GREEK SOFTBALL FEDERATION ANNOUNCES 6 MORE ATHLETES TO 2017 WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER

May 1 st , 2017 (Athens, Greece) – Following the initial announcement of seven athletes on April 10, the GreekSoftball Federation is pleased to announce six more athletes selected to represent Greece at the European Softball Championship in Bollate, Italy, from June 25 to July 1, 2017.

Righthanded Pitcher Mia Marinakis – Chula Vista, California/Bonita Vista HS
Outfielder Alexis Bazos – Pound Ridge, New York/University of Notre Dame
Infielder Eleni Spirakis – Saratoga, California/Santa Clara University
Infielder Demi Patonis – Franklin, Tennessee/Youngstown University
Infielder/Outfielder Katie Vretzos – El Dorado, California/ Benicia HS
Catcher/Outfielder Kostantina Panagiotou – Athens, Greece

“Three of these six athletes are new to the Greek national Team program, and bring a highsoftball IQ and high skill level to our team” stated Head Coach Tony Foti. “Mia is a young highschool power pitcher, with a skill level beyond her years. She’ll add a much needed pitching armand a big power bat.”

“Alexis is a centerfielder playing on one of the premier college programs in the NCAA. She hasa great pedigree and can compete at the highest level although just 19 years old.”

“Spirakis is a legitimate 5 tool player. A high school pitcher who has transitioned to be acollegiate division 1 shortstop. Eleni will be for us a skill position player capable of playingseveral positions and also pitch a little.”

“Demi is the veteran returning to the team. Demi will bring experience, leadership and bringstability to a young team.”

“Katie also is a returning veteran, although only 17 years old. She played in last year’s WorldChampionships, so she has International softball under her belt already.”

“Kostantina is a veteran of international competition and has been part of the Greek nationalteam program for several events. Kostantina gives us dept at several positions and along withSkoragianni and Zavitsanou are Greek born players developed within the Greek softball system.Kostantina will be relied upon to help us all learn more about Geeek heritage and pride.”

“We have high expectations for 2017 and are excited to get this new Olympic cycle” startedcoach Tony Foti.

A list of 40 athletes have been selected to an athlete pool, chosen by the coaching staff.Performance at high school, club, collegiate, national and international events is used as one ofthe major contributors to the selections. While some objective criteria is used to select the team,it is also recognized that there is a significant subjective element. These elements included suchfactors as performance, experience, positional requirements, leadership and team cohesion. To beeligible to be invited, the athletes had to be members in good standing of the Greek SoftballFederation as well as being Greek citizens.

The coaching staff will consist of Tony Foti who will serve as the head coach with ShaneShowalter, Shan McDonald, Angel Santiago, Candida Cerri and Babis Trigonakis, who will all serve as assistant coaches. Team manager will be Denise Horafa and the team will be led by Greek Federation president Kostis Liarommatis