 strikeouts in 203 innings, while recording just 19 walks. She had a 0.77 earned run average, while holding opponents to a .175 batting average! The 5-7 right-handed hurler pitched Mundelein to sectional and regional championships in the Illinois state tournament. She did not allow a run in 35 consecutive innings in the state tournament! She also batted .303 as a freshman, .292 as a sophomore and .257 as a junior. "I am excited to have Lauren coming to Butler," stated Rayman. "She pushes herself to be the best at any position she is asked to play. Lauren is a very versatile player, who will compete for a starting position in both the outfield and infield. She's also a strong pitcher and she will be working her way into our pitching lineup as well. Offensively, she can hit from both sides and can hit for power."
Jackson is a three-year starter as a second baseman/outfielder at New Palestine. She was named Indiana Junior of the Year by Hoosier Diamond last spring, and she was a 2006 ICGSA Third Team All-State pick. She's a two-year all-county performer, and she's been named to the All-East Team by the Indianapolis Star for two consecutive years. As a junior, she was picked to the All-Hoosier Heritage Conference Team. A switch-hitter, Jackson batted .303 as a freshman, .371 as a sophomore and .414 as a junior. She led the Lady Dragons with 46 hits and 23 stolen bases in 2006, and she recorded a team-best 1.000 fielding percentage. She helped lead the #2 ranked Lady Dragons to a 27-2 record and the state semifinals as a junior. Over the past three seasons, Jackson has helped New Palestine to a 78-11 record! "I was ecstatic when Erin decided to come to Butler," said Rayman. "I look for Erin to compete for a starting position at second base or in the outfield. She is a versatile offensive player who can hit from both sides. She also has excellent speed. Erin has tremendous passion for both softball and Butler University." Both players also have excelled in the classroom. Ott earned Academic All-Conference recognition last spring, while Jackson was named to the Fifth-Third Bank Academic "A" Team in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Rayman, a former player and assistant coach for the Bulldogs, was named Butler's interim softball coach in September. She was promoted to permanent head coach in October. |
