Armbruster signs with Texas Tech

By MARK WILSON / Staff Writer

A trip to Texas Tech for a softball camp last summer helped Abilene High senior Kelly Armbruster decide she wanted to pitch for the Red Raiders.

Armbruster signed a letter-of-intent to play softball at Texas Tech on Monday after considering offers from the University of Texas, Texas-Arlington, Colorado State, the University of Washington and Texas Lutheran.

"I went there for camp last summer and I liked what I saw - the facilities, coaching staff and players," said Armbruster, who was 22-10 with a 1.87 earned run average as a junior for the Lady Eagles last season. "They all seemed real down to earth."

Armbruster again had a favorable impression when she visited Lubbock last weekend.

"Once I went down there and saw Tech and the campus, it made the decision a lot easier," Armbruster said. "I knew when I went down there that's where I wanted to be."

Armbruster has been on the Abilene High varsity in both volleyball and softball since her freshman season. She played on the varsity basketball team last year, but has decided not to play this season - although she does miss it.

"This is one of the main reasons I decided not to play basketball, so I could get a scholarship. All the hard work has finally paid off. It's been worth it," she said. "I have been watching some of the (basketball) games, and that has made me miss it."

Armbruster liked what she heard from Tech softball coach Renee Gillispie, and was also impressed by pitching coach Bobby Reeves.

"They've got a pitching coach that's incredible," she said. "That's one thing I've never really had. I thought that could help me. He knows a lot about pitching and mechanics.

"Last year was the first year for softball at Tech, so they're a pretty young team. They brought quite a few players in from junior colleges. They're looking to become real competitive in the next few years. They're looking to become one of the top teams in the Big 12."

In 149 innings last season, Armbruster struck out 145 batters and gave up 129 hits. She had a record of 41-16 over the past two seasons.

"She should have a great career at Tech," AHS coach Jody Anderson said. "She's a great leader on and off the field. Tech's lucky to get her.

"That's where she wanted to be, and I think she's going to help their program, moving right in as a freshman next year."