The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Blazers Bolster 2019 Class with Auburn Transfer KK Crocker
3/29/2019 7:22:00β―AM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM β The UAB softball team and head coach Jimmy Kolaitis announced the official signing of Auburn transfer KK Crocker to the program on Friday.
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"We are extremely excited in adding KK to our roster," said Kolaitis. "On the defensive side, she can play multiple positions. Offensively, she can attack you in so many different ways. She can play some short game or put a ball in the gap. Any time you can bring in a player with the experience KK has, it is beneficial to your program."
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Crocker, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will join UAB as a senior next season with two years of immediate eligibility remaining after refraining from competing in the 2019 season. Being an Auburn transfer, Crocker becomes the third SEC transfer and second from Auburn in Kolaitis' brief tenure. The incoming senior will join current Blazer starters Dylinn Stancil, previously of Ole Miss, and Jenna Olszewski, also from Auburn, in adding experience from the highest level of collegiate softball to the program. Crocker also has post season experience from her time with the Tigers as they competed in the NCAA Regionals last year and advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals the year prior.
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Splitting time at second base and as a designated player, Crocker appeared in 66 games with 36 starts over her first two seasons with the Auburn. Overall, the future Blazer posted a .288 batting average with 36 hits, 19 RBI and a perfect nine stolen bases on nine attempts as an underclassman.
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During her sophomore season alone, Crocker played in 39 games, starting in 22 of them including the first 12 games, and notched the best batting average for non-everyday starters on the team, ending at .388 on the season. Her 26 hits also led the non-everyday starters for Auburn on the year. Crocker finished the year at third on the team in on base percentage at a .440 clip, also ending with 20 runs and 16 RBI.
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As a freshman, Crocker saw the field in 27 games, earning 14 starts at second base including nine in SEC play. The former Tiger picked up 10 hits and three RBI while scoring nine runs after going 2-for-2 with a run scored in her first collegiate start.
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Prior to Auburn, Crocker attended Hillcrest High School, where she won three consecutive area and regional championships. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native earned All-State honors for her junior and senior seasons. Crocker was also named to the All-Tournament Team in 2014, 2015 and 2016, being selected to the 2015 All-Star Team as well. On the club ball side, Crocker was named to the Southern Regional All-American Team as well.
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"I chose UAB because I love the coaches and what they are trying to bring to this program," said Crocker. "I believe in what they teach, and I know it will work if we can all come together as a team and play hard! I know this program is going to be very special in the next couple of years. UAB has one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and I can't wait to be a Blazer!"
For more information on the UAB softball team follow the Blazers onΒ Twitter andΒ InstagramΒ (@UAB_SB).
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"We are extremely excited in adding KK to our roster," said Kolaitis. "On the defensive side, she can play multiple positions. Offensively, she can attack you in so many different ways. She can play some short game or put a ball in the gap. Any time you can bring in a player with the experience KK has, it is beneficial to your program."
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Crocker, a native of Tuscaloosa, Ala., will join UAB as a senior next season with two years of immediate eligibility remaining after refraining from competing in the 2019 season. Being an Auburn transfer, Crocker becomes the third SEC transfer and second from Auburn in Kolaitis' brief tenure. The incoming senior will join current Blazer starters Dylinn Stancil, previously of Ole Miss, and Jenna Olszewski, also from Auburn, in adding experience from the highest level of collegiate softball to the program. Crocker also has post season experience from her time with the Tigers as they competed in the NCAA Regionals last year and advanced to the NCAA Super Regionals the year prior.
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Splitting time at second base and as a designated player, Crocker appeared in 66 games with 36 starts over her first two seasons with the Auburn. Overall, the future Blazer posted a .288 batting average with 36 hits, 19 RBI and a perfect nine stolen bases on nine attempts as an underclassman.
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During her sophomore season alone, Crocker played in 39 games, starting in 22 of them including the first 12 games, and notched the best batting average for non-everyday starters on the team, ending at .388 on the season. Her 26 hits also led the non-everyday starters for Auburn on the year. Crocker finished the year at third on the team in on base percentage at a .440 clip, also ending with 20 runs and 16 RBI.
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As a freshman, Crocker saw the field in 27 games, earning 14 starts at second base including nine in SEC play. The former Tiger picked up 10 hits and three RBI while scoring nine runs after going 2-for-2 with a run scored in her first collegiate start.
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Prior to Auburn, Crocker attended Hillcrest High School, where she won three consecutive area and regional championships. The Tuscaloosa, Ala., native earned All-State honors for her junior and senior seasons. Crocker was also named to the All-Tournament Team in 2014, 2015 and 2016, being selected to the 2015 All-Star Team as well. On the club ball side, Crocker was named to the Southern Regional All-American Team as well.
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"I chose UAB because I love the coaches and what they are trying to bring to this program," said Crocker. "I believe in what they teach, and I know it will work if we can all come together as a team and play hard! I know this program is going to be very special in the next couple of years. UAB has one of the best coaching staffs in the country, and I can't wait to be a Blazer!"
For more information on the UAB softball team follow the Blazers onΒ Twitter andΒ InstagramΒ (@UAB_SB).
Players Mentioned
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