Elon Softball Welcomes in Six in 2019 Recruiting Class

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University softball team and head coach Kathy Bocock announced the signing of six student-athletes to make up the Phoenix’s 2019 recruiting class on Monday, December 31. Carley Davis (Bridgewater, Va.), Bella Devesa (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), Megan Grant (Vinton, Va.), Kaitlin King (Parkland, Fla.), Drew Menscer (Hope Mills, N.C.) and Claudia Penny (Apex, N.C.) will join the team in the fall of 2019 and will suit up for the Phoenix for the 2020 season.

“This recruiting class is a group of athletic softball players who have a strong passion for the game, are great teammates and have a desire to be coached and win a championship,” said Bocock. “In addition, they are all exemplary people from great families. We have recruited from a few great regions: two from the traditionally strong state of Florida, two from a new and booming softball powerhouse state of Virginia and two from a growing local market in the state of North Carolina. Staying on the East Coast gives our players the ability to play in front of their families, friends and fans more frequently.”

Carley Davis • Infielder/Catcher • Bridgewater, Va. • Turner Ashby High School

Prep/Club Career
Plays at Turner Ashby High School under head coach Clint Curry…Named the Valley District Player of the Year as a junior…Selected as the Class 3 Region C Player of the Year in 2018 and was a first team All-District at third base…Selected to the All-State second team at third base…Played travel ball with the Richmond Diamonds led by head coach Walter Pettus.

Personal
Daughter of Danny and Betsy Davis…Father played baseball at Bridgewater University and Chowan University…Plans to major in exercise science.

Coach Bo Says:
“Carley comes from a high school with a strong softball tradition. She knows how to compete and win when the pressure is on. Carley is versatile defensively, being able to catch and play both corners. Offensively, she will be a power threat.”

Why Carley Chose Elon:
“I chose Elon because it is known for their academics and small class sizes. When I first stepped foot on campus, I knew it was going to be my home for four years. I wished to attend a school where I’ll grow not only as a player but also as a person and that is why Elon is the perfect fit for me.”

Bella Devesa • Middle Infield/Outfield • Pembroke Pines, Fla. • Pembroke Pines Charter High School

Prep/Club Career
A member of the Pembroke Pines Charter High School team under head coach Tom Fadul…Helped the Lady Jaguars win multiple district championships from 2015-18 and a state championship in 2018…Played travel ball for the Gold Coast Hurricanes and helped the team qualify for the PGF Nationals and the ASA Nationals…Made the Gold Coast Organization 2016-17 National Team.

Personal
Daughter of Manuel and Jennifer Devesa…Father played baseball at St. Thomas University and coached her during travel ball…sister Sophia currently is a member of the Lynn University softball team…Plans to major in psychology.

Coach Bo Says
“Bella comes from one of the best travel organizations on the East Coast. She has played consistently at the highest level, which will prepare her well for the college transition. She has a strong middle infield skill set and knowledge for the game.”

Why Bella Chose Elon
“I chose Elon because it’s a full package. My college search experience has been stressful to say the least and as a stepped onto Elon’s campus, I felt a sense of relief. The people, coaches and the school as a whole feels like home and I am beyond thankful to have this opportunity. It has an amazing athletic program and school that I am extremely excited to be a part of. Elon University exceeded my expectations and I can’t think of any other place to spend the next four years of my life.”

Megan Grant • Utility • Vinton, Va. • William Byrd High School

Prep/Club Career
Plays at William Byrd High School where she received All-Conference accolades from her freshman through her junior seasons…Selected as All-Region during her junior campaign and has been an All-District pick as a sophomore and a junior…Named first team All-Timesland as a junior…Helped lead her team to the state semifinals for the first time in 18 years…Played travel ball for the VA Scrappers and head coach Scott Cisco…Also letters in basketball.

Personal
Daughter of Brad and Lori Grant…Plans to major in psychology.

Coach Bo Says
“Megan is an incredible multi-sport athlete who has a lot of leadership experience across all her high school sports. She is very versatile defensively, being able to play almost every position. She will add diversity to the team as a lefty hitter.”

