Bemidji State University head softball coach Jeremy Popp this week announced commitments from Erin Emanuel of Esko and Kayla Babinski of Devils Lake, N.D., for the 2010 season. The addition of the pair of infielders brings the Beavers list of 2009-10 newcomers to 10.
Babinski and Emanuel join Kelsey Saralampi (Esko, Minn.), Brittany Black (Bemidji, Minn.), Crystal Bowen (Duluth, Minn.), Sara Brodeur (Cass Lake, Minn.), Chelsea Cardinal (Brooklyn Park, Minn.), Kaitlin Hill (Dayton, Minn.), Emma Neumann (Winsted, Minn.) and Stephanie Rossman (Menomonee Falls, Wis.), who each made intentions to play for the Beavers next season official earlier this summer.
A three-sport standout at Esko High School, Emanuel is a two-time All-Polar League and all-section selection, while earning a roster spot in the Northern All-Star Game to close out the last two seasons. During her final campaign, she was also named all-state honorable mention, First-Team All-Northland and Northland Sports Online Player of the Year. An integral piece to the Eskomos' softball team, Emanuel posted a 57-17 record in her final three prep seasons, which includes a 26-3 mark and Minnesota Class AA Consolation title in 2007. In addition to her time on the diamond, Emanuel earned varsity letters in both volleyball and basketball.
"Erin is a very fast, athletic player who will mesh well with our team," said coach Popp. "Her ability to reach and navigate the base paths is a big reason that we recruited her, and her versatility in the field is also a plus. She comes from a solid high school program in Esko, and she played there with another future Beaver [Kelsey Saralampi] in this recruiting class. We are very excited to bring Erin into our program."
Bemidji State capped the 2009 campaign with an 8-28 overall record and a 3-21 mark in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.
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Bemidji State University, located in Bemidji, Minn., competes at the NCAA Division I and II levels and is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC), the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) and College Hockey America (CHA).
