Women’s Softball

Meet the Players

Sarah Albino, #17

	Year: Freshman		Positions: 2nd, SS, OF
	High School: St. Peter’s Collegiate Girls’ School		Coach: Annette Fidge
	Hometown: Adelaide, South Australia		Intended Major: Undecided
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 2”	GPA: 3.14
	Favorite Food: Chicken parmesan		Favorite TV Show: “Will and Grace”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My dad Ray		Hobbies: Cooking, shopping, beach
	Personal Quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Sarah came to FCCJ from her native Australia. There she was a top player for her state, South Australia team. Her great hands and strong arm give her the ability to play shortstop, second and the outfield. She handles the bat very well and is a good contact hitter with good gap power. A fall injury put her a little behind but she is back at full strength now and is expected to be a big impact player.”

Jessica Anderson, #16

	Year: Freshman		Position: 3rd
	High School: South Lake High School		Coach: Leah Bultema
	Hometown: Groveland, Fla.		Intended Major: Health
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 6”	GPA: 2.00
	Favorite Food: Seafood		Favorite TV Show: “One Tree Hill”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: Michael Phelps		Hobbies: Beach, camping, hanging out with friends
	Personal Quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Jess is a great team player as well as a great teammate. Her strong work ethic combined with her powerful arm will put her in position to challenge for the third base spot. She has the ability to hit the ball hard and as she develops that she can play a big role for the Stars. Her attitude will make her a big part of the team’s success.”

Brittany Borchert, #19

	Year: Freshman		Positions: 1st, 3rd
	High School: Fort Pierce Westwood High School		Coach: Gayle Hillings
	Hometown: Port St. Lucie, Fla.		Intended Major: Education
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 6”	GPA: 2.10
	Favorite Foods: Fried rice, spaghetti		Favorite TV Show: “The King of Queens”
	Heroes/Persons Most Admired: My mother and father		Hobbies: The beach, shopping, friends
	Personal Quote: “Thanks be to God, for there I go.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Brittany is an upbeat, positive person who is a great teammate and will contribute to the team in several different roles. She has an excellent glove at first base where she has shown the ability to pick anything. Offensively, she has good power and the ability to hit the ball hard. As her experience and her confidence grow she could contribute a lot to the team’s success.”

Jamie Lynn Brooker, #15

	Year: Freshman		Positions: P, 1st, 3rd
	High School: West Nassau High School		Coach: Candy Hicken
	Hometown: Callahan, Fla.		Intended Major: Computer Science
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 9”	GPA: 3.00
	Favorite Food: Mexican		Favorite TV Shows: “Family Guy” and “How It’s Made”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My father — he is my best friend		Hobbies: Video games, cooking, volleyball, shopping, arts and crafts
	Personal Quote: “Good, better, best. Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is the best.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Jamie was an all county and all state player in high school where she led her team to three final fours in four years. She is a power hitting pitcher who also plays either corner of the outfield. She pitched very well in the fall, utilizing both speed and movement. Offensively she has great power and as consistency develops she will be a force in the offensive lineup. Her upbeat attitude and determination make her an integral part of the team’s success.”

Jessica Byrd, #9

	Year: Freshman		Position: OF
	High School: Interlachen High School		Coach: Ron Whitehurst
	Hometown: Melrose, Fla.		Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering
	Hits: Right/left	Throws: Right	Height: 5’ 4 1/2”	GPA: 3.92
	Favorite Food: Anything Mexican		Favorite TV Show: Anything on the Speed Channel or ESPN
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My mother		Hobbies: Sports, cars
	Personal Quote: “Success is something where you have to put forth effort constantly.” — Michael Jordan
	Coach’s Comments: “Jessica is a strong, fast, athletic player with a great work ethic who truly gets better every day. She is already a great defensive outfielder, utilizing her speed and strong arm along with not being afraid to lay out and make the diving catch. As she gains more experience and confidence at bat, she will become an impact player for the Stars. ‘Byrd’ is expected to contribute in several different roles for this year’s team.”

Kat Cameron, #5

	Year: Sophomore		Positions: OF, C
	High School: Clay High School		Coach: Matt Lewis
	Hometown: Orange Park, Fla.		Intended Major: Physical Therapy
	Throws: Right	Hits: Left	Height: 5’ 1”	GPA: 3.60
	Favorite Food: Chocolate covered strawberries		Favorite TV Show: “Rob and Big”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My mother		Hobbies: Beach, Halo
	Personal Quote: “When I do good I feel good, when I do bad, I feel bad and this is my religion.” — Abe Lincoln
	Coach’s Comments: “Kat personifies the expression that good things come in small packages. Her intense competitiveness makes her a team leader. She was all conference as a freshman where she caught and played in the outfield. She was one of the team’s most clutch offensive performers last year. She used her speed with just enough power to keep opponents on their heels. She is a fiery leader expected to play a big role in the team’s championship run.”