Why Megan Chose Elon
“I chose Elon because of the amazing atmosphere throughout the whole campus, especially on the softball field. I also chose Elon because of the many academic opportunities available to me, along with how beautiful the school is.”

Kaitlin King • Pitcher • Parkland, Fla. • St. Thomas Aquinas

Prep/Club Career
Pitches at St. Thomas Aquinas under head coach Bryan Baucom…Named second team 9A-7A by the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel during her sophomore and junior seasons…Posted a 9-1 record with a 1.40 ERA during her junior year…Was a 8A State Softball semifinalist as a freshman and sophomore…Also was a 8A Regional Finalist in her junior year…Played travel ball for the Gold Coast Hurricanes and head coach Manuel Devesa…A member of the National Honor Society.

Personal
Daughter of Mike and Karen King…Sister Meghan plays at Florida State University where she won a national championship in 2018…Plans to major in accounting/finance.

Coach Bo Says
“Kaitlin is a pitcher who has a hunger for growth and success. She is a determined pitcher who sets her mind to something and achieves it. She will be a nice addition to the returning pitching staff, bringing different tools to the mound to make us more effective.”

Why Kaitlin Chose Elon
“The moment I stepped on campus, I fell in love with everything Elon has to offer, academically and athletically, and knew it was the school for me. I love the coaches and know I will grow into a better player and person under them. I cannot wait to be a Phoenix and see what is to come the next four years!”

Drew Menscer • Utility • Hope Mills, N.C. • Gray’s Creek High School

Prep/Club Career
Plays at Gray’s Creek High School for head coach Stuart Gilmer…Named first team All-conference in 2017 and 2018 while being a second team all-league selection in 2016…Selected first team All-Cape Fear Region in 2017…Tabbed as the District 3A Player of the Year in 2017…Named All-State in 2017 and 2018…Holds a .436 career batting average and 87 career RBI…Played travel ball for the Carolina Wildcats and head coach Jeff McPhail…Member of the “A” Honor Roll from 2016-18.

Personal
Daughter of Eric and Nena Menscer…Intends to major in business.

Coach Bo Says
“Drew adds speed to our offensive line up and athleticism to our defense. She will definitely be a threat to opponents on the base path. Since I have gotten to know her, she has grown tremendously as a slapper and that is a product of her coachability and desire to succeed.”

Why Drew Chose Elon
“Elon is a school with strong academics, a competitive softball program and a beautiful campus that was close to home. It was everything I dreamed of and more. When I came to Elon for the first time, I was blown away by the campus style and atmosphere. With a welcoming environment and coaches who will push me to be the best person I can be, I knew Elon was the place for me. All of the strengths of this exceptional university led me to my decision. I can’t wait to further my academic and athletic career as a Phoenix.”

Claudia Penny • First Base • Apex, N.C. • Middle Creek High School

Prep/Club Career
Plays at Middle Creek High School for head coach Robbie Wray…Named first team All-Conference, All-District and All-State in 2018…Selected as the team’s Defensive Player of the Year…Finished in the top-10 of her conference in all offensive categories…Has earned Academic All-conference every season…Member of the Firecrackers NC travel ball team under head coach Edmund Gontram and batted .436…Helped her club team to the Top 10 in the USA Softball National Championship in 2018.

Personal
Daughter of Gary and Lisa Penny…Her father played lacrosse at St. John’s University while her mother competed in bowling at Nassau Community College and Buffalo State College…Intends to major in biology.

Coach Bo Says
“Claudia is a true first baseman with a powerful bat. She has a strong sense of leadership and desire to be the best. Claudia has spent a lot of time around our program at camps and clinics. We have seen her have consistent focus and performance. When she is being coached, she is locked in.”

Why Claudia Chose Elon
“Everything I ever wanted in a school I found at Elon University. The academic strength, competitiveness of the softball team and the tight knit community is exactly what I was looking for. As soon as I stepped on campus I knew I was home and I can’t wait to call Elon home for the next four years.”