Oklahoma City, OK - Fresno State freshman pitcher Jamie Southern was named to the 17-player USA Softball Elite Team for 2002. The Elite Team will help prepare the World Championship team for the upcoming international events by competing in scrimmages and exhibition games prior to these events. They will also compete at the Canada Cup in Surrey, B.C., Canada, July 12-21.
The elite team was selected after participating in the Women's World Championship Tryout Camp, May 30-June 2, in Chula Vista, CA.
Players selected for the USA Softball Elite Team are Alana Addison, Gonzales, LA; Sarah Beeson, Tucson, AZ; Crystl Bustos, Canyon Country, CA; Selena Collins, Glendale, AZ; Courtney Dale, Fresno, CA; Lindsay Gardner, Katy, TX; Missy Hixon, Scottsdale, AZ; Kelly Kretschman, Indian Harbour Beach, FL; Gina Oaks, Alta Loma, CA; Catherine Osterman, Houston, TX; Trena Peel, Aurora, CO; Kristen Rivera, Perris, CA; Britni Sneed, Houston, TX; Jamie Southern, Clovis, CA; Nichole Thompson, Irvine, CA; Mackenzie Vandergeest, Newbury Park, CA and Kellie Wilkerson, Jacksonville, FL.
Coaches for the 2002 USA Softball Elite Team are Head Coach Jay Miller from Columbia, MO, Assistant Coaches Michelle Gromacki (Fullerton, CA) from Cal State Fullerton and Assistant Coach Kirk Walker, (Corvallis, OR) from Oregon State.
USA Softball Womens National Teams have been among the most dominating of any sports team in history. The USA s ability to bring home the title in World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympics is unchallenged, with a total of 13 gold medals.
Southern was named WAC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year as well as earning All-American honors.