Crystal Chesser, #27

	Year: Freshman		Positions: P, 1st, 3rd
	High School: Clay High School		Coach: Mat Lewis
	Hometown: Green Cove Springs, Fla.		Intended Major: Business, Healthcare
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 10”	GPA: 3.00
	Favorite Food: Mom’s cooking		Favorite TV Show: “One Tree Hill”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My Grand Daddy “Virgil Chesser”		Hobbies: Singing in the shower, family, friends
	Personal Quotes: “Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind, confidence is the key to all locks.” “Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” — Joe Paterno/John Wooden
	Coach’s Comments: “Crystal’s work ethic is unmatched, making her one of the most liked and respected team members. She was an all conference, al county and all state pitcher in high school. On the mound she has great movement and control, and the ability to throw hard. She can also play either corner and is a clutch, power hitter. Crystal will play many roles in the success of the Stars this season.”

Brittany Eppley, #14

	Year: Freshman		Positions: P, 1st
	High School: Bishop Kenney High School		Coach: Cathy Jester
	Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.		Intended Major: Nursing
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 11”	GPA: 3.67
	Favorite Food: Steak		Favorite TV Show: “The Hills”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My mom		Hobbies: Softball, volleyball, going to the beach, spending time with family and friends
	Personal Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Brittany is a power hitter who will pitch in addition to playing first base. She was an all city, all state performer in high school. She is projected to hit in the middle of the lineup and be a big impact player this spring. Her work ethic and cheerful attitude make her a big asset to the Stars.”

Megan Gillies, #4

	Year: Freshman		Position: SS
	High School: Clay High School		Coach: Matt Lewis
	Hometown: Green Cove Springs, Fla.		Intended Major: Sports Medicine
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’5”	GPA: 3.14
	Favorite Food: My mom’s lasagna		Favorite TV Show: “One Tree Hill”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My Papa		Hobbies: Beach, playing music, hanging out with my friends
	Personal Quote: “I finally found out what life is about; hanging on when your heart’s had enough and giving more when you wanted to give up.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Megan has been a nice surprise so far for the Stars. The all county performer has stepped up to play near flawless ball at shortshop this past fall. She has great ball sense that helped her step up to the college level easily. Offensively, she runs the bases and handles the bat well. With every at bat she improves and is expected to be a big part of this year’s success. She is a tough, gritty player.”

Glynnis Gonzalez, #12

	Year: Freshman		Position: OF, U
	High School: North Florida Christian School		Coach: Leah Armstrong
	Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.		Intended Major: Physical Therapy
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 4”	GPA: 3.60
	Favorite Food: Cheesecake		Favorite TV Shows: “Burn Notice” and “The Hills”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: Dad		Hobbies: Going to the beach, cooking, reading
	Personal Quote: “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.” — Vince Lombardi
	Coach’s Comments: “GG is a great team player with excellent fundamentals and a great work ethic. Offensively, she has a good swing and handles the bat well. As she adds strength, she will become more effective and play a bigger role for the stars. She looks to see most of her action in the outfield, but if needed could play 2nd or short stop.”

Brandi Isselhard, #21

	Year: Freshman		Position: OF
	High School: Belleville Township High School		Coach: Natalie Peters
	Hometown: Belleville, Ill.		Intended Major: Nursing
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 5”	GPA: 3.50
	Favorite Food: French toast, macaroni and cheese, Lucky Charms		Favorite TV Show: “House” and “Law and Order”
	Heroes/Persons Most Admired: Dad, Grandma		Hobbies: Reading, eating, mudding, sand volleyball
	Personal Quotes: “If you’re going to mess up, mess up going big.” — Amy Crook “Character is who you are when no one else is looking.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Brandi is a strong defensive outfielder who turned in some tremendous plays in the outfield this past fall. She gets a great read on the ball. She was an all conference, all city performer in high school. Offensively, she handles the bat very well in the short game, is a good contact hitter and is working on adding power. She should compete for playing time in the outfield.”

Brigette Kirschmer, #1

	Year: Sophomore		Position: OF
	High School: Eaglecrest High School		Coach: Dave O’Neil
	Hometown: Denver, Colo.		Intended Major: Criminal Justice
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 4”	GPA: 2.97
	Favorite Food: Hot wings		Favorite TV Show: The Spike channel
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My mom		Hobbies: Racquetball, beach
	Personal Quote: “Do what you do.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Brigette is an inspirational player who is a great teammate and friend. After converting to the outfield as a freshman, she was a role player who stepped up big when she had the chance. She earned a starting spot at state where she had some timely hits. Her great speed and arm make her an excellent outfielder. Offensively, she hits the ball very hard with occasional power. She will compete hard for a starting spot this spring and be a big part of the team’s success.”

