LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University softball coach Anna Welsh has signed Kristen Schwartz (Sebring, Fla.) to a letter of intent to join the Fire in 2018 and continue her academic and athletic careers.
Schwartz, a versatile player, comes from Sebring High School, where she pitches and plays first base. She has seen time at second base and shortstop, as well. A four-year starter, Kristen was named First-Team All-County as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. Furthermore, she was named Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman and sophomore, and Defensive Player of the Year as a junior.
“I really was able to get to know Kristen at our Nike Elite Summer Camp last June and was pleased with every single aspect of Kristen both on and off the field,” said Welsh. “We are thrilled to add her to next year’s roster and love that we are adding her big bat to our offense! Her coachability excites me and her passion for Southeastern and its culture are reasons why we cannot wait to get her here next fall!”
Throughout high school, Kristen played volleyball as well as softball. She was named captain of her softball team all four years, and she was a captain on her volleyball team for two years. Schwartz is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Fellowship of Christian Blue Streaks at her high school. She attends Grace Bible Church and volunteers in the nursery and middle school groups.
“I chose SEU because it feels like home away from home,” said Schwartz. “The people are incredible, the campus is amazing, and being at a small school where Jesus is the focus has always been on my wish list. I did not want to go to school very far from home so being close is nice for games and family also. I also chose Southeastern because Coach Welsh has so much knowledge of the game and truly wants to invest in me as an athlete, student, and Christ-follower.”
Kristen plans to major in Legal Studies at SEU. She is the daughter of Cheryl and Donnie Schwartz and has two brothers, Donnie (32) and Brian (29).
“I am most excited about meeting all my teammates, learning more about softball and myself, growing in my faith, and experiencing college the way I always wanted to,” said Schwartz. “Being given the opportunity to further my education and softball career is a dream come true.”