North Georgia Softball Inks Three to Letters of Intent

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – North Georgia College & State University's head softball coach Mike Davenport announced theis afternoon the signing of Hilary Cox, Pilar Harden, and Katherine Martin to NCAA National Letters of Intent to play softball for the Saints beginning in 2009.

HILARY COX - C/3B - Cox, a native of Winston, Georgia preps at Alexander High School (Douglasville, Ga) where she played for head coach Keith Hansen and plays summer ball for the Atlanta Vipers 18U Gold - head coach Jessica Seamon - finishing 13th at ASA Gold Nationals 2007.

At AHS, Cox has been a 3-time member of the All-Douglas County Softball Team while also being named to the GHSA All-Region Team (5-AAAA) in 2005, 2006, and 2007. She hit .472 her senior season which included 4 Homeruns – 16 Doubles – 41 RBI.

Academically Cox was in Top 10% of Junior Class as well as receiving Georgia Certificate of Merit in 2006-07. Currently holds class rank – 1/412 and is on Superintendent Spotlight.

PILAR HARDEN - OF/P - Harden, a native of Watkinsville, Georgia preps at North Oconee High School (Bogart, Ga) where she played for head coach Brian Eades and plays summer ball for the Georgia Starzz 18 U head coach Johnny Highfill.

At NOHS, Harden was a member of the 2006 AA State Championship team while being credited as winning pitcher of championship game. Harden was also named as Georgia High School Coaches “2006 Player of the Year” and a member of the 1st Team GHSA All-State Team while hitting .392 with a ERA .052. During her senior season she batted .358 with 41 RBI, 12 Doubles and 4 Homeruns – only 9 strikeouts in 122 at bats.

KATHERINE MARTIN - 1B/C - Martin, a native of Atlanta, Georgia preps at Woodward Academy (College Park, Ga) where she played for head coach Nikki Law and plays summer ball for the 2008 Georgia Blitz 18A – head coach Shannon Rogers. In 2007, she played for the Atlanta Travelers Elite (head coach Geoff Nolan) – finishing 1st in the state of Georgia 18A and 5th at ASA 18A Nationals.

At WA, Martin was named GHSA All-State 2nd team (2006) while being named 2006 All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year. She has won the WA team batting titles for 2004, 2006, and 2007. She currently holds 5 Offensive Woodward Academy season records: Slugging Percentage - .842 (2006), Hits – 44 (2006), Doubles – 12 (2004), RBI – 32 (2006), HR – 6 (2007).

Martin finished her career (2004-07) leading the War Eagles hitting .421 with 134 Hits, 32 Doubles, 13 Triples, 6 Homeruns and 88 RBI – all are Woodward Academy Career Offensive Records.

- Quotes -

“I am excited about this signing class and the compliment they will have on our softball program at North Georgia as not only athletes but students as well,” Davenport said.

“Bringing in quality kids, not only quality athletes but quality people, from the state of Georgia was a priority to our recruiting philosophy.

All three of these players are multidimensional athletes that will address our future needs on the field. We are very honored to have them become part of our Saints Softball Program.”