UNCP Softball Adds Cloninger And Klemann

PEMBROKE - UNCP head softball coach Lacinda Melanson has announced the additions of Taylor Cloninger and Natalie Klemann to her 2010 recruiting class as the two prep standouts declared their intentions to continue their playing careers with the Black & Gold.

"We are very excited to have Taylor and Natalie joining us next year," said Melanson. "They are both very hard working young ladies and know how to prioritize academics and athletics. We believe they will fit very well with our present team and they will definitely contribute to our future goals for the program."

Cloninger, a 5-5 middle infielder from Jacksonville, N.C., plays for coach Jay Fields at Richlands High School. During her junior season the Wildcats went 26-0 heading into the state playoffs, before finishing as state runners-up with a record of 28-2. Cloninger batted .494 with 42 runs scored, 34 runs batted in, 10 doubles and seven home runs in her junior campaign.

"Taylor is a great athlete and has a great background," said Melanson. "She is a utility type of player with good speed and a threatening bat. Taylor is also a good student so we are confident she will help us with our goals on and off the field."

Cloninger was named the Class 2A Eastern Player of the Year, while also earning all-state, all-conference and all-district accolades for her efforts on the season. She also has lettered in basketball and volleyball.

The daughter of Darin and Angie Cloninger, Taylor is a member of the Beta Club and the National Technical Honors Society. She plans on majoring in sports medicine upon her arrival on campus.

Klemann, a 5-5 pitcher from Apex, N.C., plays for Bonnie Hodge at Apex High School. In her junior year she helped lead the Cougars to a 19-3 record as AHS made the fourth round of the state playoffs. She recorded an earned run average of 1.08 in 142 innings pitched, striking out 164 batters on the season.

"Natalie is a great pick up for us this year," said Melanson. "She is a pitcher that will definitely help with our depth on the mound, while also providing us with another offensive threat. She is very sound academically and we feel that she will continue to excel while at Pembroke. "

Klemann was named the defensive player of the year while also earning all-state honors. She was named all-district and all-conference for her efforts, earning North Carolina Scholar Athlete accolades in the process. She plays her travel ball for coach James Barrington and the Carolina Flames.

The daughter of Rick and Geneva Klemann, Natalie plans on majoring in accounting. She's made honor roll the past for years and is a member of the National Honor Society.