Amanda Straub (middle) is joined by MHS coach Vince Rossi and MU coach Al White at her signing.

LIVONIA, Mich. - - Head softball coach Al White announced today that he has added another student-athlete to the fold for 2009 with the signing of Amanda Straub to a letter of intent. Straub, a Monroe High School product, will continue her academic and athletic careers at MU starting this fall. 

“We could not be happier to sign a player of Amanda’s quality,” commented White after the signing. “What impressed our staff the most was her intensity and desire to win. She is a very intense competitor and wants to win. We like that on our club.”

Straub (Monroe, Mich.), a 5-5 infielder, has earned two letters on the diamond and is in her third season on the varsity for head coach Vince Rossi at Monroe. She has helped her team capture a pair of MEGA Conference titles and last season teamed with current Crusader Jess Irwin to lead the Trojans to the state district and regional titles before falling in the quarterfinal round. Straub has also lettered in volleyball twice, helping MHS to the state district title as a junior and serving as team captain this past season.

Out of the playing arena, Straub has also been a standout, being named academic all-state for volleyball and being a member of the honor roll and National Honor Society. She serves as the secretary of the NHS, while also serving as the president of the student council at Monroe.

“We know we are getting an outstanding player in Amanda, but more importantly, she is a quality person and student-athlete,” added White. “The program Coach Rossi has built at Monroe produces great kids and even better people. We are glad to add another one of his players to go along with Jess.”

The Crusaders sit at 8-4 on the young season and are scheduled to start WHAC play on Saturday at Siena Heights in a 1pm double header.