North Carolina Central University

SOFTBALL

    DURHAM, NC -- Clarisse Steans, a record-breaking pitcher and class valedictorian at Southwest Magnet High School in Macon, GA, has signed a national letter of intent to play softball at North Carolina Central University.
     Steans' pitching standards at Southwest include the single-season strikeout record (84) in her senior year and the lowest earned run average (2.74) during her sophomore campaign, leading the Patriots to their first-ever state playoff appearance. During her standout high school career, she amassed 229 strikeouts and 21 victories, while tallying a .326 batting average.
     Steans also led her senior class as valedictorian with a 4.0 grade point average. She served as the clarinet section leader in the school's marching band, team captain in tennis and soccer, and a volunteer tutor.
     "I am ecstatic," NCCU head softball coach Larry Keen said about Steans' signing. "Most of all, NCCU has gained an outstanding student. Then, the Lady Eagles have gained a talented pitcher. She throws five different pitches, and has control of all of them. I am looking forward to having her on the team." 
     In recognition of her extraordinary accomplishments, Southwest Principal Dr. Gail Fowler retired Steans' jersey number "9" at the school's senior honors ceremony on May 6.