Nov. 11, 2010
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech Softball Head Coach Sharon Perkins announced today that Karly Fullem (Suwanee, Ga./Buford HS), Katie Johnsky (Sarasota, Fla./Sarasota HS), Kylie Kleinschmidt (Stone Mountain, Ga./Providence Christian School) and Chelsie Thomas (Buford, Ga./Buford HS) have each signed national letters if intent during the early signing period.
“We are very excited about this 2011 class,” said Perkins. “They are four well-rounded student-athletes that are not only excellent softball players, but great students and individuals. Most are versatile enough to be able to play at least two different positions. I have known two of them [Fullem and Thomas] and seen grow up from the age of nine through summer camps. It’s fun to work with kids at camp and know that they already have the talent and the potential to play for you in the future.”
Fullem is a first baseman and right-handed pitcher who went 50-6 with six saves and a 0.94 career ERA at Buford. She set school records with a .893 winning percentage, 25 shutouts and 7.74 strikeouts per game while her 404 career strikeouts rank second all-time. At the plate, she batted .323 with 24 doubles, 68 RBI, a .447 slugging percentage and a .375 on-base percentage.
Most awards for the 2010 season have not been announced yet, but Fullem is a member of the 2010 Gwinnett Diamond Club All-Academic Team and 1st-team All-County. She is also a Gwinnett Daily Post Super Six selection. Fullem is a three-time all-county pick and last season was a first-team all-region and all-state performer. She was also a Gainesville Times all-area pick in 2009.
“Fullem is one of two signees that I’ve known since she was nine years old,” said Perkins. “She plays a great first base with her stretches and picks, but also has potential in the pitching circle. She also has a consistent bat with power.”
Johnsky is an outfielder and infielder who was the Sarasota Herald-Tribune All-Area Player of the Year and the Florida Dairy Farmers 6A Player of the Year. As a junior last season, she batted .438 with 36 runs scored, eight doubles, six triples, five home runs and 30 RBI. She also had a .750 slugging percentage and a .535 on-base percentage. During her sophomore season, Johnsky hit .351 with 10 extra-base hits and 23 RBI.
Johnsky is secretary of the National Honor Society, a reading mentor for Alta Vista Elementary School and had compiled a 4.0 overall GPA.
“Johnsky is the first player I’ve ever had from my hometown, even though it’s my rival high school,” said Perkins. “She has the ability to play infield as well as outfield and has great range at all positions to complement a strong arm and powerful bat.”
Kleinschmidt is a right-handed pitcher who holds school records for wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, home runs and triples. In her career, she had 1,315 strikeouts and averaged 12 a game. Kleinschmidt is a four-year MVP and led her team to top three finishes at the state tournament the past two seasons. She is a four-time all-region and all-Gwinnett County pick as well as a two-time Region Pitcher of the Year. She has been an all-state member for three years, although this season’s awards have not been announced yet.
Kleinschmidt has also been a member of the French Club, Beta Club and Alpha Upsilon.
“Kleinschmidt is a dominating pitcher and another one of our locals,” added Perkins. “She has shown tremendous growth as a pitcher in the past year and we are excited to have her in the circle for us in the future. She will add depth to our strong pitching staff.”
Thomas is an infielder who set a Buford career record with 141 runs scored. She also ranks in the top five in games played (141, third), at bats (440, third), hits (167, second), triples (eight, third), batting average (.380, third), slugging percentage (.448, fifth), walks (43, third), on-base percentage (.894, third), stolen bases (84, second) and stolen base success rate (96.7 percent, first).
Most of the 2010 awards have not been announced yet, but Thomas was the Gwinnett Diamond Club Defensive Player of the Year and Gwinnett Daily Post Super Six selection. She is a three-time, first-team all-county pick and two-time, first-team all-state and all-region member.
“Thomas is the other signee that I’ve known since she was nine”, said Perkins. “She has quick feet defensively and has made third base her home. She also has the ability to play numerous infield positions very well. She is a stolen base threat and an excellent slapper.”
