Canyons Softball Program Has Two Players Sign Letters of Intent

Two members of the College of the Canyons softball team will continue their playing careers at four-year schools next season as sophomores Lauren Anderson and Kaitlyn Shreves have each signed National Letters of Intent.

After enjoying a productive season with the Cougars, Anderson — the 2015 Western State Conference (WSC) Player of the Year — will be heading to Miami University of Ohio, a Division I program located in Oxford, Ohio.

Shreves, an All-WSC First Team Selection, will also be competing at the Division I level after signing with Boise State University.

"Lauren and Kaitlyn will both be excellent additions to their respective programs and I look forward to seeing the positive contributions each will make this upcoming season," said John Wissmath, COC head softball coach. "They will both be missed here at College of the Canyons, but it's always a pleasure to see our student-athletes be able to move on and compete at the next level."

In 2015, Anderson batted .556 with 13 home runs and 57 RBIs last season to lead Canyons in all three categories. Those totals were also good enough to rank first, second and third, respectively, in the WSC.

She finished the season with the team lead in hits (75), doubles (19), on-base percentage (.611) and slugging percentage (1.030) — while striking out just five times on the season.

Primarily batting in the cleanup spot, Anderson recorded a hit in all but four of COC's games last season, including a 19-game hit streak that lasted from Feb. 7 to March 24.

Anderson was also selected to the California Community College Athletic Associations (CCCAA) All-State Team.

"Lauren is sure to make her impact as a hitter," said Wissmath, "and with her experience behind the plate I could see her eventually being named the team's captain."

Shreves batted .418 in 37 games for the Cougars in 2015, while recording 31 RBIs and 31 runs scored.

Her 51 total hits and .497 on-base percentage placed third and fourth on the team, respectively, while her slugging percentage of .615 ranked her third.

Always a threat to get on base, the lefty was fifth on the team with 17 walks and tallied eight stolen bases. In addition, she struck out just 13 times in 122 at bats.

"Kaitlyn is an all-around solid athlete, who can run, catch, throw and hit with the best of them," said Wissmath, about the two-time All-WSC honoree. "She is slated to play catcher for the Broncos, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to also see her at first base."

Shreves was also voted COC's Defensive Player of the Year in both 2014 and 2015.

In addition, both Anderson and Shreves were 2015 Academic All-State Team honorees.