Georgia Southwestern head softball coach Eddie Ward announced the Lady Hurricanes seven-member signing class for the 2010-11 academic year on Thursday.

"Each one of these ladies is a solid Division II prospect," said Ward of his class that consists of four transfers and three true freshmen.

Among the signees are: Chattahoochee Valley Community College (Ala.) transfer Casey Burns; College of Central Florida transfer Jessica Chewing; Georgia Military College transfer Katie Maddox; Armstrong Atlantic State transfer Mason Moreland; Lee County High's Hayley Knight; Eufaula (Ala.) High's Christie Shankle and Thomas County Central High’s Erin Vick.

"The junior college kids coming in have excelled at their level," said Ward. "I know that they will blend into the Peach Belt.

"Moreland originally was recruited by us but she chose basketball and played one year at Armstrong Atlantic. So she comes to us with freshman eligibility in softball. We really wanted her to play softball for us last year."

"With the freshmen it’s all a learning curve," added Ward. "I really think they will fit in well with all the existing players we’ve got.

"Overall, I would look at this as one of my best recruiting classes since we have been in the Peach Belt and I look for each of these ladies to make an impact."

Last spring, Southwestern posted program bests in overall wins (20), home wins (12), conference wins (5), earned run average (3.68) and home runs (23) since joining the NCAA in 2007.

GSW Softball 2011 Recruiting Class

Transfers:

Casey Burns
Position: Pitcher
Year: Junior
Hometown: Hopehull, Ala.
High school: Hooper Academy
College: Chattahoochee Valley Community College (Ala.)

Jessica Chewning
Position: Catcher
Year: Junior
Hometown: Cross City, Fla.
High School: Dixie County
College: College of Central Florida

Katie Maddox
Position: Pitcher
Year: Junior
Hometown: Macon, Ga.
High School: First Presbyterian Day
College: Georgia Military College
 
Mason Moreland
Position: Utility player
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Fort Valley, Ga.
High School: Westfield
College: Armstrong Atlantic (played basketball in 2009-10)

Freshmen:

Hayley Knight
Position: Outfielder
Hometown: Leesburg, Ga.
High School: Lee County

Christie Shankle
Position: Pitcher
Hometown: Eufaula, Ala.
High School: Eufaula

Erin Vick
Position: Pitcher/First Baseman
Hometown: Thomasville, Ga.
High School: Thomas County Central