Fairfax, Va. - George Mason University's softball team announced seven incoming freshmen who will help the team challenge for the conference title next spring.
Erin Calpin, Hayley Hinton, Gabriella Lopez, Taija Miller, Marina Vitalich, Victoria Webster, and Samantha Zaccari will join a Mason team that lost four players due to graduation after its run to the semi-final of the A-10 Tournament last season.
"We think we have brought in a great group of freshmen young ladies," head coach Joe Verbanic said. "We have outstanding people who are committed students and very talented softball players. We are very excited about the contributions they are going to make to this year's team."
Erin Calpin - McLean High School | IF | Vienna, Va.
Calpin earned eight varsity letters throughout high school - four for softball, three for field hockey, and one for swim and dive - and was recognized for her athletic dedication with the Angus Award. Her rich softball resume is highlighted by appearances on the 2014 First Team All-Conference Infield and the 2013 First Team All-District Third Base. On top of starring for her high school, Calpin played nine years at the club and travel levels.
"Erin is a local product who has been impressive this summer," Verbanic said. "She has shown a little sock in her bat and has a powerful arm."
Hayley Hinton - Landstown High School | C/OF | Virginia Beach, Va.
Hinton is a universal player that developed her abilities to earn back-to-back First Team All-Coastal Conference recognition in 2014 and 2015 as well as the 2014 Most Valuable Player award. As a result of her successful junior season and her display of leadership skills, Hinton was chosen to captain the Landstown Eagles in 2015.
"Hayley gives us another solid option at the catching position," Verbanic said. "She has shown herself to be a solid receiver behind the plate that also has the ability to play the corners."
Gabriella Lopez - Sussex Technical High School | IF/P | Milton, Del.
One major achievement that stands out in Lopez's pre-collegiate softball resume is the 2012 Delaware State Championship, which she won in her freshman year with the Sussex Technical Ravens and proves that she knows how to contribute in a brand new team. Two years later, Lopez helped her travel team Delaware Diamnonds Gray to the fourth place in the country.
"We will look to Gabby to bolster our depth both in the circle and on the field," Verbanic said of Lopez, whose mother has also played softball for the Patriots. "You can tell she has been putting the work in and it will be exciting to see more of her this fall."
Taija Miller - William Fleming High School | IF | Roanoke, Va.
Initially, Miller was not a part of the new recruiting class, but impressed Verbanic and his assistant Megan Blank during the team's first few workouts of the offseason and they made the decision that she could help the Patriots repeat their challenge for the Atlantic 10 title. Other than softball, for which she was recognized as the MVP in her senior season, while attending William Fleming HS Miller represented the Colonels in indoor and outdoor track and field, lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball. She was named to the First Team All-Blue Ridge District for her performances in the 4x100 meter relay.
"For the short time that she has been with us, Taija has impressed us greatly with her athleticisim and attitude," Verbanic said.
Marina Vitalich - Mary Star of the Sea High School | P/IF/OF | San Pedro, Ca.
Vitalich comes to Mason after dominating the field of individual success in high school. On top of being named Mary Star Player of the Year for all four seasons spent with the Stars, Vitalich was a three-time holder of both the Camino Real League MVP and Camino Real League Most Valuable Pitcher awards. At the regional level, she earned a spot on the All-CIF Southern Section Team for all four seasons of high school softball. Her outstanding performances for the Stars, who she captained for the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and for the Firecrackers travel softball organization, who she represented for eight years, earned Vitalich a spot on the Croatian national team for a tournament in Europe this summer.
"What I like most about Marina is her poise, presence and ability to lead," Verbanic said. "She is going to have an immediate impact in the circle. At every level Marina has shown the ability to dominate games and get good hitters out consistently and we expect that to continue here. It is a bonus that she can also swing the bat pretty well."
Victoria Webster - Vista High School | OF/IF | Vista, Ca.
Webster is another California recruit who has been recognized on the all-conference team while she competed with the Vista High School Panthers in the Avocado West conference for four years. Webster also brings 14 combined years of club and travel softball experience with Vista Girls Softball, Southern California Envy, and Southern California Breakers.
"This young lady has game-changing ability in her bat," Verbanic said. "She is going to make a difference and will definitely add another power option to the team."
Samantha Zaccari - Mater Dei High School | IF/OF | Placentia, Ca.
Zaccari's high school softball career began at the junior varsity level, where she immediately made an impact and was named the 2012 JV Softball Offensive Player of the Year in the conference. The following year, as a member of the Mater Dei High varsity squad, Zaccari and the Monarchs won the Bullhead City Tournament of Champions. In her junior year, the first-base player was named on the 2014 Varsity Woodbridge Tournament All-Tournament team. Zaccari, who also played club softball for 13 years, participated in the 2013 and 2014 editions of the prestigious Premier Girls Fastpitch National Tournament.
"Sam is an outstanding young lady with the ability to make others around her better," coach Verbanic said. "Don't be fooled by the small package, this kid can play and it will be hard to keep her out of the lineup.
The new Patriots will get their first opportunity to don the Green and Gold this fall, when Mason plays Virginia, Towson, and Maryland.
