Nov. 15, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head coach Kate Drohan has announced the signing of two future Wildcats to National Letters of Intent. Erin Dyer (Lockport, Ill./Lockport Township) and Erin Hampshire (Winnetka, Ill./New Trier) will join NU for the 2006 season.
"I am excited about this class not only for their talent and tenacity on the softball field, but also because of their character and work ethic away from softball," Drohan said. "I feel they truly embrace the idea of being a student-athlete at one of the best universities in the country."
Dyer, a Lockport, Ill., native, hit .429 with 40 RBIs and 22 doubles as a junior last season, leading Lockport Township to conference and state championships.
"We have been watching Erin Dyer play for some time with her very successful high school team and great summer programs," Drohan said. "Erin is one of the toughest high school catchers I have seen. She is a fierce competitor with a strong arm and tremendous knowledge of the game. Erin will play an important role in shaping the future of our program."
Erin Hampshire played the first three seasons of her high school career at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Ariz., before transferring to New Trier in Winnetka, Ill., for her senior year. She is a two-time all-state selection in Arizona, where she led Chaparral to a third-place finish in the state last season.
"Erin Hampshire will be a great addition to our program," Drohan said. "Erin is an infielder who hits for both average and power. Erin believes strongly in our university and has an impressive work ethic in the classroom and on the field. The combination of Erin's skills and experience will have an immediate impact on our offensive production."
Below are complete bios for Dyer and Hampshire:
High School: Named all-state and first team all-area during junior season ... Hit .429 with 22 doubles, 31 runs and 40 RBI as a junior ... Led team to 2004 state championship ... Earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore ... Named to second team all-area during sophomore year ... Also lettered two years in volleyball ... Played for Orland Park Sparks and Whiteford Sharks club teams ... Member of National Honor Society ... Honor roll student.
Personal: Born Erin Amanda Dyer on 12/19/86 ... Daughter of Robert and Therese Dyer ... Chose Northwestern over DePaul, UIC, Illinois, Iowa, and Purdue ... Plans to major in Communications.
High School: Named all-state honorable mention in junior year and all-state second team as a sophomore by the Arizona Republic ... Named to first team East Sky Region in her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons ... Led team to a third place finish in state during junior season ... Had a .432 batting average with a .642 OBP and 31 RBI during junior year ... Hit .465 as a sophomore with 40 RBI and a .624 OBP ... Won Golden Glove Award in sophomore and junior years ... Named first team selection of the East Valley Tribune for freshman, sophomore and junior seasons ... Named first team selection of the Scottsdale Views for sophomore and junior seasons ... Named Scholar Athlete in junior year ... Honor Roll student.
Personal: Born Erin Danae Hampshire on 12/2/86 ... Daughter of Dave and Karen Hampshire ... Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox attended same high school ... Major is undecided.