Elon Softball Announces Three in 2016 Recruiting Class

ELON, N.C. – Elon University head softball coach Kathy Bocock and her staff announced the additions of three softball standouts as a part of the Phoenix’s 2016 recruiting class on Tuesday, January 5.

The trio of Walker Barbee (West Stanly High School/Oakboro, N.C.), Kenna Quinn (Boiling Springs, High School/ Boiling Springs, S.C.) and Morgan Reich (Lake Nona High School/Orlando, Fla.) are slated to join the maroon and gold for the 2017 season.

“We are excited about this group and everything that they will bring to the program,” said Bocock. “Each of them have outstanding character, come from great families and will bring great softball ability to help this program in taking us where we need to go.”

Walker Barbee • Utility • Oakboro, N.C. • West Stanly High School

Prep
• Played at West Stanly High School under head coach Wesley Kidd
• Named District Player of the Year in 2015
• Rocky River Conference Player of the Year in 2014
• Two-time All-Conference and All-State honoree in 2014 and 2015
• Named to the All-District team in 2014 and 2015
• Helped team to the North Carolina State 2A Championship in 2013
• Also a member of the Carolina Elite club team under head coach Tony Genovese.

Personal
• Daughter of Kelly and Mandy Barbee

“Walker is going to be a great addition to our team,” said Bocock. “She’s very coachable, a hard worker and fits in exactly what we are trying to do with our vision at Elon. She has great potential as a corner infielder or catcher for us and is a strong hitter.”

Why Walker Chose Elon: “I chose Elon because it provides an atmosphere for students to become leaders and creative thinkers. I feel Elon will encourage me to become a better student and athlete by teaching me leadership and integrity. I also chose it because I love the campus. It is so clean and beautiful. I like the fact that when I step on campus I refer to it as home. I like the tight-knit community and how students are involved in school activities.”

Kenna Quinn • Pitcher • Boiling Springs, S.C. • Boiling Springs High School

Prep
• Played at Boiling Springs High School under head coach Randy Piazza.
• Helped Boiling Spring to the 2015 Region championship
• Two-time All-Region honoree (2014 and 2015)
• Named All-State and the 4A State Player of the Year in 2015
• Selected as the 4A Region Player of the Year in 2015
• Plays travel ball for the Carolina Elite under head coach Brad Norton
• Aided the Carolina Elite to the 2014 South Carolina state championship

Personal
• Daughter of Jimmy and Kim Quinn
• Plans to major in psychology

“Kenna adds a different dimension for us in the circle,” said Bocock. “She is ready to challenge people and doesn’t back down from anyone. She’s a very hard worker and has played on the same travel ball squad with Walker Barbee so they are familiar with each other. She is also an outstanding hitter, comes from a great family and has an unbelievable work ethic. She’s a winner.”

Why Kenna Chose Elon: “I chose Elon because everyone was so friendly and it just felt like home. Everything from the campus, to the coaching staff made me feel like that’s where I belong.”

Morgan Reich • Outfielder • Orlando, Fla. • Lake Nona High School

Prep
• Played at Lake Nona High School under head coach Mike Hart.
• Helped the program to a district championship in 2013.
• Career .394 hitter while batting a team-best .477 as a junior
• Also lettered in volleyball and helped team reach state quarterfinals
• Competes for the Florida Power Black club team with head coach Jeff Lantz
• Helped club team qualify for PGF Nationals in the summer of 2015.

Personal
• Daughter of John and Shyna Reich
• Father played baseball at Tulane University
• Plans to major in biology

“Morgan is bringing a lot of great things for us,” said Bocock. “She has great speed in the outfield and can play the infield if necessary. She also comes from a great family and loves the game of softball. I think she is another solid addition for this program with all the intangibles that she brings.”

Why Morgan Chose Elon: “Searching for the perfect collegiate fit was a difficult task and required a framework: small class sizes, site in the southeastern United States and a strong softball program. It didn’t take long to realize that Elon goes beyond that. (Elon) feels like home and radiates a positive environment. The coaching staff for the softball team is exceptionally supportive and the players are hardworking. The academic, athletic and developmental opportunities offered are terrific and give me confidence that I’ll become the best version of myself at Elon University.”