BROOKVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 20, 2015) - LIU Post Head Softball Coach Jamie Apicella has announced this year's signing class of four future Pioneers to National Letters of Intent. Joining the team for the 2017 season are Abbey Fortin (British Columbia, Canada), Katie Humhej (British Columbia, Canada), Megan Sneeden (Valley Cottage, N.Y.) and Ashley Casazza (Seaford, N.Y.).

"We are very excited to bring these four student-athletes to the LIU Post softball program," Apicella said. "With this class, we have added athleticism, depth, true student-athletes and, most of all, great young women who will contribute right away to the continued success of the program. We feel the future is very bright with the addition of these four very talented student-athletes. We are looking forward to the arrival of Abbey, Katie, Megan and Ashley."



Fortin, an outfielder/infielder from British Columbia, played for Team BC in the Western Canada Summer Games and has been a highly productive player throughout her high school career. Boasting a batting average of .341 and a fielding percentage of .957 in 2015, she received accolades, including the Oregon Valley Invite Tournament Bronze Medal (2015), Western Canada Summer Games Gold Medal (2015), BC Provincial Championship Silver Medal (2015) and the Canadian National Fastpitch Championship Silver Medal (2015). In 2014, she won the Canadian Open Fastpitch Championship Showcase Silver Medal, BC Provincial Championship Silver Medal and the Canadian National Fastpitch Championship Gold Medal. She also won the BC Summer Games Gold Medal and the Canadian Open Fastpitch Championship Showcase Gold Medal in 2013.

Why Fortin Chose LIU Post: "I chose to attend LIU Post because it has a beautiful campus, exemplary academic standing, a winning softball program, and Coach Apicella and Campagna are incredibly welcoming and made me feel very comfortable when I visited Post. I am very excited to learn everything I can about the sport of softball from the well-rounded coaching staff, and improve as a player."

What Apicella Said About Fortin: "Abbey is a versatile outfielder/infielder, who brings a power bat to our lineup. She adds an athletic element to our team and will be a player who brings passion for the game, and a work ethic that will be respected by her teammates. We are excited to have her here at LIU Post and cannot wait for her arrival next fall."



Humhej, a pitcher from British Columbia, boasted a 1.42 earned-run average as a junior in 2015. She has competed in three National Championships, capturing two titles in 2012 and 2013. Humhej also played in the 2015 National Championships as a pick-up player for the White Rock Renegades, taking second place. In the 2014 National Championship game, she was named the Most Valuable Player. Additionally, Humhej won the Canadian Open Fastpitch Tournament in 2013 and was selected to the regional team for the BC Summer Games in 2012.

Why Humhej Chose LIU Post: "I chose to attend LIU Post because I loved the campus and it had the perfect combination of academics and competitive softball. The coaching staff made me feel like I was a part of the team from the moment I met them. I am very excited to be a part of the Pioneer family!"

What Apicella Said About Humhej: "Katie is the pitcher in the 2016 class that we were targeting. She will make an immediate impact on our staff, with the potential to become a No. 1 starter and continue the tradition of LIU Post softball's strength in the pitching circle in the East Region. She is also a true student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom. We welcome Katie to the Pioneers."



Sneeden, a utility player from Valley Cottage, N.Y., was a six-year starter for the Nyack varsity softball team, starting at catcher since she was in seventh grade. During her high school days, she was named All-League, All-Section, All-County from 2012 through 2015. Sneeden, a three-time team captain, collected her 100th career hit as a sophomore in 2014 and won the team's MVP honors in both 2012 and 2014. Sneeden has a career .449 batting average, driven in 87 RBIs and stolen 25 bases.

Why Sneeden Chose LIU Post: "After countless college visits, camps, clinics and combines, the feeling I got when I stepped onto the LIU Post campus was immediate and unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was the place for me. The first time I stepped into the Pratt athletic facility, I had the opportunity to work out with Coach Apicella, Coach Campagna and some of the current Pioneers. The players were so friendly. I felt completely at ease and at home, like I was already a part of something great. I am really looking forward to wearing the green and gold and playing for LIU Post."

What Apicella Said About Sneeden: "Megan is what you would label the true utility player. She has the ability to catch and probably play every position on the field. Her versatility will be of value, not only defensively, but on the offensive side as well. She has excellent speed and athleticism and we are excited to add depth in this area."



Casazza, an outfielder/infielder from Seaford, N.Y., has been a varsity softball player since eighth grade. Last season, she hit .564 with 32 stolen bases for Seaford High School, while also playing for the Team Long Island 18U Gold, where she compiled a .468 batting average, a .543 on-base percentage and an .875 stolen base percentage. Casazza was awarded All-Conference honors as a freshman and All-County honors in 2014 and 2015, along with being awarded All-State accolades last year.

Why Casazza Chose LIU Post: "I knew that choosing LIU Post was the best decision for myself and my future. LIU Post gives me the opportunity to have a college experience, but also gives me the ability to be able to travel home easily. I chose Post for their competitive, successful softball program and great business program. Most of all, I really enjoy the coaching staff, having the opportunity to be coached by Coach Apicella assures me that I will be constantly improving my game and achieving goals with an awesome program. I am so excited to be at this university for the next chapter of my life!"

What Apicella Said About Casazza: "Ashley is another athletic outfielder who will give us speed at the top of our lineup. She is the triple threat type of offensive player that every coach is looking for, and is a local product that will excel in our program, both offensively and in our outfield. Ashley also has experience in the circle that could benefit our already-talented pitching staff."

The Pioneers are coming off of a 32-17-1 season in 2015. For more information on the LIU Post softball program, please continue to visit LIUPostPioneers.com.