HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College head softball coach Travis McCall announced today that Breana Ard, Taylor Forehand, Mindy North and Maria Williamson agreed to play for the Cobras. All four will join the team in the fall of 2015.

Ard is a utility player from Kingstree, S.C., where she attends the Carolina Academy. She was an all-region and all-state selection her junior season for the Bobcats. She was also a two-time selection to the USSSA Fast Pitch Softball Top Player List.

"Breana will add some depth around the infield for us and can play multiple positions," said McCall.  "She is no stranger to hard work and is a very tough and solid player.  She does whatever it takes to get the job done and I'm excited about adding her. She has the potential to develop into a very good player for us down the road."

Breana is the daughter of Tim and Donna McKenzie. She plans on majoring in biology with a pre-medicine focus at Coker.

Forehand is a pitcher at Havelock High School in New Bern, N.C. She was a 2014 All-Sun Journal softball team selection for the Rams.

"Taylor fills a big need for us in the circle," said McCall.  "Her demeanor and skill set should complement what we will have back very nicely.  She is an extremely hard worker who is a fierce competitor.  I really like her attacking mentality in the circle. Taylor has a great feel for all her pitches and I think she will be a great player for this program."

Taylor is the daughter of Cliff and Gina Forehand. She plans on majoring in mathematics.

North, an infielder, is a native of Clayton, N.C. She attends Clayton High School where she was a two-time all-conference selection and three-time letter winner for the Comets. She helped guide her team to the playoffs for the last two seasons.

"Mindy is a very scrappy and tough player that I really like," said McCall.  "She isn't afraid to get dirty on defense and has a very high softball IQ.  Offensively, she sees a ton of pitches and is tough to get out.  She will fit into what we are trying to do very nicely and we are excited to have her."

Mindy is the daughter of Jeri and John North. She is currently an undecided major.

Williamson is a first baseman from Laurens, S.C., where she attends Laurens District 55 High School. A member of the Raiders softball team, she was named the best offensive player and team MVP during her junior season.

"I'm extremely excited about adding a player the caliber of Maria," said McCall.  "She has great size and really good footwork around the bag at first.  Offensively, she has tremendous power and can be a big-time middle of the order type hitter at this level.  Maria has a chance to have a special career here at Coker and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her."

Maria is the daughter of L.E. and Jenny Williamson. She plans on being an education major at Coker.

Story by Aaron Beebe '15 sports information intern.