Three Generals named softball All-Americans

Herkimer, NY—Herkimer County Community College softball players Kayla Ladd, Krista Oakes and Emily Woudenberg were named National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Second Team All-Americans for the 2011 season.  Ten players were named First Team All-Americans and 10 were named to the second team; thus, these Generals are in a truly elite group. 

Photo collage, from left:  Kayla Ladd, Krista Oakes, Emily Woudenberg

Kayla Ladd (Fonda, NY) graduated in May with an A.S. degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Physical Education. She is Herkimer’s first-ever two-time selection as an All-American in the sport of softball as the Utility/DP. Ladd batted .462 with 61 hits, 11 doubles, 8 HRs and 49 RBIs on the season.  In two years, she amassed a career batting average of .456, 81 runs scored, 23 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HRs and 102 RBIs. “Kayla has helped propel Herkimer softball to where it is today, one of the best college softball programs in the country,” Coach PJ Anadio said. “Her career numbers speak for themselves, but what I’m most proud of is her attaining her degree and moving on to continue her education and playing career,” he added. Ladd will be transferring to SUNY Brockport this fall.

Krista Oakes (Akwesasne Reservation) is a Liberal Arts & Sciences: Physical Education major.  A freshman pitcher, Oakes went 12-3 on the season with a 1.51 ERA. In 88.1 innings pitched, Krista only gave up 51 hits and 19 earned runs.  She struck out 122 batters while walking 48. Opposing hitters only batted .162 on the entire season against her. “This was the plan from the get-go with Krista,” Anadio said. “She was an extremely talented pitcher coming out of high school and we were fortunate to have her at Herkimer.  We knew the potential was there and we conveyed to her family that if she lived up to her end of the deal, working hard in the classroom and on the field, she would become an All-American, hopefully win a national championship here and earn a scholarship afterward to finish her degree. One of those goals have been reached, and we have two more to achieve with a season left to play,” Anadio said.

Emily Woudenberg (Ilion, NY) graduated in May with an A.S. degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Physical Education. The two-year team captain was awarded her All-American selection for her stellar play in the outfield for the Generals this season. She led Herkimer in batting average as she hit .476 on the year to go along with 9 doubles, 4 triples, 4 HRs and 44 RBIs.  “I’m particularly proud that Emily was recognized for her efforts this season. She is the prototypical model of what every student-athlete should be. She has class, work ethic, determination and talent. Her leadership skills and commitment to this program have been invaluable to Herkimer softball,“ Anadio said. “I don’t know if I will ever have another student-athlete like her.”  Woudenberg will be transferring to SUNY Cortland this fall to play softball for the Red Dragons and continue her education.

Photo:  Team leader and Captain Emily Woudenberg gave Head Coach PJ Anadio the congratulatory ice water shower after the team defeated Corning, earning a berth in the regional finals