Can a college campus with 40,000-plus students have an intimate atmosphere? Briar Stanley said yes, based on her recent trip to Tallahassee.
Stanley, a senior on the Monroe High School softball team, verbally committed Sunday to play softball for Florida State University. The hard-hitting, hard-throwing catcher capped an official recruiting visit to FSU’s campus in Tallahassee by accepting an offer to be a Seminole.
In addition to knowledgeable coaches and friendly players, Stanley said Florida State’s small-town vibe won her over. She wanted to attend a big college that didn’t feel overwhelmingly large. FSU is a great fit, she said.
“College is a huge part of growing up and really finding yourself,” said Stanley, “so that was definitely a key for me that I wanted to look for.”
Florida State is ranked No. 25 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25 poll. Stanley also considered an offer from New Mexico State University and received interest from programs such as the University of Georgia and the University of Maryland.
Stanley’s verbal commitment to FSU is non-binding. She plans to sign an NCAA National Letter of Intent in April.
During her junior season at Monroe, Stanley received first-team all-state, all-area and all-league honors.
With her college plans finalized, Stanley — who this past summer played for the Washington LadyHawks Miller Gold select team — can totally focus on leading Monroe this spring.
“For her situation now, she can just kick back a little bit and just have fun,” Monroe softball coach Curt Eskeback said. “All that pressure’s off.”
Three area players in Earl Barden game
The 15th annual Earl Barden All-Star Football Classic is June 27th at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima. The event features many of the state’s best seniors from the 2A, 1A, 2B and 1B classifications. Three local standouts were selected for the West team: Archbishop Murphy linebacker/tight end JJ Quinlan, Lakewood wide receiver/defensive back Jordan Stauffer and South Whidbey lineman David Monell.
M-P volleyball players make all-state roster
Selections were announced for the 2009 Washington State Coaches Association All-State Volleyball matches (July 19 at Fife High). The local seniors picked to participate are Marysville-Pilchuck teammates Emily Boerger, Jadelyn Thompson and Jenna Welsh; Edmonds-Woodway’s Cailin Fellows; Cedarcrest’s Shannon Bailey; Darrington’s Mandy Powell; and Jordan Irish of King’s. The 1A/2B/1B match will be at 4 p.m., the 2A/3A match at 6 p.m. and the 4A match at 8 p.m. For more information contact Tanya Campbell at tanya.psvbc@comcast.net.
Date set for Royals 2009 Golf Classic
The Royals 2009 Golf Classic is set for 1 p.m. April 24 at The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge. The individual fee is $125. The event will benefit the Lynnwood High School Booster Club. To sign up go to www.lhsroyalboosters.com/registration. For more information call Bill Jackson at 206-510-8747 or send an e-mail to info@lhsroyalboosters.com.
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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