Jan. 14, 2010

LOS ANGELES - LMU softball has signed three players to National Letters of Intent, Head Coach Gary Ferrin announced Thursday. In Stevie Goldstein, Samantha Nelson, and Megan Harman, the Lions are adding impact players at almost all positions with the addition of a pitcher, an outfielder and an infielder/outfielder. All three will join the Lions as freshmen in 2010-11.

"All three of these players come from outstanding travel programs," Ferrin said. "They will certainly make an impact on our squad when they arrive on campus. With the addition of these three players, we will continue the tradition of LMU competing for and winning conference titles and making NCAA Tournament appearances."

A pitcher, Goldstein is currently in her senior season at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, CA, where she has served as team captain for each of the past two seasons. She has been dominant in the circle, compiling a 53-14 career record in high school with a 0.61 ERA and an incredible 659 strikeouts to just eight walks. She can also get it done at the plate, where she is a .456 hitter with 13 home runs and 83 RBIs. A three-time All-CIF, All-County, and All-League selection, Goldstein has been named the Christian League Most Valuable Player twice. Goldstein suits up for two travel ball teams, Explosion Gold and Velocity of Pasadena. She has had tremendous success with travel ball, winning the Triple Crown New Year's Desert Qualifier, Dynasty Toys for Tots, and Dynasty Thanksgiving Tournaments in the under-18 category in 2007. She has competed in five ASA National Tournaments, with her highest placing coming in seventh in 2006. Goldstein has also brought home awards as a basketball player, winning All-CIF and All-League honors twice.

"Stevie will add a quality arm to our pitching staff. I expect her to make an instant positive impact," Ferrin said. "She has been a winner her whole career and I have high expectations of her."

Samantha Nelson will come to LMU from Jesuit High School in Portland, OR. Nelson is a three-year starter in the outfield, winning 6A Metro League Player of the Year honors as a junior after hitting .583 and slugging .937 with a .729 on-base percentage to help JHS to a league title. In doing so, she was named First Team 6A All-State. Nelson currently plays for the Oregon Reign travel squad but won the ASA Washington State Championship in 2006 with the Vancouver Power and has played at three ASA National Championship Tournaments. Like Goldstein, Nelson also lettered in basketball.

"Sam is an outstanding athlete who has great range in the outfield," Ferrin said. "She also has exceptional speed with better-than-average power. I expect she will be a major offensive and defensive force for us right away."

A versatile player from Trabuco Canyon, CA, Megan Harman stars as a shortstop at Santa Margarita High School. She was a First Team All-League selection in each of her first three seasons and the school's Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman, helping leading SMHS to a Trinity League Title. As a member of the California Raiders travel team, Harman won the ASA Southern California state title in 2007 and placed ninth at the ASA Nationals. Another outstanding athlete, Harman also won All-League accolades for her high school volleyball team.

"Megan is one of the best all-around athletes that I have ever recruited," Ferrin said. "She can not only play every field position but do so at a high level. She has a gun for an arm, better-than-average speed, and great instincts. At the plate, she is a very good hitter with exceptional power."

LMU opens the 2010 season at the Sportco Kick-off Classic in Las Vegas from February 12-14.