University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Cajuns Softball Inks Six For 2015 Class Wednesday
11/12/2014 11:34:00 AM | Softball
LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns softball program and head coach Michael Lotief announced Wednesday that six players have signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2016 season.
Signing National Letter of Intents today were Louisiana natives Summer Ellyson (Lafayette, La./Teurlings Catholic HS), Kara Gremillion (Gonzales, La./St. Amant HS), Chelsea Lotief (Lafayette, La./Ascension Episcopal School), Shannon Theriot (Berwick, La./Berwick HS) and Texas natives Brittany Nollkamper (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HS) and Beth Ashley (College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated HS).
"This is a special group of kids who truly understand the significance of the history, tradition and value of this program," Lotief said. "They are competitors, winners and high achievers in the classroom and on the field. Congratulations and welcome to the Ragin' Cajuns sisterhood."
Beth Ashley – 5-8 – Outfielder – R/R – College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated HS
A three-year letterwinner for coach Rusty Erwin at A&M Consolidated High School, outfielder Beth Ashley helped the Tigers to state playoff appearances in 2012 and 2013. As a sophomore, Ashley garnered first team all-district honors and earned second team accolades as a junior after hitting 11 home runs. During the summer, Ashley played travel ball with the Texas Peppers Gold for coach Richard Bass.
A two-sport athlete, Ashley has also lettered two seasons for the basketball team as a post player. Ashley earned first team all-district honors her sophomore season and was awarded second team all-district honors as a junior. In 2013, Ashley helped the Tigers claim a district title and go 34-4 on the season.
She is the daughter of Frank III and Janice Ashley.
"I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to play for the Ragin' Cajuns softball program," Ashley said. "I am honored and proud to be a part of this team. Their hard work and dedication to the game is what inspired me to make my decision to come to UL. I am excited to see what is to come in the future."
Summer Ellyson – 5-7 – Pitcher – L/R – Lafayette, La./Teurlings Catholic HS
A Lafayette native, pitcher Summer Ellyson will join the Cajuns out of Teurlings Catholic High School. A three-year letterwinner for coach Lauren Delahoussaye, Ellyson helped the Rebels to a state title in 2012 and a runner-up finish in 2013. Named first team all-district and all-state in 2013 and 2014 for her efforts in the circle, Ellyson totaled 354 strikeouts in 168 innings pitched last season and 302 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2013. Ellyson played club ball with fellow Louisiana signee Chelsea Lotief on the Louisiana Blast for her father, John, claiming three state titles with the squad from 2012-14.
She is the daughter of John and Cherie Ellyson.
"I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to join the UL softball family and tradition," Ellyson said. "It is all I've ever wanted since I was eight years old. What a great opportunity it is to play for such an amazing program here in my hometown. This is a World Series team and I'm honored to become a part of it."
Kara Gremillion – 5-4 – Shortstop/Utility – R/R – Gonzales, La./St. Amant HS
A three-time all-state selection, shortstop/utility Kara Gremillion has helped St. Amant High School to two state semifinal appearances in her three years playing for coach Scott Nielson. A Gonzales native, Gremillion has earned first team all-district and all-metro honors three times as well as being named district and metro MVP her junior season. As a sophomore, she was named first team all-region and an NFCA Third Team All-American.
In 2014, Gremillion was named Nola.com Preseason and Postseason Player of the Year in addition to capturing The Advocate 2014 Female Athlete of the Year honor. During her three years, Gremillion has batted .509 with an .823 slugging percentage and totaled 139 hits and 83 RBI. In 2014, she went 29-for-29 in stolen bases.
The daughter of Ken and Claudia Gremillion, she played club ball for her mother with the Louisiana Red Stick 007's.
Gremillion has also seen success on the hardwood, lettering in basketball and volleyball. She earned first team all-district honors in basketball the last two seasons, and claimed all-metro and all-state honorable mention accolades her junior season. In volleyball, Gremillion earned second team all-district honors as a sophomore before being named the district's defensive MVP and earning all-state honors as a junior.
