Fremd Softball Plays Signs Letter of Intent for University of Illinois

Leigh Farina, a Fremd High School softball player, has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Illinois, according to an e-mail from Farina.  

The shortstop and three-year starter for Fremd High School has helped lea the Vikings to three-straight regional championships as well as the 2011 Sectional Finals (Sweet 16), according to a University of Illinois press release. 

At the plate, she hit .495 with eight home runs and 45 RBI in 2013, and sits in the top 10 in the Fremd single-season record books in nearly every offensive category, according to the news release.

Following both the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Farina, of Rolling Meadows, was named First-Team Daily Herald Cook County All-Area, First-Team All-Conference Mid-Suburban League, a Top 100 Player by the Chicago Sun Times, and earned All-State accolades from the Illinois Coaches Association, including a First Team selection this past season.

"Leigh is the most physically talented two-way player we've ever had in the history of our program," said Fremd Softball Coach Jim Weaver in the news release. "She is an electric player capable of dominating a game with her bat as well as her glove. The sky is truly the limit for her."

In three years with the 16U/18U Illinois Patriots Elite (2009-11), Farina led her travel team to a pair of top-4 finishes at ASA Nationals, including placing second in 2011. After joining the 18U Illinois Bash Gold in 2012, Farina's team returned to 18U ASA Gold Nationals this past season.

"Not only does she have a cannon, but she has the quickest hands I've ever seen," said Bash Coach Jim Goranson in the news release. "As a senior this year, Leigh has become a real leader. She has done everything from being a compassionate teammate to being one who isn't afraid to get in a player's face who isn't giving the effort they are capable of."

Farina has been an Honor Roll student all three years at Fremd. 

Source: University of Illinois press release