Nov. 17, 2009

2014 Freshmen Softball Class Photo Gallery

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina softball program signed five high school seniors to National Letters of Intent, head coach Donna J. Papa announced Tuesday.

The five members of the 2014 class are Sara Buchholz, Ashley Bone, Amy Nece, Jordan Scarboro and Lori Spingola.

"I am extremely excited about this class. They are a very talented, athletic group. Their strong commitment to their academics along with their personalities, make them a great fit for our softball program and Carolina," Papa said. "We have shored up our pitching, and added speed and offensive power. This class will make an impact on our program for years to come."

Sara Buchholz is 5'9" right-hand pitcher from Miami, Fla. The Gulliver Preparatory High School product also switch hits. Buchholz is a three-time Miami Herald pitcher of the year and Miami Herald All-Dade first team. The Miami, Fla. native was named 2009 Miracle Sports 3A Florida Player of the Year and Gulliver Prep MVP in 2009. In 2008 and 2009, Buchholz was named High School All-American region first team and Louisville Slugger/NFCA High School All-American second team. The Miami, Fla. product was also named Puerto Rican softball Athlete of the Year. Buchholz is a member of Miami Stingrays summer squad.

Buchholz chose Carolina because, "I loved everything about the school, and I think it's going to be the perfect fit. I love the academic excellence, athletic dominance, timeless traditions and beautiful campus." Academically the future Tar Heel has earned Deans List honor roll all three years and is a recipient of the Duke Book Scholar Athlete Award, in addition to being a member of the National and Italian Honor Societies.

Ashley Bone is a 5'9" right-handed pitcher and first baseman out of Nash Central High School in Rocky Mount, N.C. The Rocky Mount, N.C. native ranks first in nearly every statistical category in Nash Central history. The Wendy's Heisman award winner was the 2009 NEW 6 conference Player of the Year. Bone also garnered District III 3A pitcher and Player of the Year awards.

Bone elected Carolina as her school of choice because, "it has the best academics to help provide me with a supportive base for my future, and amazing athletic teams. The campus is beautiful and makes me feel like I'm at home." Academically, Bone is a member of the National Honor Society sporting a 4.685 GPA ranking third in her class.

Amy Nece is a 5'7" middle infielder from Highland, Calif. The Redlands East Valley High School product, who throws right and bats left, was two-time first team all-league in 2008 and 2009. Nece, also a member of the all-county squad in 2008, and her summer team earned a fourth place finish at the ASA Gold Nationals in 2009.

Nece chose to be a Tar Heel because "I fell in love with the school on my first visit." Academically, she is a three-time member of the Faculty and Principal's Honor Roll from 2007-2009. The Highlands, Calif. native also earned the English Department Award and Varsity Academic Letter at Redlands East Valley High School.

Jordan Scarboro is 5'3" middle infielder out of Wake-Forest Rolesville High School in Wake Forest, N.C. The Wake Forest, N.C. native is a three-time all-conference, all-district and all-state honoree. Scarboro, who throws and bats right-handed, was the MVP of her high school squad as a sophomore and best defensive player as a junior.

Scarboro chose to become a Tar Heel because, "it has always been my dream to play in Carolina blue. Carolina has a great softball program that advances every year because of coaches who are dedicated." Academically, the Wake Forest, N.C. product earned academic all-conference three years in a row and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Lori Spingola is a 6'0" right-hand pitcher out of Roswell, Ga. The Marist High School product is a three-time all-state performer in Georgia. For the last two seasons (2007 & 2008) Spingola was named the GHSA pitcher of the year, Georgia Dugout Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year en route to leading Marist to two 4A State Championships. Spingola is a member of the East Cobb Bullets 18 Gold summer team.

The Roswell, Ga. native states she chose Carolina because "academic excellence and a top level softball program with excellent coaching staff." Academically, Spingola earned Peer Leadership award in 2007 and has been a member of the honor roll each year in high school.