WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Veteran West Liberty University softball coach Herb Minch has announced the signing of Wheeling Park High School standout Angela Johnson as the newest member of the Hilltoppers’ 2010-11 recruiting class.
“We’re always excited to sign a local player, especially one as talented as Angela,” said Minch, who is closing in on his 400th career victory after 17 seasons at the West Liberty helm.
“I know she battled through some injury problems this year but she’s an outstanding pitcher who swings a pretty good bat. Angela’s a very good athlete who has a chance to contribute right away.”
Johnson had a 45-12 career record in the circle for Patriot head coach Dee Davis, racking up 380 strikeouts and posting 17 shutout wins.
She was a first-team All-State selection and the OVAC Class 4A Player of the Year as a junior after going 18-2 with a 0.85 ERA. Johnson was slowed by a leg injury for much of her senior season but still managed to strike out 98 batters in 112 innings while posting a 1.40 ERA. She also led Wheeling Park with a .394 batting average and drove in 30 runs.
A two-time first-team All-Valley and All-OVAC honoree, Johnson received special mention from the all-state voters as a senior despite the injury and was chosen to play in the West Virginia North-South All-Star Game.
