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2010-02-09

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 10:56 PM

Photo courtesy of Brad Graf

Ottawa High School senior Alyssa Miller was joined by her parents, Kenny and Lisa Miller, and younger brother, Aaron, during her signing ceremony Tuesday in the OHS library.

Ottawa's Miller fits bill for Emporia State

By Greg Mast/Herald Sports Editor

Emporia State University softball coach Kristi Bredbenner knew exactly what she wanted.

The Lady Hornets have been one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the nation during her five-year coaching tenure. Emporia State was national runner-up in 2006 and 2008.

She followed high school teams and summer and fall teams looking for the right types of players to add to her program.

One player who caught her eye was Ottawa High School senior Alyssa Miller. Bredbenner watched Miller in several of the Cyclone games last spring, including the state tournament.

She also saw Miller play throughout the summer and fall months in tournaments across the nation. She also talked to OHS coach Corey Katzer about Miller.

A relationship formed. Miller visited the campus and participated in one of the practices.

“It was an upbeat practice,” Miller said. “All the girls were nice. The coaches were really welcoming. They explained everything.”

They put Miller at ease.

The OHS Cyclone knew that was the place for her. She made it official Tuesday morning when she signed with the Lady Hornets in the OHS library in front of her family, friends and teammates.

“It is a big relief,” Miller said. “They were the No. 1 choice. [Coach Bredbenner] e-mailed. She saw me play quite a bit. She made me more relaxed [when she came].”

Miller is the second OHS softball player to sign with a college. Last week, Shelby Miller signed with Northern Illinois.

Katzer said Miller is going to a top-notch program.

“It is a top-flight deal,” Katzer said. “It is a Division II team that can compete with any Division I program.”

The coach said Miller is the kind of player and person that fits Bredbenner’s system.

Miller possesses a lot of speed and athleticism.

“Speed kills,” Katzer said. “They are aggressive on the bases. She can hit for average and get on base.”

Plus Miller has a strong, accurate arm in the outfield. She had four assists last year for the Cyclones.

“Those are the things that attracted a place like Emporia State,” Katzer said. “She is a diamond in the rough. You never have to question her work ethic.”

Miller played for two different teams — the Bandits and Extreme — during the summer and fall months.

Those teams played in tourneys against high-level high school-age competition.

Miller said playing at that level made her a better player and displayed her weaknesses.

She said all areas of her game are still evolving.

The kind of player Bredbenner covets.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com

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Ottawa's Miller fits bill for Emporia State

By Greg Mast/Herald Sports Editor

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.