May 18, 2001

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland softball program announced the signing of another student-athlete, Christen Cuozzi of Langhorne, Pa., to a national letter of intent for the 2001-02 academic year. Cuozzi, an addition during the 2001 spring period, becomes the latest signed member of Gina LaMandre's recruiting class that will arrive in College Park this fall.

"We're excited about having Christen," said LaMandre. "We think that she, along with the other incoming student-athletes, will do great things for us."

Cuozzi was a four-year standout at Neshamimy High School in Langhorne, Pa., and can play a number of defensive positions. The future Terp's defensive skills can be utilized at corner and middle infield positions and in the outfield. She displays tremendous range, excellent reflexes, a powerful throwing arm and the ability to hit to all fields.

In the summers, Cuozzi is a member of the vaunted Pennsylvania Blazing Angels and helped to lead her squad to the 2000 ASA National Championship. An accomplished student as well as an athlete, she comes to Maryland invited to participate in the College Park Scholars program.

Cuozzi joins national letter of intent signees Jessica Aditays (RHP, Shrewsbury, Mass.), Lauren Pollock (IF/OF, Severna Park, Md.) and Nneka Cardoza (SS, Brockton, Mass.) as part of the Terrapins' incoming freshman class.

In addition to the signees, newcomers Lindsay Reed (Millville, N.J.) and Laura Angle (Columbia, Md.) have accepted admission to the university and will join the squad when practice begins in the fall. Reed will provide depth as a catcher/utility player, while Angle will see time in the Terps' outfield.

The Terps finished the 2001 season with a 39-23 record after a third-place finish at the ACC Championships. The win total is the second-highest in program history, as is the .629 season winning percentage.

Contact: Mark Fratto
301-314-7064 (phone)
301-314-9094 (fax)
301-314-TERP
fratto@wam.umd.edu