Victoria Landron, #22

	Year: Freshman		Positions: 2nd, RF
	High School: Royal Palm Beach High School		Coach: Staci Gould
	Hometown: Royal Palm Beach, Fla.		Intended Major: Health Science
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 5”	GPA: 3.00
	Favorite Foods: Chicken and pasta		Favorite TV Show: “Top Chef”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My dad		Hobbies: Going to the beach, basketball with Alona
	Personal Quote: “There is not passion without the passion to be great. For greatness is the essence of living and the very moral fiber of success.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Tori is a utility player who cold play several different roles for the team this year. She brings a level headed and good maturity to the team where she is an excellent teammate. Her hitting really improved in the fall and she could also see time as a pinch hitter. Her attitude and maturity will make her an important part of the team’s success.”

Lindsey June Palulis, #11

	Year: Sophomore		Positions: C, 3rd
	High School: University High School		Coach: Adrianna Padron
	Hometown: Orlando, Fla.		Intended Major: Psychology
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 8”	GPA: 3.00
	Favorite Food: Anything with cheese		Favorite TV Shows: “Intervention” and “The Hills”
	Heroes/Persons Most Admired: My parents		Hobbies: Painting, going to the beach
	Personal Quote: “If what you did yesterday still looks big, you haven’t done much today.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Lindsey is one of the best blocking catchers around. As a freshman she split time behind the plate until a late season injury sidelined her for the rest of the season. She handles the bat well and is also a good RBI person who also hits with power. She is a quiet leader who should be an integral part of the team’s success.”

Kortney Passmore, #6

	Year: Freshman		Positions: C, 3rd
	High School: Pedro Menendez High School		Coaches: Stan Jones, Mike Jefferson
	Hometown: Hastings, Fla.		Intended Major: Biology/Chemistry
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 8”	GPA: 3.80
	Favorite Food: Sweet potato casserole		Favorite TV Show: “House”
	Heroes/Persons Most Admired: My parents		Hobbies: Cooking, shopping, hanging out with friends
	Personal Quote: “Life is not measured on how many breaths you take, but on how many moments take your breath away.” — unknown
	Coach’s Comments: “Kortney came to FCCJ with high expectations from the coaches but in the fall she exceeded that and has become one of the top players on the team. Her rocket arm will serve her well behind the plate as well as possibly at third or in the outfield at times. Her hitting really developed and she finished the fall with many timely hits. Her ability to learn and improve will make her invaluable to the team this season. Despite being a freshman she is becoming a team leader.”

Alona Personius, #7

	Year: Freshman		Positions: 2nd
	High School: Lake Stevens High School		Coach: Sue Van Whye
	Hometown: Lake Stevens, Wash.		Intended Major: Business
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 8”	GPA: 3.25
	Favorite Food: Mom’s cooking		Favorite TV Show: “Grey’s Anatomy”
	Heroes/Persons Most Admired: My dad and Aunt Robin		Hobbies: Beach, hoops with Victoria
	Personal Quote: “Somewhere behind the athlete you have become, the hours of practice you have put in, and the coaches that have pushed you, is that little girl who fell in love with the game…play for her and no one else.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Alona is expected to play second although she could see time at short stop as well and should hit in the middle of the lineup. Her soft hands, field awareness ad foot speed maker her a top defensive player. At the plate, those same abilities combined with power and a good short game will make her a force to be reckoned with. Alona will be a key to the Stars’ success this season.”

Tara Richardson, #3

	Year: Sophomore		Positions: 3rd, SS, OF
	High School: Madison County High School		Coach: Nat Norfleet
	Hometown: Madison County, Fla.		Intended Major: Nursing
	Throws: Right	Hits: Right	Height: 5’ 3”	GPA: 3.50
	Favorite Foods: Steak with mashed potatoes, salad and sweet tea		Favorite TV Shows: “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The King of Queens”
	Hero/Person Most Admired: My hero is my dad; I most admire my stepmom, Miki.		Hobbies: Playing guitar, surfing and writing
	Personal Quote: “Every time you win you’re reborn; when you lose, you die a little.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Tara is a transfer from North Florida Community College where she played shortstop. She could play there or at third this season. Her speed and arm also give her the ability to play the outfield. She is an excellent base runner and hits the ball hard with occasional power. Her energy and sense of humor have made her a team leader. She will play a key role in the success of this year’s team.”

Kate Vanderham, #13

	Year: Sophomore		Positions: P, CF
	High School: Hernando High School		Coach: Kevin Bittinger
	Hometown: Brooksville, Fla.		Intended Major: Psychology
	Throws: Left	Hits: Right	Height: 6’ 1”	GPA: 2.97
	Favorite Foods: Steak and shrimp		Favorite TV Show: The National Geographic Channel
	Hero/Person Most Admired: Antonio Barquin		Hobbies: Reading, extreme water sports
	Personal Quote: “It is what it is.”
	Coach’s Comments: “Kate was a two time high school player of the year in Hernando County and parlayed that success into a terrific freshman season at FCCJ where she earned all conference, all state, and NJCAA and NFCA all American honors. She was the team’s number one pitcher in addition to leading the team in home runs and RBIs. This power pitcher is very competitive and will be a major part of the Stars’ success in 2009.”