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Deanna Gumpf Announces Three Softball Signings For The 2004 Season

Dec. 16, 2002

University of Notre Dame head softball coach Deanna Gumpf has announced three additions to her program for the 2004 season. Stephanie Brown (Chandler, Arizona), Kenya Fuemmeler (Salisbury, Mo.) and Carissa Jaquish (Highland, Calif.) have all signed letters-of-intent to make up the future class of 2008.

“I am very excited about this class,” Gumpf says.

“They are all great players and have a dedicated passion for the game of softball. All three are ready to step in and have an impact on our program.”

Stephanie Brown is out of Coronoa Del Sol High School in Tempe, Ariz., and will be a key player for Gumpf after her veteran infield graduates all four positions in 2003. Brown helped her ASA squad to several high finishes at various national tournaments, including fifth at the 1999 14-under nationals, third at the 2000 16-under nationals and second place at the 2001 16-under nationals. Her team also finished second at the Canada Cup Championship. Playing second base, Brown earned all-conference honors in 2001 and 2002 while her squad grabbed the conference and regional championship.

“Stephanie will add a great dimension to our team next year,” Gumpf says.

“She has great speed and really attacks the ball defensively. She can also be a triple threat (sneak bunt, slap hit, hit away) when she steps into the batter’s box.”

Kenya Fuemmeler is a two-sport standout for the Salisbury High School softball and track and field teams. A pitcher and utility player, Fuemmeler is currently ranked second in the state of Missouri for career strikeouts and career wins. She boasts an outstanding 72-16 (.819) career pitching record with a 0.16 ERA and 946 strikeouts. Fuemmeler also hit .397 at the plate last season while going 26-0 from the pitching circle.

“Kenya is a good pitcher who can also provide us some speed in the lineup,” Gumpf says.

“She has the ability to do anything we ask of her on the softball field.”

Among Fuemmeler’s track and field accomplishments, she holds school records in the 4×800 relay, 400 meters and the triple jump (which she set while winning the state title).

Carissa Jaquish (Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands, Calif.) will appear as both a catcher and outfielder for the Irish. Entering her senior year in 2003 with eyes on a second-straight all-city selection, Jaquish led her team to the Citrus Belt League title last year and into the highly competitive CIF playoffs. She batted .437 in the CIF tournament and was selected for the Gatorade “Will to Win” Award. She also helped her ASA 16-under team to the Southern California state championship and a ninth-place finish at nationals.

“Carissa is tough and has all the tools that I look for in a player,” Gumpf says.

“She has a great passion for softball and is very versatile. Carissa is capable of doing great things anywhere we put her on the field.”

The 2003 season will begin for the Notre Dame softball team on Saturday, Feb. 15, in Tampa, Fla., as the Irish take on South Florida.