NATCHITOCHES – Natchitoches Central standout Taylor Alexander and three Texas natives make up the first group of early signees for the 2014 freshman class of the Northwestern State softball team, announced Monday afternoon by fifth year head coach Donald Pickett.
 
Alexander and Hailee Rhodes from Klein High School in Klein will fill the middle infield, while Kaytie Proctor from Centennial High School in Dallas works from behind the plate, and  Kaylee Parker from Liberty High School in Liberty will work the catcher/corner infielder positions. 
 
"This class brings a lot of talent and experience with them, and they're something we're looking forward to working with," said Pickett. "We added a large class this year, but these players will bring a lot of depth to their positions."
 
Alexander picked up second team All-District Designated Hitter awards as a sophomore and led the Chiefs to a Bi-District championship, followed by a first-team All-District shortstop recognition, a bid to the first round of playoffs and the team's Most Valuable Player award her junior year. Alexander has been named team captain for the 2014 season and is a member of National Honor Society, BETA Club and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), as well as a member of the Natchitoches Central Honor Roll.
 
Rhodes has earned first-team All-District in each of her three seasons at Klein so far, as well as Academic All-District this past season. She picked up Newcomer of the Year awards as a junior and is the good sportsmanship league representative. Rhodes is also a National Honor Society member.
 
Despite being injured for half of last year's season, Proctor picked up District 9-4A Catcher of the Year and first-team All-District accolades, while leading the team to a regional semi-final game. Proctor was first-team All-District and team MVP as a sophomore, and notched District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman.
 
Twice named District 22-3A Defensive Most Valuable Player, Parker picked up All-State awards last season, 2011 Newcomer of the Year, and Academic All-District accolades in her three years at Liberty.