UMC Softball signs two to National Letter of Intent

(Crookston, Minn.)- University of Minnesota, Crookston Head Women’s Softball Coach Mitch Bakken announced today the signing of Hilary Brown from Mosinee, Wis. and Sara Wiedmaier from Marengo, Ill. to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Golden Eagles during the 2011-12 season.

Brown is a 5-2, outfielder from North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC). She was a part-time starter in 2009 and a projected starter in the outfield in 2010 before being injured in the first game of the season. In high school she was recognized as a 2nd Team All-Conference selection her junior year and honorable mention following her senior season.

“Hilary is a quick slap-hitter that will bring some versatility to our lineup,” says coach Bakken. “She has been away from the game for a little bit of time due to injuries but we feel she will be able to come in and adjust to the DII game quickly and be a threat from the left side of the plate.”

Brown plans to major in early childhood education at UMC. She is the daughter of Sara and Kevin Brown.

Wiedmaier is a 5-8, first baseman from McHenry County College (MCC) in Crystal Lake, Ill. Her team at MCC took second place in the region in 2010 and 2011. She received the Two Sport Athlete Award at MCC in 2010 and 2011. In high school, her team took fourth place at state in 2008. She was named a tournament MVP in both the outfield and at catcher following the Wacounda Tournament. She is a three-year softball letterwinner, two-year basketball letterwinner and was the girls’ basketball team’s Player of the Year following the 2008 season.

“Sara is a very athletic individual,” says coach Bakken. “She has great technique both in the field and at the plate. I think she only scratched the surface of her softball ability at MCC and I look for her to come in and help be a leader of a young Golden Eagle Softball team next season.”

Wiedmaier plans to major in health sciences at UMC. She is the daughter of Tracey and John Wiedmaier.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).