Presque Isle, ME – The UMPI Owls softball team welcomes newest members of the team for the 2022-23 year. Zoe Stewart from Prince Edward Island joins the Owls along with Hailey Saylor, an incoming first year from Port Jefferson Station, NY.
Stewart an infielder, who primarily plays the corners (first and third) will look to study Biology as her major while at UMPI. At her high school, Charlottetown Rural High School, Stewart played for coaches George Drover and Seth Hood. "Zoe has an explosive arm and can hit the ball a mile. Zoe brings 100% effort to the field day in and day out. She will not disappoint!" Said coach Hood.
Stewart shares he thoughts on choosing to attend UMPI, "Softball has been such a big part of my life, and playing for UMPI will give me the opportunity to grow both physically and mentally in my softball career." Head coach, Alissa Edwards shares her excitement for her new infielder, "I'm very excited for Zoe to join our program this coming fall. She brings tons of power to our lineup, as well as a great glove at the corners. I'm looking forwards to working with her!"
Hailey Saylor also joins the Owls this '22-'23 season out of New York. The incoming first year attended Comsewogue High School where she put up impressive numbers in her final season. In just 14 games this season, Saylor hit a .512 batting average, .623 on base percentage with a .902 slugging percentage and bringing in 23 RBIs. The utility player spent the majority of the time on the mound as well, facing 392 batters and striking out 115 of them, including 34 looking Ks.
"UMPI felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus, I'm so excited to make it official." Said Saylor about her commitment to UMPI. Coach Edwards shares her excitement' "Hailey is a very well rounded student athlete. She is a dominate pitcher that will be a great addition to our pitching staff. She also gets the job done at the plate as well. I am thrilled to have Hailey join our program next fall!"
Saylor's travel coach, Terry Ulmer and high school coach Joel Sutherland each shared there thoughts on Saylor's decision to attend UMPI. "Hailey is the pure definition of a gamer! She has a great love for the game and plays the game the way it's meant to be played, with grit, determination, passion and heart." Coach Ulmer continues, "It's been a true honor to have coached her. I know she will excel at the next level and chapter of her life at UMPI, and they are lucky to have her!" Coach Sutherland adds, "In my 22 years of coaching, Hailey is the top of the top. Special, is the word I'm choosing to use. And it's not one thing…it's everything! UMPI is getting an amazing talent, but even more an amazing young lady."
The UMPI family along with the Owls softball team would like to welcome Zoe Stewart and Hailey Saylor to UMPI!