Southern softball announces two early signees

Missouri Southern, which will graduate four softball seniors at the end of the 2004 season, has taken steps to fill their voids. Head coach Jennifer Jimerson announced today that two student-athletes signed national letters of intent during the November early signing period to continue their softball careers with the Lions.

Megan Baker, a part of four conference championship softball teams at Belton (Mo.) High School, and Taylor Atkins, a three-time all-district catcher from Kalamazoo, Mich., have announced their intentions to attend Missouri Southern State University.

A 5-foot-3 Belton, Mo. native, Baker played both shortstop and pitcher during her career at Belton High School.

“Megan is a player that has served in a lot of roles and has been very versatile over her high school and summer league careers,” said Missouri Southern head coach Jennifer Jimerson. “We’re looking for her to help fill some voids in the infield and outfield areas. We’re extremely excited to have her as part of the program.”

Baker collected all-conference honors in each of her four years as a starter with coach Jeff Davis’ Pirates, including first-team honors as a senior. She was also a first-team all-district player as a freshman and again as a junior and senior. Baker was also twice named to the all-district tournament team.

“She’s a line drive hitter that we think will develop some power later,” Jimerson said. “She has a great work ethic and we think she’ll mature into an excellent player.”

The daughter of Mike and Debbie Baker, she’s the first person in BHS softball history to be a part of conference title-winning teams all four years. As a pitcher, Baker also set the school record with 19 strikeouts in a single game.

Baker intends to study physical education at MSSU.

Atkins, 5-foot-7, is a strong-armed catcher with good power and speed. She has played both behind the plate and in the outfield at Kalamazoo Central High School.

“Taylor is a catcher with speed,” Jimerson said. “She has played in the outfield and not just because of her arm. She can cover some ground.

“She has a great personality and an abundance of talent that we’re excited to explore.”

Atkins has earned all-conference and all-district laurels at catcher all three years of her high school career. Her senior season is upcoming, as Michigan has high school girls softball in the spring.

Atkins batted over .400 all three years, including as a junior when she led the Giants to the 2003 district championship. A starter in each of her first three years, she hit seven home runs as a freshman.

The daughter of Richard and Nancy Atkins, she intends to major in business at Missouri Southern.

Jimerson is beginning her second year at the helm of the Missouri Southern softball team, which last year finished with a 23-25 record and advanced to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Tournament for the 14th consecutive year.


	Dec. 3, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Southern softball announces two early signees Megan Baker, Taylor Atkins sign to join Lions in 2004-05 Missouri Southern, which will graduate four softball seniors at the end of the 2004 season, has taken steps to fill their voids. Head coach Jennifer Jimerson announced today that two student-athletes signed national letters of intent during the November early signing period to continue their softball careers with the Lions. Megan Baker, a part of four conference championship softball teams at Belton (Mo.) High School, and Taylor Atkins, a three-time all-district catcher from Kalamazoo, Mich., have announced their intentions to attend Missouri Southern State University. A 5-foot-3 Belton, Mo. native, Baker played both shortstop and pitcher during her career at Belton High School. “Megan is a player that has served in a lot of roles and has been very versatile over her high school and summer league careers,” said Missouri Southern head coach Jennifer Jimerson. “We’re looking for her to help fill some voids in the infield and outfield areas. We’re extremely excited to have her as part of the program.” Baker collected all-conference honors in each of her four years as a starter with coach Jeff Davis’ Pirates, including first-team honors as a senior. She was also a first-team all-district player as a freshman and again as a junior and senior. Baker was also twice named to the all-district tournament team. “She’s a line drive hitter that we think will develop some power later,” Jimerson said. “She has a great work ethic and we think she’ll mature into an excellent player.” The daughter of Mike and Debbie Baker, she’s the first person in BHS softball history to be a part of conference title-winning teams all four years. As a pitcher, Baker also set the school record with 19 strikeouts in a single game. Baker intends to study physical education at MSSU. Atkins, 5-foot-7, is a strong-armed catcher with good power and speed. She has played both behind the plate and in the outfield at Kalamazoo Central High School. “Taylor is a catcher with speed,” Jimerson said. “She has played in the outfield and not just because of her arm. She can cover some ground. “She has a great personality and an abundance of talent that we’re excited to explore.” Atkins has earned all-conference and all-district laurels at catcher all three years of her high school career. Her senior season is upcoming, as Michigan has high school girls softball in the spring. Atkins batted over .400 all three years, including as a junior when she led the Giants to the 2003 district championship. A starter in each of her first three years, she hit seven home runs as a freshman. The daughter of Richard and Nancy Atkins, she intends to major in business at Missouri Southern. Jimerson is beginning her second year at the helm of the Missouri Southern softball team, which last year finished with a 23-25 record and advanced to the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association Tournament for the 14th consecutive year.