Lee softball coach Emily Russell has announced the addition of three outfielders to finalize the 2018 roster for the Lady Flames.
Madison Davenport, Samantha Hill and Claudia Jones will join a squad that returns seven starters from last year's team that made a run all the way to the NCAA South Super Regional and finished No. 15 in the final NCAA D2 Top 25 poll.
"Claudia, Sam and Madi are the last additions to our 2018 team. We are happy to add two more transfers and another freshman to the program," said Russell.
"Claudia and Madi add more depth from the left side of the plate. We've also increased our team speed with Sam and Claudia. We are strengthening our experience in the outfield with the addition of the transfers and we feel that we are ready to compete again at a high level with these roster additions. They are all excellent students and will make a great impact on our program both on and off the field."
Davenport comes to Lee from Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga. The 5-foot-3 outfielder hit .396 with two homers and 22 doubles during her senior year. During the summer ball schedule she hit .484 with a .560 on-base percentage and clubbed four home runs.
Davenport was also targeted by Ave Maria University, Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Centenary College of Louisiana, Auburn University Montgomery and Union College.
When asked why she chose Lee she noted, "It is the full package. I will be close to home, playing softball, earning a degree and growing in my relationship with God. When I went there and spoke with the coaches I knew it was where I needed to be. I loved the atmosphere and the coaches and we just seemed to really hit it off well.
Hill is a junior-transfer from Highland Community College where she hit .295 last season and drilled three home runs. The Rea, Mo. native was also recruited by Union College.
Prior to her two-year stint at Highland Hill was a decorated high school player. Following her senior year she was named to the All-State Second Team, First team All-Region, First Team All-District and was a unanimous All-Conference First Team selection.
"On my visit I fell in love with the campus and the opportunities Lee offers," Hill said. "I was welcomed by Coach Russell and her staff and enjoyed my time here and despite being away from home I believe it is a place I will be able to make home for the next two years."
Jones joins the Lady Flames as a junior-transfer from the College of Central Florida where she hit .375 and roped nine doubles. While there she was bestowed the prestigious James D. Harvey Award which was given out each year to the student-athlete that excelled academically, athletically and was of high moral character.
"The reason I selected Lee was because I loved Coach Russell when I met her and the Christian atmosphere and beautiful campus were also great selling points," Jones said. "It's somewhere I could definitely see myself loving to be at for the next two years."
The Lady Flames will open the 2018 season on Feb. 2 in Gulf Shores, Ala. as they take part in the annual Gulf Shores Invitational. The first chance for the home crowd to check out the new team will be on Feb. 24 as Lee hosts Gulf South Conference foe West Alabama at Butler Field.