Nov. 9, 2011

WACO - Baylor softball head coach Glenn Moore announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent Wednesday. The class, made up entirely of high school athletes, hail from Texas, Arizona and California.

"This is not a large class as far as numbers go, but it is a quality class," Moore said. "Playing in two Women's College World Series in the last five years has broken down some barriers outside the Texas boarders and that's why half of this class is from the west. I like the athleticism and flexibility of this class, as three of these signees can play every position on the field, while the fourth is a very good pitcher."

Sydney Betke
Betke is a local product from Robinson High School in Robinson, Texas where she is a three-year lettwrwinner. She was named 2011 TWSA third-team all-state after earning second-team honors in 2010. Betke has earned first-team all-district and first-team super centex each of the last two seasons. Academically, she is top-10 in her class and plays on Centex Buzz.

"Sydney is a brilliant student-athlete with a tremendous attitude," Moore said. "She has a great work ethic and is extremely competitive. She will bring quality depth early with a good bat from the left side. Sydney makes those around her better."

Robin Landrith
Landrith is a three-year letterwinner at Ironwood Ridge High School in Tucson, Ariz. and was a 2011 all-region selection. She helped IRHS to the 2011 state finals, hitting a three-run home run in the championship game. Her club team finished fifth in the 2010 Colorado Sparkler Tournament and she was picked to the Sparkler All-American game in 2011. Landrith is also a captain on the soccer team and helped guide her team to the state finals in 2011. A black belt in taekwondo, she holds a 4.60 GPA and currently plays for Arizona Desert Thunder.

"Robin is a coach's dream," Moore said. "She is a great student and a tremendous athlete. She is a winner in everything she does and she truly exemplifies the Baylor Student-Athlete. Robin is a student of the game and a pure hitter."

Sarah Smith
Smith is a three-year letterwinner at Cerritos High School in Lakewood, Calif. A member of the Lakewood Firecrackers, Smith is a standout offensive and defensive player both in the outfield and infield. In 2011, she was named Suburban League MVP in 2011 after hitting .667 with 22 RBIs, 23 runs scored, six homers and 11 walks in league play, helping her team to the league title for the first time in a decade. She was also named to the Press-Telegram Dream Team.

"Sarah has the potential to rank up there with former All-American hitters, Chelsea Lake and Ashley Monceaux," Moore said. "She loves to hit homeruns, can also run very well and play just about anywhere on the field."

Heather Stearns
Stearns is a three-year lettwerwinner at Hebron High School in Plano, Texas. A two-time member of the TGCA all-state team, she was also named to the 2010 TSWA all-state squad and has been named HHS MVP the last two seasons. Stearns was an all-area first-team selection in 2011 and a two-time District 8-5A pitcher of the year. In 2010, she led her team to a third place finish in the 5A state playoffs and was named district defensive player of the year. A member of the Texas Rapid Fire, her travel squad advanced to Premier Nationals and Gold Colorado Fireworks in 2011 and Gold Nationals in 2010.

"Heather is possibly the most accomplished pitcher in North Texas," Moore said. "Her speeds reach the mid-60's and she good command. I like the fact that she has a no fear approach to pitching. She should see the circle early and often as a Baylor Lady Bear."