Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Sign Three Top Recruits
11/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 24, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern head coach Kate Drohan has announced the signing of three student-athletes for the class of 2008. While the class is small in size, it is one of the most talented groups the Wildcats have landed in school history.
"I am excited about the student-athletes we've got coming to be a part of our program. They are some of the top players in their respective states and the fact that they have decided to come to Northwestern speaks volumes about where we are on a national level," said Drohan.
Excitement is certainly something Stephanie Churchwell, a short stop from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Calif, will bring to the NU softball program. Playing in one of the nation's hotbeds for softball talent, Churchwell has made a name for herself as one of the best players around. She was a first team All-American ASA Gold National selection and was invited to the Junior World Championship Team tryout camp in 2001 and '02.
She was named MVP of the South Coast League and was a first team all-league selection. She was a first team all-CIF Division I, all-South Coast League and all-Orange County selection in 2003. The speedy left-handed batter was a member of the Orange County Batbusters, one of the nation's premier youth programs.
"Stephanie has competed at the highest level of softball her entire high school career," Drohan said. "Her combination of speed and power will have a tremendous impact on our program, both offensively and defensively. "
Churchwell decided to attend NU because it simply felt right.
"Northwestern was just the best fit for me," she said. "You cannot beat the combination of athletics and academics it provides."
Kelly Odell, another West Coast product from Portland, Ore., has played against top competition in her career as well.
Drohan feels as though Odell has the tools to make an immediate impact.
"Kelly is a student of the game," she said. "Her hustle and competitiveness will elevate our program immediately. I am excited to see her in purple."
Odell was a first team all-state and all-Metro League performer in 2003. Her team finished third in the Oregon state tournament after winning the Metro League. A respected competitor, she was awarded the team's hustle award as well as most inspirational.
"I am excited to be going to Northwestern next year and to be a part of a great softball program," she said.
In addition to the West Coast players, the Wildcats landed a local talent in Darcy Sengewald from Frankfort, Ill. as well.
Sengewald, who played her high school ball at Lincoln Way East, was a member of the 2002 state championship team. She played with current Wildcat Megan Hinck for the Whiteford Sharks, one of the state's top programs. A tough competitor, Sengewald earned accolades from essentially every publication in Illinois including first team all-area honors from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Joliet Herald, Star Newspapers and the Daily Southtown. She also was named honorable mention all-state by the Chicago Tribune. The Illinois High School Coaches Association named her to the third team all-state as well. Drohan believes her success at the high school level and her background playing for one of the most respected summer programs in the state will translate into success in the Big Ten.
"Darcy is a tough competitor who brings championship experience to our program," said Drohan. "Having played for some of the best coaches in the state, Darcy's versatility is exactly what we were looking for. I am extremely proud of the fact that one of Illinois' best players has decided to become a member of the Northwestern family."
Northwestern's combination top-flight athletics with world-class academics was enough to keep Sengewald close to home.
"I chose Northwestern because of the atmosphere and the challenge it presents," she said. "I look forward to what it offers both academically and athletically."
