June 10, 2007

EL PASO, Texas - Shea Lodes, a junior transfer from Tallahassee Community College, has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at UTEP, announced co-head coach James Rodriguez on Monday.

"Shea is a great catcher who will bring Division I experience to our softball program," Rodriguez said. "She can hit the long ball which enables her to fit right in with our home run power."

Lodes, a catcher from Belleville, Ill., was named to the 2007 Easton All-American Junior College team. She earned Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA Division I All-Region South second team, All-FCCAA second team and All-Panhandle Conference first team honors. She was named the TCC Student-Athlete of the Year after batting .354 with 10 home runs and 31 RBI. She ranked first on the team in batting average (.383), home runs (seven) and RBI (21) in league action and helped the Eagles compile an 11-9 record to rate third in the Panhandle Conference.

Lodes began her collegiate career at Eastern Illinois University where she made 14 starts in 27 games played. She scored two runs on 10 hits with two doubles and three RBI.

Lodes played prep ball at Belleville East High School, helping the Lancers to the 2003 Illinois High School Association state title. She was a two-time Belleville News-Democrat first team All-Area and All-Southwestern Conference selection. She was also named first team All-Metro by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and player of the week her senior season.

Lodes was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, an Illinois State Scholar and NFCA Scholar Athlete. She also lettered in volleyball.