JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (May 1, 2007) - ETSU softball head coach Andrea Mangrum and her staff announced Tuesday afternoon that Katie Henderson (Jackson, Tenn.) has signed a national letter of intent to play for the Bucs next spring, becoming the first addition to the 2007 Softball Bucs.

Henderson, a catcher from Trinity Christian Academy, is a very strong and reliable athlete as she has started every game behind the plate for the Lady Lions since eighth grade (184 total games through the 2006 season). The Jackson, Tenn. native led her team to the 2006 TSSAA Class A State Title, marking the first time in school history the Lady Lions have won the championship, as well as being selected to her high school's Sports Hall of Fame this year. The outstanding catcher was also named All-State, All-District and All-West Tenn. During her first four seasons at TCA, Henderson has posted a .400 batting average, with eight home runs, 85 RBI, 36 stolen bases and 158 runs scored.

"She is a very quick and versatile athlete, and we can expect her to make a big impact during her career at ETSU," added Mangrum. Not only is she a gifted athlete but she excels in the classroom as she was named to the National Honor Roll and received the Academic Excellence Award. "Katie is a strong academic student and fits the character and integrity that we are looking for to build a successful program."

Henderson is one of four recruits Mangrum and her staff hope to sign within the upcoming weeks. The 2007 ETSU softball team is currently finishing up with final exams this week and preparing for the 2007 Atlantic Sun Tournament presented by Coca-Cola. The Bucs will face fourth-seeded Lipscomb next Thursday; May 10 in DeLand, Fla. Game times have yet to be announced.