Long Beach State softball head coach Kim Sowder has announced the signing of one junior college and three high school standouts to National Letters of Intent. Liz Javier, Caitrin DeBaun, Dana Garcia and Nalani St. Germain will join the 49ers for the 2009 season.

“This recruiting class will certainly help to continue the success and tradition that our program has had over the years both on and off the field,” said Sowder. “All four players will come in and compete for positions right away. They are great leaders on their current teams and we can’t wait to have them in `The Beach’ uniform.”

Liz Javier, infielder
As a freshman in 2008 at Mt. San Antonio College, Javier earned first-team all-South Coast Conference honors after helping the Mounties to their sixth-straight league title and an appearance in the state championship game.  At Warren High School, she was a four-time all-San Gabriel Valley League and all-CIF selection.

“Liz is a great leader on the field and will come to us with two valuable years of experience at the junior college level under head coach (Kelly) Ford,” Sowder said. “She has proven to be a solid hitter and corner player for Mt. SAC and she is a tremendous competitor.”

Caitrin DeBaun, outfielder
At Rosary High School in Fullerton, she is a three-time all-league selection. As a junior, DeBaun was named the Trinity League Most Valuable Player, while also garnering all-CIF and all-Orange County honors. Over the summer, DeBaun hit .400 at the 2008 ASA 18 Gold Nationals in Oklahoma City, Okla., leading the So Cal Explosion to a fourth-place finish.

“Caitrin is an experienced outfielder with a very strong and consistent bat,” said Sowder. “She has a great work ethic and is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. I love her energy and her love for the game.”

Dana Garcia, catcher
As a senior at La Mirada High School, Garcia is a three-time first-team all-Suburban League pick. As a junior, she was also named to the Press-Telegram Dream Team after finishing the season with a .471 batting average. The catcher is also a member of the Artesia Punishers travel team that reached the finals of the 2006 Triple Crown World Series and Elite World Series.

“Dana is a versatile athlete whose primary position is catcher, however, she can play anywhere on the field,” Sowder said. “Her versatility on defense, along with her strength and speed on offense, will give us many options.”

Nalani St. Germain, infielder
St. Germain is a senior at Ayala High School in Chino Hills.  The infielder is a three-time all-league selection and was named the Rookie of the Year in 2006. As a junior, she helped the Bulldogs to the 2008 Serra League championship and was named to the Los Angeles Times All-Star Team. The 2007 Adidas Futures Top 100 Camp participant also plays travel ball for the Corona Angels under head coach Phil Adishian.

“Nalani is a very strong athlete that can play any position on the field,” said Sowder. “Offensively, she has great power and is capable of driving in a lot of runs. She has a tremendous upside and has great leadership qualities.”

Long Beach State will officially kick off the 2009 campaign at the Cathedral City Classic, Feb. 6-8.

From Reports By Long Beach State Sports Information Department