Colorado State University Athletics
Rams softball signs in-state talent
11/12/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 12, 2008
By Tawny Dennis
Athletic Media Relations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State softball Head Coach Mary Yori announced Wednesday the signings of Kelsey O'Brien and Brianna Donahue to National Letters of Intent.
"These are two outstanding student athletes who each carry over a 3.5 GPA and have been impact players for each of her respective teams," Yori said. "I am pleased and excited to add these two terrific players to our program. Both are exceptional people with winning mentalities both on and off the field."
O'Brien and Donahue will join the Rams' 2010 roster.
Kelsey O'Brien (5-8, P, Littleton, Colo./Columbine HS)
O'Brien is a four-time letterwinner from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., where she led her team to the state tournament all four years. She was named second-team all-conference in 2005 and first-team all-conference in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and was also named to the All-Colorado team in 2006, 2007 and 2008. O'Brien was the Jefferson County League MVP in 2006, and received the John Lynch Award for academic and athletic excellence in 2007 and 2008. O'Brien concluded her high school career with a 46-14 overall record and a 0.82 career ERA while striking out 706 batters.
Yori on O'Brien: "Kelsey is an exceptionally skilled pitcher and competitor who will add quality depth to our pitching staff. She is a strikeout pitcher with a great rise and changeup and ranks as one of the most dominating pitchers to come from the state of Colorado. Kelsey injured her wrist in July, but came back strong during the second half of her senior high school season to lead her team back to the state tournament for the third consecutive year. I am extremely excited about the potential and upside "KJ" has as a Ram pitcher. She also has spent the past two summers competing for the most successful 18U club team in the state."
Brianna Donahue (5-6, OF, Westminster, Colo./Ralston Valley HS)
Donahue is a three-time letterwinner from Ralston Valley High School in Arvada, Colo., where she competed in both track and softball. She was named first-team all-conference in 2007 as well as first-team all-state. Donahue was a starter on the 2007 4A state championship team for Ralston Valley and in 2008 she helped guide her team to a second-place finish in state as a first-year 5A squad.
Yori on Donahue: "Brianna is also a top-notch athlete who will bring great speed, a good arm and depth to our outfield. Bri is an offensive threat with her speed and power from the left side of the plate, as well as a base-stealing threat. Bri played on two state championship teams for Ralston Valley and her experience and winning history are big pluses. She also has spent the past two summers competing for the most successful 16U club team in the state."
