Murray State University Athletics
Racer Softball Signs Four To 2012 Class
11/23/2010 2:33:05 PM | Softball
Murray State softball coach Jay Pyron has announced that high school seniors Jordyn Amos (Columbia, Ill.), Alexa Becker (St. Rose, Ill.), Casey Castile (Hopkinsville, Ky.) and Mo Ramsey (Pinckneyville, Ill.) have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Racers softball program in the fall of 2011.
“I am very pleased with the four players that we have signed in the early signing period,” Pyron said. “I have confidence that Alexa, Mo, Casey and Jordyn will help us fill the void left by our seniors. These student-athletes will be very talented freshmen and we feel like we have recruited another class who are about the right things. They have great character and are excited to be a part of what we are doing here.”
Amos has earned Cahokia-Mississippi First Team All-Conference honors in each of her three
“Jordyn is an amazing player who truly knows the game,” Columbia head coach Rhonda Major said. “She always does the little things to make herself the best she can be and does an outstanding job as a leader. I have all the confidence that she will step up and be a competitor as a freshman. Her work ethic and love for the game will take her far.”
A patient hitter, Amos has struck out just 11 times in 308 at-bats in her first three seasons of prep softball.
“Jordyn has a grit and determination that you don't see every day,” Pyron said. “She will be someone who is not afraid to lead us vocally. Jordyn fit in well with our team right away and we are glad to have her spark in our program.”
Aside from athletics, she is very involved in extra-curricular activities, participating in student council, FHA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and National Honor Society.
“I chose Murray State because I had my dream set on going to a Division I program and when I looked at Murray State I thought I would love to be a member of the new program and help keep it building,” Amos said. “I am excited to become part of the Racers family because I loved the chemistry I felt between the team and cannot wait to be a part of that.”
“Alexa is an excellent student and an outstanding player who has developed a great work ethic both on and off the field,” said Matter Dei head coach Deb Foote. “Her ability to think quickly is an asset to her already strong defensive and offensive softball skills. Most important, Alexa is a wonderful young lady who's maturity and integrity sets a positive example for our younger players. She will do a great job both on the softball field and in the class room at Murray State.”
Becker hit career-highs across the board last season, driving in 32 runs with a .505 batting average. She hit nine doubles, five triples and six home runs with a .623 on-base percentage.
“Alexa will be a great fit at Murray State,” said Pyron. “She is a great student in the classroom and a student of the game. She is at the top of her class and is a smart player with incredible talent and has a nice blend of size, strength and skill out on the field. She has a confidence and a presence which is very nice to see.”
Becker is also a three year letter-winner in basketball at Matter Dei. A four-year starter, she has been named to the Belleville News Democrat All-Area team the last two seasons. She is at the top of her class, of 135 students, and is a student ambassador and National Honor Society member.
“One of the main reasons I chose Murray State was coach Pyron,” Becker said. “He loves the game and works really hard at what he does. He cares about his players on and off the field. I really like the team chemistry. I am excited to be a part of the Racers family and look forward to playing softball at Murray State.”
Castile is a four-year player and three-year starter that has helped Christian County to
“Casey is an extremely talented softball player who has been blessed with lots of God-given tools,” Christian County head coach David Joiner said. “She has excellent power, speed, and arm strength. She has also applied a great worth ethic to develop her softball abilities.”
Castile hit .361, with 52 hits in 144 at-bats in 2010. She drove in 34 runs and added 12 stolen bases to go with eight doubles, five triples and nine home runs as the Colonels won 40 games.
"Casey has a unique blend of power and speed that we look for in our players," Pyron said. "She is a very talented and unique player and I'm excited to see what she can do in a Murray State uniform.”
In addition to softball, Castile has received All-District and All-Region honors in volleyball. She has been selected 2009 and 2010 Academic All-State and is a National Honor Society member.
“I chose Murray State because I knew it was for me, both academics and softball,” added Castile. “The coaching staff is amazing and they are as passionate about softball as I am and will motivate me to be the best I can be, on and off the field.”
“Mo is a perfectionist on and off the field,” former Pickneyville head coach Greg Hale said. “Not only excelling in softball and other sports she participates, but academically as well. Murray State will not only get a good softball player, but a good student and a good person.”
Ramsey led the Panthers in batting average and runs batted in, hitting .500 on the season on 60 hits, with 60 RBI and 21 doubles.
“Mo is another excellent example of what a student-athlete is all about,” Pyron said. “She is at the top of her class and brings a lot to the table. She is very active in the community doing various types of community service and on top of that and her school work, she is an athlete who will make an impact on our program right away.”
A multi-sport athlete, Ramsey has also competed in volleyball, basketball, cross country and golf at Pinckneyville. First in her class of 120 students, she is vice president of National Honor Society, involved in math club, science club, life savers, FCA, and is class secretary/treasurer.
“I loved everything about the Murray State campus and community,” Ramsey said. “Everyone I met was so friendly and helpful. I'm excited about playing college softball and becoming a new member of the Racer softball team.”