Gremillion becomes the third member of her family to play for the Ragin' Cajuns softball program. Her aunts, Stacie Gremillion and Sandy Percle, both finished their careers with numerous honors. Stacie Gremillion was a four-time All-Southland Conference First Team selection, twice named NFCA All-Region and selected as the Southland Conference and Louisiana Hitter of the Year in 1987. Percle also garnered several accolades, being named a four-time All-SLC selection and the SLC Hitter of the Year in 1983 and 1984.
"I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to become a part of the Ragin Cajun Softball family," Gremillion said. "I love the winning tradition, academic excellence and pride that has always been a part of UL softball. From the first time I visited, I knew it was the right place for me and I can't wait to begin this next journey in my life."
Chelsea Lotief – 5-3 – Outfielder – L/L – Lafayette, La./Ascension Episcopal School
Coming out of Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville, Chelsea Lotief is a three-sport athlete for the Blue Gators, competing in softball, basketball and track and field. Lotief has lettered four years as a pitcher at AES as a part of their inaugural team while also competing for the Louisiana Blast the last three seasons as a centerfielder for coach John Ellyson, claiming the United States Fastpitch Association state championship from 2012-14. In 2013, Lotief was named a first team all-district pitcher before earning first team honors last season as a utility player. In 2014, she batted over .400 and led the Blue Gators in stolen bases.
In addition to earning first team honors, Lotief was named an all-academic team selection the past two years as a member of the National Honor Society.
Lotief has also lettered four years as a point guard on the basketball team, twice being named first team all-district. Lotief lettered last season on the track and field team, being crowned district champion in the long jump while also placing in the 4x100-meter relay, 4x200-meter relay and the javelin.
She is the daughter of Michael and Stefni Lotief, a former All-American softball player for the Ragin' Cajuns.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play softball for UL," Lotief said. "I have been around the program all my life and wouldn't imagine a better program to take part in. The family and home environment of the school and athletic programs is truly not found anywhere else. I am blessed to be able to join a sisterhood and follow in my mother's footsteps."
Brittany Nollkamper – 5-5 – Catcher/Third Base – R/R – Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HS
An all-state player and three-time first team all-district selection, catcher/third baseman Brittany Nollkamper hails from Katy, Texas. Nollkamper has batted over .400 every season while playing for Cinco Ranch High School and coach Jerry Miller, helping the Cougars to an 81-23 record the past three seasons, two district championships and a regional semifinal appearance in 2013. In 2013, Nollkamper garnered Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State honors while also being named all-state honorable mention by the Texas Sports Writers Association. Nollkamper played club ball for the Sudden Impact Gold for coach Glenn Bennett, picking up numerous top-five tournament finishes.
While at Cinco Ranch, Nollkamper also spent time as an outside hitter for the Cougar volleyball team in 2011 and 2012, helping the squad to a second-place finish in district both seasons.
She is the daughter of Alan and Janine Nollkamper.
"I couldn't be happier with the decision I've made to become a Ragin' Cajuns softball player," Nollkamper said. "It's really a dream come true to get the opportunity to be a part of something so special. It is a huge blessing, and I'm so thankful for everyone who has helped shape me into the person and athlete I am today. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life, and I cannot wait to call Lafayette home."
Shannon Theriot – 5-3 – Outfielder – L/L – Berwick, La./Berwick HS
A three-time first team all-district selection, outfielder Shannon Theriot garnered first team all-state honors and was named district MVP in 2014 while playing for Berwick High School under coach Lloyd Burchfield, a LHSAA Hall of Fame coach. Theriot also earned state recognition her freshman season while playing at Morgan City High School.
In her time at Morgan City, Theriot earned first team all-district and all-state freshman team honors as a forward on the soccer team. At Berwick, Theriot has also lettered on the football team (2014) as a kicker, and on the track and field team (2013) as a sprinter.
Theriot is the third member of her family to play for the Ragin' Cajuns, joining her uncle, Brian Theriot (tennis), and great grandfather Clifton Theriot (football, track and field, basketball, baseball), a UL Athletic Hall of Fame member.
She is the daughter of Scott Theriot and Jill Tamporello.
"I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today," Theriot said. "UL is my home and I am so thankful and blessed to be a player here."
Louisiana begins the 2015 season inside the friendly confines of Lamson Park, Feb. 6-8, when the Cajuns host the Louisiana Classic.
