Hokie Club
BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech softball will have one more newcomer on its roster this spring, as pitcher Keara Napoli announced that she will transfer to the Hokies and be eligible to play during the 2019 season on Tuesday.
Napoli is now one of 11 newcomers on Tech's team, consisting of two pitchers, seven infielders and two outfielders. The incoming sophomore is a righty who played in eight games at Georgia this past spring.
"Keara was on my radar prior to her verbal in high school and I'm looking forward to her bolstering our pitching staff," Tech coach Pete D'Amour said. "As I've gotten to know her, she fits the personality I look for in potential players.
"She's a hard worker, brings a positive attitude every day and wants to get better. She had a lot of universities interested in her and I'm thankful she chose to be a Hokie."
The Alpharetta, Georgia native pitched in 8.1 innings in Athens, fanning three batters and only allowing two earned runs. She also got it done in the classroom, making SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Prior to her time with the Bulldogs, Napoli led Cambridge High School to a 102-19 record with a career 1.04 ERA and 908 strikeouts. Georgia's Gatorade Player of the Year, Napoli led the Bears to a GHSA state championship in 2016.
Napoli also won the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) Player of the Year and played on the 2016 USA Elite Select All-America Team. During her prep days in the summer, she played travel ball with the Ohana Tigers and Atlanta Vipers.
Tech will begin its season on Feb. 8, taking on Wichita State and Central Michigan in Charleston, South Carolina at the Holy City Showdown, as College of Charleston plays host.