Head Coach Jeanne Rayman Adds Evansville North Softball Recruit

May 23, 2007

Samantha Minnette, a top softball prospect from Evansville North High School, will continue her softball career at Butler University, beginning in the fall of 2007. Minnette, a three-sport athlete in high school, joins the initial recruiting class of Butler head coach Jeanne Rayman.

Minnette earned 12 varsity letters, four each in volleyball, swimming and softball, at Evansville North. As a pitcher, infielder and outfielder on the softball team, she earned the program's 2004 Offensive Player of the Year award, 2005 Most Improved Player award, 2006 Kiwanis Award and 2006 Defensive Player of the Year award. This spring, she's been named all-conference and all-district, while being ranked among the hitting leaders in the Evansville area.

"We are very excited that Samantha has decided to continue her education and join our softball program at Butler University," said Rayman. "Samantha is an outstanding addition to our team. She will bring depth to our outfield, and she is a strong offensive threat as well. She has proven throughout her athletic and academic career that she is committed to success, and that is what we want at Butler."

Minnette has excelled in the classroom, maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average. She's been an Academic All-City pick for three consecutive years in three different sports. The newest Butler softball recruit has been in the AP/Honors Program, is a member of the National Honor Society and has received a National Science Merit Award. She also was a finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award, which recognizes scholarship, athletics and citizenship.

Minnette plans to seek a degree in science and pursue a career in medicine.

Rayman led the Bulldogs to a 26-24 record in her first season as Butler's head coach this past spring. The 26 victories set a Butler record for most wins as a Division I program and tied the school's overall mark for wins in a season. Butler placed fourth in the 2007 Horizon League Championship.