Signing National Letter of Intents today were Louisiana natives Summer Ellyson (Lafayette, La./Teurlings Catholic HS), Kara Gremillion (Gonzales, La./St. Amant HS), Chelsea Lotief (Lafayette, La./Ascension Episcopal School), Shannon Theriot (Berwick, La./Berwick HS) and Texas natives Brittany Nollkamper (Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HS) and Beth Ashley (College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated HS).
"This is a special group of kids who truly understand the significance of the history, tradition and value of this program," Lotief said. "They are competitors, winners and high achievers in the classroom and on the field. Congratulations and welcome to the Ragin' Cajuns sisterhood."
Beth Ashley – 5-8 – Outfielder – R/R – College Station, Texas/A&M Consolidated HSA three-year letterwinner for coach Rusty Erwin at A&M Consolidated High School, outfielder Beth Ashley helped the Tigers to state playoff appearances in 2012 and 2013. As a sophomore, Ashley garnered first team all-district honors and earned second team accolades as a junior after hitting 11 home runs. During the summer, Ashley played travel ball with the Texas Peppers Gold for coach Richard Bass.
A two-sport athlete, Ashley has also lettered two seasons for the basketball team as a post player. Ashley earned first team all-district honors her sophomore season and was awarded second team all-district honors as a junior. In 2013, Ashley helped the Tigers claim a district title and go 34-4 on the season.
She is the daughter of Frank III and Janice Ashley.
"I am so thankful for the opportunity to be able to play for the Ragin' Cajuns softball program," Ashley said. "I am honored and proud to be a part of this team. Their hard work and dedication to the game is what inspired me to make my decision to come to UL. I am excited to see what is to come in the future."
Summer Ellyson – 5-7 – Pitcher – L/R – Lafayette, La./Teurlings Catholic HSA Lafayette native, pitcher Summer Ellyson will join the Cajuns out of Teurlings Catholic High School. A three-year letterwinner for coach Lauren Delahoussaye, Ellyson helped the Rebels to a state title in 2012 and a runner-up finish in 2013. Named first team all-district and all-state in 2013 and 2014 for her efforts in the circle, Ellyson totaled 354 strikeouts in 168 innings pitched last season and 302 strikeouts in 147 innings in 2013. Ellyson played club ball with fellow Louisiana signee Chelsea Lotief on the Louisiana Blast for her father, John, claiming three state titles with the squad from 2012-14.
She is the daughter of John and Cherie Ellyson.
"I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to join the UL softball family and tradition," Ellyson said. "It is all I've ever wanted since I was eight years old. What a great opportunity it is to play for such an amazing program here in my hometown. This is a World Series team and I'm honored to become a part of it."
Kara Gremillion – 5-4 – Shortstop/Utility – R/R – Gonzales, La./St. Amant HSA three-time all-state selection, shortstop/utility Kara Gremillion has helped St. Amant High School to two state semifinal appearances in her three years playing for coach Scott Nielson. A Gonzales native, Gremillion has earned first team all-district and all-metro honors three times as well as being named district and metro MVP her junior season. As a sophomore, she was named first team all-region and an NFCA Third Team All-American.
In 2014, Gremillion was named Nola.com Preseason and Postseason Player of the Year in addition to capturing The Advocate 2014 Female Athlete of the Year honor. During her three years, Gremillion has batted .509 with an .823 slugging percentage and totaled 139 hits and 83 RBI. In 2014, she went 29-for-29 in stolen bases.
The daughter of Ken and Claudia Gremillion, she played club ball for her mother with the Louisiana Red Stick 007's.
Gremillion has also seen success on the hardwood, lettering in basketball and volleyball. She earned first team all-district honors in basketball the last two seasons, and claimed all-metro and all-state honorable mention accolades her junior season. In volleyball, Gremillion earned second team all-district honors as a sophomore before being named the district's defensive MVP and earning all-state honors as a junior.
Gremillion becomes the third member of her family to play for the Ragin' Cajuns softball program. Her aunts, Stacie Gremillion and Sandy Percle, both finished their careers with numerous honors. Stacie Gremillion was a four-time All-Southland Conference First Team selection, twice named NFCA All-Region and selected as the Southland Conference and Louisiana Hitter of the Year in 1987. Percle also garnered several accolades, being named a four-time All-SLC selection and the SLC Hitter of the Year in 1983 and 1984.
