University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Pitt Softball Announces 2017-18 Recruiting Class
11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 11, 2016
PITTSBURGH - Pitt softball head coach Holly Aprile announced the signing of Morgan Batesole, Brie Horrell and Hunter Levesque to National Letters of Intent for the 2017-18 season.
"Morgan, Hunter, and Brie each bring something special to the table that will help us continue to build a championship culture and program," said Aprile. "They are all of high character and they have demonstrated solid leadership skills both in the classroom and on the field."
Morgan Batesole | Walnut Creek, Calif.
Batesole is a student at Northgate High School in Walnut Creek Ca., and will join the Panthers next fall. Throughout her first three years as a high school shortstop, Batesole accumulated two All-League first team honors as well as a second team honor while playing under head coach Michael Rocha. Batesole led her league in doubles during her freshmen year and is currently on pace to set the all-time record for hits at Northgate High School this season.
"I loved the coaching staff and the commitment to the academics. I also really liked the city of Pittsburgh" said Batesole.
Batesole has also had success on her club teams throughout past years. Most recently she finished fifth at the PGF Nationals with the Sorcerers 16U team.
Academically, the Walnut Creek, Calif., native is a member of the NCS Honor Society and plans to pursue sports medicine and physical therapy at Pitt.
Brie Horrell | Gibsonia, Pa.
Horrell, of Gibsonia, Pa., will play for her hometown team as she joins the Panthers in the fall of 2017. While playing for the Pine Richland Rams under head coach Gary Shepard, Horrell was been a three-year letterwinner and has primarily played outfield.
"I chose Pitt because I really liked the coaching staff and athletic program, as well as the strong academics," said Horrell.
Outside of high school, Horrell played for the Ohio Outlaws - Premier. The team was the 2016 PGF Midwest National Champions and runner-up at the 2016 ASA Pa. State Championship.
Excelling in the classroom as well, Horrell is a three-time high honor roll recipient and was awarded the Pine-Richland High School Business Department Award. Horrell plans to pursue a degree in accounting at Pitt.
Hunter Levesque | Troy, N.Y.
A native of Troy, N.Y., Hunter will also join the Panthers for the 2017-18 season. While primarily pitching and playing shortstop, Levesque has excelled each of her years in high school. During her time playing for the Flying Horses, she has played for two regional championship teams in addition to having been named All-State for three consecutive years as well as Troy Record Player of the Year following her junior season.
"Pitt offers so many opportunities for a bright future," said Levesque. "I fell in love with the exciting city atmosphere and diverse community. Pitt provides excellent academics for the career path I wish to pursue and being a part of a very competitive softball program with a great coaching staff who offers a lot of knowledge to the game is something I look forward to."
In addition to playing for her school, Levesque also has played for the TC Tremors for the past four years under head coach Lou Bishop.
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