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News Release

UMBC SOFTBALL INKS FOUR FOR 2004-05

11/21/2003

Head Softball Coach Joe French announced the signing of four players for fall 2004. They are P Katie Jo Passero (Victor, N.Y.), IF/OF Dana Shepherd (Columbia, Md.), C/Util Kali Shirk (North Wales, Pa.), and C/2B Stephanie "Stevie" Shore (New Carlisle, Ohio).

"We have added four very talented, seasoned softball players as we continue our journey into the rugged America East Conference," said French.

Passero comes to UMBC from Victor, NY where she was a two-time Class “B” All-State pitcher heading into her senior year. “She is the number one reason why Victor has a chance to win the New York Class “B” Championship this spring,” said French. “She has been one of the top pitchers in the state of New York since her sophomore year.” A seasoned pitcher who consistently throws 59-61 mph with a variety of pitches, Passero joined current Retriever Gina Olivieri this past summer to lead the Rochester Lady Lions to a great finish in the Pony Nationals.

Shepherd comes from Oakland Mills High School, where is currently a two-sport star as a member of the softball and women’s basketball teams. She has been selected to numerous All-Star teams in both sports. In addition, Shepherd was previously a member of the JV baseball team as a freshman, playing in the shortstop position, while batting leadoff and seeing some time on the mound. Her name has appeared in feature articles on the Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun, and made it to both publications’ Metro All-Star Teams. “She is a solid hitter with line drive power,” said French. “She has a great glove, and has a 2.89 running time from home to first base.” Shepherd’s summer league experience includes playing for the Baltimore Blues in the Women’s Open Division Baseball League, and the Maryland Central Storm.

Shirk becomes the second Retriever to come from North Penn, joining former high school teammate Kristi Troster. Shirk, an outstanding catcher, can play also anywhere on the defensive field. A member of the National Honor Society and a Philadelphia Suburban League All-Star, she has played for numerous summer league teams including the Northampton Rebels, Pegasus, and Pennsbury. "Shirk has an outstanding glove and arm, and is also a quality baserunner," said French.

Shore comes from Northwestern High School in Springfield, Ohio, where she is a three-sport athlete, earning multiple letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She has been honored with several All-League and All-District awards, while her summer team, the Miami Valley Xpress finished within the top ten in numerous National Tournaments. "She is an outstanding catcher and leader behind the plate and she possesses an outstanding arm, good hands, and quick feet," French said. "She also has a quality bat with line drive power."

The Retriever coaching staff is very excited with the addition of these four quality student athletes. “Coach Alvis and I feel that we have recruited skilled and versatile players to an already strong foundation of athletes,” French said.