After leading the Maple Leaf softball program to its first 10 win season since 2003, Mast has laid the ground work for even more success. The latest group of signings are a testament to his work in the local softball arena.

A standout softball, basketball, and volleyball player at local Goshen High School, Britta Abney has signed to play for the Maple Leafs in 2009-10.

“I have been looking for the local factor and Britta’s signing could be the stepping stone,” said Mast, who coached Abney during his tenure at the high school. “Not only are we getting an outstanding athlete, but also a quality student.”

Britta is the daughter of Greg and Charlene Abney and will study secondary education with a focus in mathematics at Goshen College.

Ritchie singled home the winning run in the bottom of the seventh while earning the win in the circle for West Noble in the section championship game and will now bring that winning attitude to Goshen College in the fall.

“Both Jordan and Brittany (Moser) are great leaders, having passed their great work ethics on to the younger players,” high school coach Jared Knepper said. “Both are great role models.”

Jordan is the daughter of Scott and Nila Ritchie and has yet to decide on her field of study.

Another local star, Brittany Moser helped West Noble to a 22-10 record and its first-ever sectional championship.

“It is rare to get two players of this quality from the same high school,” Mast said. “They can come in and help our program.”

The daughter of Matt and Robin Moser, Brittany will study nursing at Goshen College beginning in the fall.

The sister of current Maple Leaf softball player Liz Berg, Kathryn will join her sister with the Goshen College softball program in 2009-10.

“Kathryn plays with no fear and is a very versatile player who can play anywhere in the infield or outfield,” Mast explained. “She has played a lot of travel ball in Canada and up and down the West Coast so she has a lot of experience that will help improve our program.”

An outstanding athlete, Whitney Gulley will play both softball and basketball at Goshen College in 2009-10.

“Whitney has great outfield skills and being a lefty with speed really got my attention,” Mast said. “She can hit for power as well as bunt and slap. She is a great fit and I am looking forward to having her in our program.”

Part of an outstanding program at Fort Wayne Snider High School, Stacey Klein, a middle infielder will join the Maple Leafs in the fall.

“Stacey has great softball IQ,” Mast said. “She has great speed out on the base paths, can bat lefty or righty, and has exceptional bat control.”

At Snider, Klein has been part of four conference championship teams and a 4A section title in 2008 as a junior.

A Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Winner, Stephanie Osborn will join the Maple Leaf sin 2009-10. In addition to varsity softball, Osborn has played four years of basketball and two each of golf and volleyball at Angola High School.

“Stephanie is just a great kid and is very active in her community and loves to help others,” Mast added. “She has a very good bat and hits with a lot of power.”

Very active in the community, Osborn in part of the National Honor Society, Circle of Friends, and Kids on the Block. The daughter of Theresa and Jack Osborn, Stephanie will study secondary education with the hopes of becoming a middle school math teacher.