On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011, Central Bucks South seniors Lauren Klepchick, Haileigh Stocks and Morgan Decker were recognized at a special news conference for signing letters of intent to play softball at the collegiate level.
“Obviously, when they came in, I knew what kind of talent I had in these girls,” coach Jennifer Robinson said. “I heard all their names before they got here. It was interesting to see what they would do, especially as such young players.
“Ninth graders might have talent, but how are they going to fit in to be possibly starters. As soon as Haileigh, Lauren and Morgan showed up, you knew from day one, those girls were going to be four-year starters.
“Here is three-four-five or two-three-four of my lineup and some of the best defensive players in the area and nice, nice girls and really hard workers. Everything they’ve gotten, they’ve earned, and they deserve the opportunity to play at the level they’ll be playing at next year. I knew from the first moment I met them that we’d be here one day. I’m really proud of them.”
Lauren Klepchick – University of Rhode Island (Softball)
Major: Undecided, possibly Accounting or Secondary Education/Mathematics
Final list of colleges: URI, St. Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Rhode Island: “When I went up there the first time, it was in the summer, and the campus was absolutely beautiful. The coach just blew me away. I actually met the coach when I was in eighth grade when I went to a clinic at TNT. Right away, I was like, ‘If I could have her for a college coach, I would love it.’ Five years later, it was perfect - she came to me with an opportunity, and I took it. Everything was there financially. I went up there for a second time, and I was like, ‘This is it.’”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate softball? “I started playing softball when I was six years old. My mom was trying to get me into field hockey and lacrosse because that’s what she played in high school, so I said I’d try it out. I didn’t like it. My dad actually helped me out looking for a team, and when I was nine years old, I played for Morgan Decker’s mom’s team, and we had a neighborhood team all the way through until I was in seventh grade. Then I started playing for Sports Connection, and that was how the whole thing started.”
Favorite softball memory: “Winning districts when I was in 10th grade.”
Coach Jennifer Robinson says: “Lauren has so much versatility. She has such a gun on her, and she has such a good insight for catching. She works super well with our pitchers, but if you want her to go out and play third base or shortstop because schools are looking at her for catching, third and short, she can go out there and be your best shortstop. It’s not like she’s one-dimensional. She’s batting great and leads by example on the field.”
About Lauren:
Favorite food: Crispy chicken
Favorite music: Justin Bieber
Favorite movie: Something Borrowed
Haileigh Stocks – Robert Morris University (Softball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Robert Morris, St. Joseph’s
Reasons for choosing Robert Morris: “The coach saw me play in a showcase over the summer. He was real nice, and he seemed interested, so I went for a visit over the summer, and I liked it. They’re looking for a pitcher and middle infielder. I hope to play both.”
What was the progression that led to your playing collegiate softball? “I think I always kind of knew I wanted to play in college.
“The recruiting process was stressful at some points, and it was real frustrating because sometimes it felt like it was going nowhere. All you hear were all these people committing the beginning of their junior years, and I felt as though I was so far behind.”
Favorite softball memory: “The last year in general. Going through the whole recruiting process and spending a lot of time with my friends over the summer before I go away – I won’t forget that.”
Coach Jennifer Robinson says: “When it comes to Haileigh, you have this girl who always has her composure. You would never know by her face if she’s upset or excited. She just keeps even keel and is really hard for the other team to read, and I feel that is really an asset. She’s been like that since she was in ninth grade. If you don’t use her as a pitcher, you can put her in the middle infield, and you still have one of the best middle infielders and also one of the best hitters on the team.”
About Haileigh:
Favorite food: Barbeque sauce
Favorite music: Rock and Hip Hop
Favorite movie: Benchwarmers
Morgan Decker – Lehigh University (Softball)
Major: Biology with an interest in Pre-Med or Physician’s Assistant
Final list of colleges: Lehigh, Marist, George Mason
Reasons for choosing Lehigh: “Lehigh had the best mix of the academics (and athletics), but at the end of the day, I’m going to school as a student, so I really wanted a strong academic school. They also had a great softball program – I loved the coach, I loved the (players). I think it was that combination that really sold me on the school.”
What was the progression that led you to playing collegiate softball? “This was something I always wanted to do. I didn’t really think of any other option. Softball is something I love to do, and college gives me an opportunity to do that.”
Favorite memory playing softball: “I can’t pick one. I’ve been playing this game since I was eight, and over the years, there have been so many. I would say for high school it would probably be (playing in) the state championship game and the excitement. Over the years, little league state championships and national championships – my team won Eastern Nationals two years ago. There are so many memories along the way, and I can’t pick one.”
Coach Jennifer Robinson says: “The thing that stands out to me about Morgan is that she has so much ability but is so modest. She’s the type of girl that wants to stay after practice to take extra reps because her throw wasn’t 100 percent perfect or she didn’t pick up or release the ball fast enough. She’s also the type who will take a girl on the team who might not have the best skill set, and Morgan will stay and work with that girl and go through it over and over again. Not only is she a tremendous athlete and just incredible offensively and defensively, she’s got the maturity and leadership as well.”
About Morgan:
Favorite food: Swiss cheese chicken
Favorite music: Country
Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
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