HONOLULU—University of Hawai'i head softball coach Bob Coolen announced the signing of three prep standouts who will play for the Rainbow Wahine in the spring of 2012. Jordan Burton and Kayla Wartner both out of Escondido, Calif. and Leisha Liilii from Kane'ohe, O'ahu all signed National Letters of Intent this past week during the early signing period.

 

Burton is a 5-4, utility player at Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, Calif. where she played outfield, shortstop, third base and pitcher. She's earned two varsity letters and hit .371 last season with 10 stolen bases in 11 attempts. Burton, who bats left and throws right, was voted 2008 Offensive Player of the Year and earned 2009 Defensive Player of the Year honors. She is a member of the SoCal Breakers club team and previously played for the San Diego Renegades.

 

“Jojo is an instinctual outfielder who gets good jumps on the ball and has a good arm,” says Coolen.

 

Wartner is a 5-6, lefty catcher/first baseman out of Escondido High School where she earned three varsity letters in softball. She earned first team all-league honors, second team all-county honors hitting .378 as a junior. She batted .486 this past club season with the San Diego Legacy which finished fifth in regionals.

 

“Kayla is a very quick left-handed catcher with a strong arm and exceptional bat. She hits for power as the cleanup hitter,” explains Coolen. “She is a very good signal caller behind the plate.”

 

Liilii is a 6-0 infielder and pitcher out of Castle High School in Kane'ohe, O'ahu. Last season, the lefty hit .439 for the Knights with a .975 fielding average. She played for the club team, Pearls 16-under and most recently Team Hawaii under coach Mark Glushenko.

 

“Leisha is an impact player with the ability to hit the ball for distance. She hits and throws left and will be used at first base and be developed as a pitcher,” says Coolen.