Rio signs first recruit for 2012

Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm softball program has signed its first recruit for the 2011-12 season.  She is Jessie Walk of Fairmont High School.

Walk, an infielder from Kettering, OH, is the first recruit signed by head coach Dawnjene DeLong. 

She commented on what were the deciding factors in her choosing Rio Grande as a college destination.  "It's a small school, I like the softball program and the coach," Walk said.  "(Rio Grande) has my major that I want to study."

Walk plans to major in Sports & Exercise Studies.

DeLong is pleased to have Walk in the fold.  "Jessie is a great girl who can slap and slap for power from the left side," DeLong said.  "She comes from a great family and will be a great addition to our family."

DeLong explains where she sees Walk fitting in defensively.  "Defensively, I see her somewhere on the left side of the infield," DeLong said.  "I look forward to seeing what Jessie can bring to the team next year."

Walk commented on her strengths and weaknesses as a player.  "Leadership and communication (are my strengths) and I need to work on having fun too, I take the game very seriously," Walk said.

Walk admitted that she did not know very much about Rio Grande other than the fact that Bob Evans Farm is located here.

Walk expressed what her goals are for her time at Rio Grande.  "I want to be a team player and contribute to the team as much as I can," she said.  "I want to win and do well on the field."

Jessie is the daughter of Chuck and Janet Walk of Kettering, Ohio.