Michigan State University Athletics
Softball Signs Four To National Letters Of Intent
11/19/2008 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Nov. 19, 2008
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State softball head coach Jacquie Joseph has announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. The class of Shelby Wise (Jonesboro, Ark./Nettleton), Jayme O'Bryant (Buchanan, Mich./Buchanan), Kylene Hopkins (Menifee, Calif./Paloma Valley) and Jennifer Ramsaier (Mesa, Ariz./Mountain View) will begin play for the Spartans in the 2010 season.
"This year's focus was on speed and we feel confident we have met our goals," said Joseph. "We signed four very good players, all of whom should make an immediate impact. In addition, they all are good students and consider being a Spartan a true honor."
Kylene Hopkins
Hometown/High School: Menifee, Calif./Paloma Valley
Club Team: Corona Angels-Phil
Position: Outfield
Bats/Throws: L/R
Hopkins is a four-year letterwinner in softball and has been a three-year captain. In 2007, she registered a .512 batting average, .610 on-base percentage, 31 runs and 17 stolen bases. She earned offensive player of the year honors in 2007 and 2008, and was a member of the All-Riverside County first team. Hopkins appeared in the ASA Nationals with Minors Gold-Hopkins from 2002-2004, finishing in the top three each year. A scholar-athlete, Hopkins has been on the honor roll four-straight years. She is the daughter of Rick and Tania Hopkins. Her father, a graduate of Long Beach State University, was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 16th round of the 1984 MLB amateur draft.
"The two main reasons I chose MSU is because of the outstanding academics and of the unique experiences that I will be a part of both on and off the field," said Hopkins. "My dream has always been to attend college and to be able to play the game that I love at the same time and MSU has given me that opportunity."
"Kylene's a true outfielder with exceptional speed," said Joseph. "We are excited about her joining the program and the contributions she will make to the team in the future. She will not only help the team on the field, but she's an outstanding student in the classroom."
Jayme O'Bryant
Hometown/High School: Buchanan, Mich./Buchanan
Club Team: Michiana Mystique
Position: Shortstop/Third base
Bats/Throws: R/R
 Jayme O'Bryant and her family  | |
"Being a Spartan is a huge honor because it means that I will be fulfilling my dream of playing softball for MSU and I know I am getting a great education at one of the best institutions in the country," said O'Bryant. "Also, I know I am going to be a part of a great family for the rest of my life."
"We have known Jayme for years through our camps and clinics," said Joseph. "She is a utility infielder who can also play outfield. She also has speed and extensive club experience."
Jennifer Ramsaier
Hometown/High School: Mesa, Ariz./Mountain View
Club Team: Arizona Lil Saints
Position: Utility
Bats/Throws: R/R
Ramsaier earned varsity letters in softball in `07 and `08 as the starting shortstop, and helped her team to a top 10 5A-1 state finish. She was also a three-time ASA Nationals participant and a four-time TCS All-American Nationals participant. A student council representative, she is the daughter of Kenneth and Debra Ramsaier.
"Having the opportunity to be a Spartan is such an honor," said Ramsaier. "It means so much to be able to attend a school where so much history has occurred and so many successful people have received their education. To be able to wear the green and white will be a dream come true."
"Jenny is a genuine utility player," said Joseph. "She can play any position on the field, except pitcher or catcher, and has great speed."
Shelby Wise
Hometown/High School: Jonesboro, Ark./Nettleton
Club Team: Kansas City Xtreme
Position: Pitcher
Bats/Throws: R/R
Wise is from Jonesboro, Ark., and has been a member of the varsity softball team for three years. She posted a 29-1 record last season and a 0.19 ERA on the way to the 5A State championship. Wise recorded 18 shutouts, eight no-hitters and four perfect games in 2008 along with recording 348 strikeouts in 185 innings. She also registered a .319 batting average and led her team in sac bunts and on-base percentage. Wise was listed on the Adidas Futures Top 100 in 2007 and 2008, earned Best Under Sun Team, all-conference, all-state, and was a member of the all-state tournament team both seasons. Wise was named the Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year, earned second team all-region honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association and was a member of the EA Sports Second Team All-America in 2008. She was a member of the Indiana Magic 18U Gold in 2006, and the Kansas City Xtreme 18U Gold in 2007 and 2008. A member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club, Wise is the daughter of Bob and Susan Wise.
"I chose Michigan State because I like the whole campus atmosphere in terms of the way everyone is unified even though the university is so large," said Wise. "I also like how well the coaching staff works together and works with the team on and off the softball field to help their players be successful."
"Shelby lives in Arkansas, pitches out of Tennessee with Ernie Parker and plays out of Kansas City," said Joseph. "Her commitment level to getting better is amazing. She throws hard and has excellent movement."
