Softball Adds Four to 2020 Recruiting Class

PITTSBURGH – Second-year University of Pittsburgh head softball coach Jodi Hermanek has signed four student-athletes to join the softball program as part of the squad's 2020 recruiting class.

The Panthers welcome Danielle Drogemuller, Kaitlyn Burdick, Jack Busch, and Yanna Marrow.

"What I love most about the class of 2020 is how proud these ladies and their families are to become Panthers," Hermanek said. "Dani, Kaitlyn, Jack, and Yanna are beyond excited to represent the University of Pittsburgh and dto compete for an ACC Championship with our special program."

Danielle Drogemuller | Pitcher, First Base | Frankfort, Ill. | Lincoln-Way East High School
Won conference championship and placed second in state championship as a freshman … Won conference championship, regional championship, and competed in sectional championship as a sophomore … Was named to All-Conference Team as a sophomore … Placed second in conference championship, won regional championship, and competed in first round of sectional championship as a junior … Was named to All-Conference Team and All-State Team as a junior … Had highest GPA on varsity team as a junior.

Hermanek on Drogemuller:
"Dani is a winner and a difference-maker. She's an elite pitcher who this program looks to lean on to win big games against big teams," Hermanek said. "In the past three months, Dani has earned the opportunity to compete on some of the biggest stages, as she is a 2019 U18 PGF National Champion and recently competed with the Junior USA National Team. Dani has gotten to this level with her terrific arsenal of pitches and her competitive mindset in the circle."

Drogemuller on why she chose Pitt:
"I am beyond ecstatic to come to Pitt and start my education at a wonderful University where I will get the opportunity to play softball through it all!"

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Kaitlyn Burdick | Second Base | Orlando, Fla. | Timber Creek High School
Earned a top-10 finish at ASA Nationals with Team North Florida as a freshman … Placed third in the state as a sophomore … Earned top-five finalist as a team in Colorado Sparker Showcase … Tied for third at TCS Nationals as a team … Earned third place finish at PGF Nationals in the Premier bracket her sophomore year … Awarded 2019 Offensive Player of the Year and selected to All-Metro Team her junior year … Earned 2019 Miracle Sports Second Team and All-State Class 9A her junior year.

Hermanek on Burdick:
"Burdick is a special Panther! Her love and loyalty to the university runs deep being that her mom is a Pitt Law Alumni," Hermanek said. "It means a lot to Kaitlyn to continue a legacy for her family. Her loyalty and passion for Pitt, coupled with her athletic talent is unparalleled. Burdick is a polished infielder and a smart, competitive athlete."

Burdick on why she chose Pitt:
"I chose Pitt because it is such an amazing school academically and already feels like home. All the coaches and players are very welcoming and make me even more excited to start my career at Pitt. Having the opportunity to play here means a lot to me since it is my mother's alma mater and I will get to follow in her footsteps."

Jack Busch | Catcher | Spartanburg, S.C. | Dorman High School
Earned defensive Most Valuable Player and a two-year varsity letter as a freshman … Awarded Offensive Most Valuable Player, highest team GPA, and third-year varsity letter as a sophomore … Named All-Region Catcher, All-Area Region Player of the Week, SCHSL All-State Selection, and HSSR All-State Selection as a sophomore … Served as team captain and four-year varsity letter winner as a junior … Awarded Offensive Most Valuable Player, All-Region Catcher Selection, All-Area Academic Selection, and HSSR All-State Selection as a junior.

Hermanek on Busch:
"For my coaching style," Hermanek said, "I lean on my catchers to serve nearly as assistant coaches to the field. I know I will be able to rely on Jack for this role. She is a smart catcher who is great at building chemistry among her pitching staff and teammates. Jack is balanced as a quick and agile defensive catcher and offensively has power in her swing with speed on the bases."

Busch on why she chose Pitt:
"I chose Pitt because of the school spirit, the challenging academics, and competitive softball atmosphere. I was incredibly impressed by the pride the students have for their school and the overall academic excellence of the athletes. The University of Pittsburgh allows me to be a whole student, never having to compromise academics or athletics during my college experience. Hail to Pitt!"

Yanna Marrow | First Base, Third Base | Lexington, Ky. | Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Second Team All-Tournament at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Hermanek on Marrow:
"Our staff is excited for the fit that Yanna is to our offensive philosophy," Hermanek said. "She is certainly a powerful, smart, and confident hitter. Every coach of hers speaks on what an amazing and selfless teammate she is. That intangible quality is fundamental to our Pitt culture.

Marrow on why she chose Pitt:
"I chose Pitt because it felt like home to me. As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew I wanted to be a part of any and everything that had to do with the University."

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Softball Adds Four to 2020 Recruiting Class

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