Hallie Minch poses with coach Al White after singing a letter of intent to become a Crusader in 2009

LIVONIA, Mich. – The Madonna University softball program received a big commitment Saturday afternoon as Garden City High School standout
Hallie Minch signed a letter of intent at halftime of the MU men’s basketball game versus Cornerstone University.

Minch, a 5-7 pitcher, is entering her senior season at Garden City under the direction of Head Coach Barry Patterson. She has racked up an impressive 56-27 career pitching mark and has a career average above .400 as a first-baseman and outfielder.  She has been a varsity starter since her freshman campaign when she posted a 12-12 record  and a 4.34 ERA while fanning 93 hitters and earning All-District honors.

As a sophomore, Minch went 24-6 in the circle with a 1.32 ERA and 203 strikeouts while leading her team to league and district championships.  For her efforts, Minch was named to the All-District, All-Region and All-Area teams and was voted team MVP after also hitting .451 at the plate.

As a junior, Minch continued to shine, posting a 20-9 pitching mark with 217 strikeouts and a 1.46 ERA on her way to repeat All-League, All-District, All-Region and All-Area awards.  She was also selected team MVP for the second straight season after hitting .486.

"We could not be happier to get a student-athlete of Hallie’s caliber to join our program,” stated head coach Al White.  “She has proven over the past three years to be an excellent prep pitcher and we know that she can continue that at the next level.  She is also extremely quick and can play both first base and in the outfield when not used in the circle.  I can’t credit enough the job that coach Patterson has done with her at Garden City.  We are very excited to watch her through her senior season, knowing she will be in the Blue and Gold in 2009.”

Minch, who also earned three varsity letters in volleyball is a two-time Scholar Athlete award recipient and earned an academic letter following her junior season.  She is undecided in her course of study when she enrolls at MU in the fall of 2008.