NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State head softball coach Kary Kankey announced on Tuesday the signing of two athletes who will play for the Spartans beginning in the 2011 season. They are outfielder Alexa Fleming (Vienna, Va./James Madison HS) and pitcher Jamie Schulle (Maxwell, Texas/Lockhart HS).

Fleming and Schulle join shortstop/outfielder Morgan Boyd (Chesapeake, Va./Indian River HS), catcher Kathy Cortez (Pomona, Calif./Garey HS), first baseman/outfielder Nikole Jones (Providence Forge, Va./New Kent HS) and first baseman/outfielder Melina Valles (Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes HS) who signed with the Spartans in November.

Fleming hit .310 in 10 games during her senior season in 2010. She earned Liberty District Second-Team honors as a junior and plays with the 18 and under Gold Baseliners travel softball team. Fleming, who was accepted into NSU’s Honors Program, attended Bishop O’Connell HS in Arlington, Va. during her freshman and sophomore years.

“One of our goals with this year’s recruiting was to add athletic, versatile players and Alexa fits that bill perfectly,” Kankey said. "During the recruiting process, we saw her play outfield, first base and third base, and I think she will be ready to play wherever we put her. She is a solid hitter from one of the strongest high school districts in the state. Alexa will bring a great energy to our program and we are excited to have her join us.”

Schulle went 11-2 in the pitching circle with a 1.29 ERA in 88 innings for Lockhart HS as a senior in 2010. She recorded 88 strikeouts, six shutouts and one perfect game while helping LHS to the Co-District 17 4A championship title. At the plate in 2010, she hit .247 with 14 RBI, two triples and one double. The left-handed pitcher earned first-team all-district and academic all-district honors after her junior year and was accepted into NSU’s Honors Program.

“We are thrilled to add Jamie to our program,” Kankey said. “As a left-handed pitcher, she will give us a different look on the mound. We are expecting her to be able to step in immediately and pitch meaningful innings for us. Jamie is also a hard worker, a leader and a great student.”