Katie Cooley (sitting) is joined by MU coach Al White and her parents Daniel and Kathryn at her signing.

LIVONIA, Mich. - - Head softball coach Al White announced the latest addition to his 2008 recruiting class as Monroe High School product Katie Cooley has signed a letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic careers at Madonna University starting this fall.

“Our staff was very pleased to sign Katie this late in the game,” said White. “She is going to be a nice addition to our club for next season.”

Cooley – a short stop by trade – earned three letters on the diamond for the Trojans and head coach Vince Rossi while playing along side fellow 2008 singnee Amanda Straub. Cooley was also a teammate of 2008 WHAC Newcomer of the Year Jess Irwin as a sophomore and junior. As a junior in 2007, Cooley was named first team all-conference in the MEGA Red and helped her squad to a state district and regional championship as well as their second straight conference title.

In the classroom Cooley graduated Summa Cum Laude, was a member of the honor roll and the National Honor Society.

“We know we are getting an outstanding player in Katie, but more importantly, she is a quality person and student,” 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 and Amanda.”

Cooley plans to major in sports management and is the fifth signee for the Crusader softball program, joining Katie Boomgaard, Hallie Minch, Tori Turner and Straub.