"I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to become a part of the Ragin Cajun Softball family," Gremillion said. "I love the winning tradition, academic excellence and pride that has always been a part of UL softball. From the first time I visited, I knew it was the right place for me and I can't wait to begin this next journey in my life."
Chelsea Lotief – 5-3 – Outfielder – L/L – Lafayette, La./Ascension Episcopal SchoolComing out of Ascension Episcopal School in Youngsville, Chelsea Lotief is a three-sport athlete for the Blue Gators, competing in softball, basketball and track and field. Lotief has lettered four years as a pitcher at AES as a part of their inaugural team while also competing for the Louisiana Blast the last three seasons as a centerfielder for coach John Ellyson, claiming the United States Fastpitch Association state championship from 2012-14. In 2013, Lotief was named a first team all-district pitcher before earning first team honors last season as a utility player. In 2014, she batted over .400 and led the Blue Gators in stolen bases.
In addition to earning first team honors, Lotief was named an all-academic team selection the past two years as a member of the National Honor Society.
Lotief has also lettered four years as a point guard on the basketball team, twice being named first team all-district. Lotief lettered last season on the track and field team, being crowned district champion in the long jump while also placing in the 4x100-meter relay, 4x200-meter relay and the javelin.
She is the daughter of Michael and Stefni Lotief, a former All-American softball player for the Ragin' Cajuns.
"It has always been a dream of mine to play softball for UL," Lotief said. "I have been around the program all my life and wouldn't imagine a better program to take part in. The family and home environment of the school and athletic programs is truly not found anywhere else. I am blessed to be able to join a sisterhood and follow in my mother's footsteps."
Brittany Nollkamper – 5-5 – Catcher/Third Base – R/R – Katy, Texas/Cinco Ranch HSAn all-state player and three-time first team all-district selection, catcher/third baseman Brittany Nollkamper hails from Katy, Texas. Nollkamper has batted over .400 every season while playing for Cinco Ranch High School and coach Jerry Miller, helping the Cougars to an 81-23 record the past three seasons, two district championships and a regional semifinal appearance in 2013. In 2013, Nollkamper garnered Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State honors while also being named all-state honorable mention by the Texas Sports Writers Association. Nollkamper played club ball for the Sudden Impact Gold for coach Glenn Bennett, picking up numerous top-five tournament finishes.
While at Cinco Ranch, Nollkamper also spent time as an outside hitter for the Cougar volleyball team in 2011 and 2012, helping the squad to a second-place finish in district both seasons.
She is the daughter of Alan and Janine Nollkamper.
"I couldn't be happier with the decision I've made to become a Ragin' Cajuns softball player," Nollkamper said. "It's really a dream come true to get the opportunity to be a part of something so special. It is a huge blessing, and I'm so thankful for everyone who has helped shape me into the person and athlete I am today. I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my life, and I cannot wait to call Lafayette home."
Shannon Theriot – 5-3 – Outfielder – L/L – Berwick, La./Berwick HSA three-time first team all-district selection, outfielder Shannon Theriot garnered first team all-state honors and was named district MVP in 2014 while playing for Berwick High School under coach Lloyd Burchfield, a LHSAA Hall of Fame coach. Theriot also earned state recognition her freshman season while playing at Morgan City High School.
In her time at Morgan City, Theriot earned first team all-district and all-state freshman team honors as a forward on the soccer team. At Berwick, Theriot has also lettered on the football team (2014) as a kicker, and on the track and field team (2013) as a sprinter.
Theriot is the third member of her family to play for the Ragin' Cajuns, joining her uncle, Brian Theriot (tennis), and great grandfather Clifton Theriot (football, track and field, basketball, baseball), a UL Athletic Hall of Fame member.
She is the daughter of Scott Theriot and Jill Tamporello.
"I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today," Theriot said. "UL is my home and I am so thankful and blessed to be a player here."
Louisiana begins the 2015 season inside the friendly confines of Lamson Park, Feb. 6-8, when the Cajuns host the Louisiana Classic.
-- RaginCajuns.com --
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