University of Massachusets Athletics
Softball Adds Seven Signees to the Class of 2020
November 13, 2015 | Softball
AMHERST, Mass. - Seven players have signed National Letters of Intent to join the University of Massachusetts softball program, UMass Softball Coach Kristi Stefanoni announced.
Quinn Breidenbach, Candace Denis, Kate Dennis, Sarah Hamre, Nicole Imhof, Madison Sadler, and Jenifer Tabacco will join Minutewomen as members of the UMass class of 2020.
“I couldn’t be happier to officially announce the class of 2020 to our UMass family and fans,” Stefanoni said. “This class as a whole brings a wealth of athleticism and versatility to our program. They will come in as one of the strongest and biggest classes we have had in a very long time.
“The seven of them have the ability to come in and make an impact immediately to help UMass Softball grow back into the power house of the east we have been known for,” Stefanoni added. “More importantly they are first class student-athletes with great character and will add to the success of our university and community. “
Breidenbach dominated on the mound in 2015 for Enunclaw High School and was the 2015 Washington State Gatorade Player of the Year. As a junior in 2015, Breidenbach posted a 15-3 record and a miniscule 0.74 ERA. In 361 innings pitched throughout her prep career, Breidenbach fanned 596 hitters. Breidenbach was named All-League in each of her three seasons thus far at Enumclaw.
“Quinn is a fierce competitor and will complement our pitching staff in a number of ways,” Stefanoni said. “She has a hunger for winning and improving, so that in my mind makes her the complete package. Quinn’s numbers and awards speak for themselves but she will be successful here because she puts her team and teammates first.”
Imhof and Sadler each offer Stefanoni and the UMass coaching staff additional pitching depth, each throwing from the left side of the circle. Imhof comes to UMass from Calhoun High School in Merrick, N.Y. where she played on the varsity team since she was in eighth grade. She was awarded the Team MVP Award in each of the past two seasons, in addition to four All-County laurels.
"Nicole will bring a big left handed bat to the middle of our lineup when she arrives on campus next fall,” Stefanoni said. “Her versatility as a left-handed fielder and ability to contribute in many positions on the field will only make this team better. Her competitiveness and desire to make people around her better is why Nicole is the right player for UMass softball."
Sadler comes to UMass by way of Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas. A two-time District Honorable Mention, Sadler has also produced in the classroom. Sadler was named an NFCA National Scholar Athlete, an AP Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society.
“Maddie and Nicole are the first two left handed pitchers we've had come through UMass in a very long time,” Stefanoni said. “Maddie's strength with spin pitches and giving the batter a different view from the left side will impact our pitching staff immediately. Her work ethic and dedication makes her a perfect fit for this team.”
Denis will come to Amherst from Malakof, Texas. She was named the 2013 Henderson County Queen of the Circle as a freshman and the 2014 Player of the Year as a sophomore. With 14 home runs in 2014, Denis gives the Minutewomen a strong bat in the middle of the lineup and bolsters a promising pitching class.
"Candace will most certainly come in as one of our strongest and most fit student-athletes,” Stefanoni said. “She's versatile in the field and powerful at the plate hitting from the right and the left. She will make an impact immediately in the infield and her ability to add depth to our pitching staff will only make us stronger.”
Tabacco, a pitcher and outfielder from Bristol Eastern High School in Connecticut, gives the Minutewomen versatility in the lineup. Tabacco was named All-Conference in each of the past three seasons at BEHS and posted a .537 batting average as a junior.
“Jenifer has been around our UMass softball family for a very long time,” Stefanoni said. “She’s a New England kid with the dream to be at UMass and we are thrilled to have her commit to our program. Jen is one of the strongest players coming in this fall, she lives for getting stronger in the weight room and better on the field.”
Dennis comes the Massachusetts by way of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is a former Catcher of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the area. The backstop was also named First Team All-State in 2015 and First Team-All Region in 2014 and 2015.
“Kate is a very strong catcher with a powerful presence behind the plate,” Stefanoni said. “Her bat will add great depth in the middle part of the lineup.”
Hamre is a first baseman from Cypress High School in California, but is spending 2016 as a fifth-year senior at Lawrenceville Prep in New Jersey. In 2014, Hamre was named to the All-Empire League First Team.
“Sarah will be a strong presences for us on the right side of the field. Her height and range at first base will be a great addition to the infield,” Stefanoni said. “Sarah has such great potential to be an even stronger hitter than she already is and we cannot wait to get her to UMass next fall."
For continued coverage of UMass softball, follow the team on Twitter at @UMassSoftball and on UMassAthletics.com.
