Michigan Inks Three Standouts in Early Signing Period
12/7/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
"We are very excited about this class for a number of reasons," said head coach Carol Hutchins, "not the least of which is the fact that these are all good Michigan kids. I really like the intangibles all three of these kids bring to our program and I feel they will all be great fits for what we expect at Michigan. The fact we signed two kids from the state of Michigan is also very important to us."
Merchant was an all-conference, all-district, all-region and honorable mention all-state player as a sophomore and a first-team Division II all-state selection at shortstop as a junior. "Jessie is the top player in the state," said Hutchins. "She is a tremendous athlete who we anticipate being the type of player that can step in from day one and contribute."
Teschler joined Merchant as a shortstop on the first-team Division II all-state team in 2000 after being a first-team Division III all-state selection in 1999. "Michelle reminds me of Tammy Mika," said Hutchins, referring to the former all-Big Ten Conference outfielder (1996-99). "She has excellent speed, is very versatile and can play infield and outfield. She is also a very potent offensive player."
Motycka is also a versatile player who can pitch and play in the infield. "Like Teschler, Nicole gives us another versatile athlete who pitches, plays infield and is an excellent hitter," said Hutchins. "She also has a great work ethic and is a kid who really wanted to come to Michigan. Nicole has great intangibles, is a smart kid and is the type of character player every program needs to be successful."
The Wolverines, who are the defending Big Ten Tournament champions, open the 2001 campaign Feb. 15-18 at the Campbell/Cartier Classic in Poway, Calif. Michigan opens the Big Ten season at Illinois on March 31 before opening the home season with a doubleheader vs. Purdue on April 6 at Alumni Field.
Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423
