MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—The Barry softball team inked a pair of promising recruits during the early signing period according to head coach Danielle Penner. Kristina Pazienza and Julie Brito will join the Bucs for the 2012 season.
Pazienza is a utility player, who will also compete for time in the circle, from Mount Dora High in Orlando, Fla. She was named to the 2A All-State team in both 2009 and 2010, earning 2009 Offensive Player of the Year. For her career, she has hit .553 with nine homers, while twirling a 0.31 ERA. In district games, she has not allowed an earned run in her career. She is a three-time All-Lake County selection and has made the All-District first team twice. Academically, she is a 4-year honor roll student, planning on majoring in biology (pre-med) and has already been accepted into Barry’s Honors Program.
“Kristina is a rare utility capable of playing any position on the field effectively,” Penner said. “She will add depth to our pitching staff, infield and hitting line-up as a freshman. She has the potential for an outstanding career with the Bucs.”
Brito is a corner infielder from Pembroke Pines Charter in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. A career .400 hitter, she is a two-time All-Broward County pick and was selected to the 2008 4A All-State team after hitting .494 with 22 RBI and 25 runs scored. She went on to earn NFCA All-Region honors that year as well. She plays for the Diamond Dusters under former Buccaneer All-American Jennifer Boyd-Pugh. She hit .408 with a perfect 1.000 fielding mark as the Dusters won the ASA Gold state title. The Dusters went on to finish seventh, highest among the Florida entrants, at the ASA Nationals. She was second on the team in RBI and one of only three players to hit over .300 at the tournament. Another four-year honor roll student, she is planning to major in accounting.
“Julie is a strong corner infielder with a powerful and consistent bat,” Penner said. “She comes from a family of NCAA athletes, which has likely fostered her ability to embrace and excel in tough games. I am looking forward to Julie’s career as a Buccaneer.
“In addition to performing well on the field and in the classroom,” Penner added, “Julie and Kristina routinely volunteer within their communities. They are both great examples of the people, athletes and students that have become synonymous and expected within the Barry University Intercollegiate Athletic Department.”