OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Cheyenne Coyle has been named to the 2011 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced today. The shortstop from West Hills, Calif., replaces Shelby Pendley (Albuquerque, N.M.), who underwent surgery on her knee after sustaining an injury in a recent USA Softball game. 

“Although we hate to lose Shelby, we are so fortunate to be able to have a player of Chey's caliber to come on and be a part of our 2011 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team,” said Head Coach Karen Johns (Whippany, N.J.). “When faced with Shelby's injury, I immediately asked the Women’s National Team Selection Committee to approve Chey. She is a tremendous player who will undoubtedly make great contributions to our team. We are thankful that she can be a part if our family.” 

Coyle is entering her sophomore season at Florida, runners-up at the 2011 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. As a freshman, she started in all 69 games that the 56-13 Gators played. In her 173 at bats, she had 55 hits including three doubles and 17 home runs, accumulating a .318 batting average. Coyle scored 55 runs and had 60 RBI. 

“Representing the USA has always been a dream of mine from a very young age,” Coyle said. “I am extremely grateful to have this opportunity to represent my country on and off the field. I look forward to being able to compete with and against some of the best young softball players from all over the world.” 

The Junior Women’s National Team recently completed an exhibition series that brought them to Tampa, Fla., Salem, Va., and Bowie, Md. The team competes next Dec. 6-17 at the International Softball Federation (ISF) IX Junior Women's World Championship (19-and-under) in Cape Town, South Africa. The United States is the defending champion. 

Junior Women’s Worlds will mark Coyle’s first appearance with USA Softball. She attended the 2010-11 USA Softball Junior Women’s National Team Selection Camp, held in June 2010, and the 2011 USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Camp. 

-Courtesy of ASA/USA Softball