The 2008 softball season will be a transitional one for the Ashford University Saints under second year head coach Kyle Yore. "We are very excited for this spring," said Yore. "Several key players returning to our starting lineup should provide some leadership to our young squad."

Key returners for the Saints include pitcher Kelsey Dykema, and second baseman Sarah Manning. Dykema, who pitched a majority of the innings for AU last season, is an athlete with good command of her pitches and plans to build upon her success and experience inside the circle last season. Manning will bring a wealth of knowledge and talent to the Ashford squad. Her leadership and consistent play, along with her athletic abilities, helped her earn Ashford's Female Athlete of the Year last season. Her prowess from the plate, in which she brings power and intelligence, should help the middle of the Saints lineup. "Kelsey and Sarah are both extremely talented softball players, but more importantly, they're good kids," said Yore. "They play with a lot of passion and I expect to see a lot of great things from them this year. They are both valuable members of the program. They will help us turn some heads this spring."

Other returnees include Allie Parker, first base, and Abbie Hornor, a utility player. Parker has been asked to make the transition from the outfield, in which she started for the Saints last season, to first base. "Allie is a great kid who brings a lot of heart and enthusiasm to the team," said Yore. Hornor was tabbed by Yore as a player to watch as she will be expected to step up and fill a larger leadership role. "She's a hard worker who is constantly improving," said Yore.

The new additions to the squad will be the key for Yore as she adds 10 new faces. Melissa Schuster, Ashli Foster, Casey Snyder, and Jamie Gillespi could be players who can make an immediate impact on the field for AU. Schuster, who comes to Ashford by way of Chicago, should bring power to the lineup this season. Foster, a third baseman from DeWitt, Iowa, has "a great glove and solid discipline at the plate," said Yore. She will be called upon to provide depth at several positions. "I expect to see Ashli and Melissa grow up quickly and find their place within the conference," added Yore. "They will definitely be two players to watch in the upcoming years." Snyder, a pitcher, has an intensity that is almost unmatched and has put a lot of time in during the fall and winter months. "We will look to her to pick up a few wins and spread her intensity throughout the team," said Yore. Gillespi, a transfer from McHenry County Community College, should bring experience to a very young squad. Other newcomers for AU include Marissa Thede, Kayla Fussner, Piper Coakley, Melissa Blumenshien, and Amy Kent.

"I'm extremely excited for this spring. We have a great group of kids who are excelling on and off the field," said Yore. "Their dedication and hard work will pay off for this program and themselves. They should be a lot of fun to watch this spring."