AboutUs

2010 will be the 6th summer for the Thunder organization to feature an 18U team. In 2009 the team took it's first step into the Gold arena and 2010 will be our 1st full Gold season. The Thunder 18U strives to play at the highest level against the best competition on the East Coast. Of course the team has a goal of winning at the highest level but at the same time a major goal of the team is to get our players showcased to college coaches. The Thunder 18U Gold team plays in the best college showcases on the East Coast including the Pennsbury Invitational, Jersey Outlaws, Stop DWI Binghamton, Delaware Invitational, etc. Read below to learn more about our players.

Class of 2010

Four players return to the Thunder team from the class of 2010. Katie Mangold returns as one of the team's top pitchers after a strong 2009 season. Katie throws 58-59mph and has a drop, change, screw and rise. Katie is very composed on the mound and is working extremely hard to take her game to the next level. When not on the mound, Katie plays 1st, 3rd and outfield. Samantha McQuade returns to the team for a 4th season. Sam has been one of the team's top hitters since her freshman campaign and looks to continue that tradition this year. Sam will play 1st and 3rd base and maybe some outfield. Sam is one of 3 captains on this year's team. Destiny James returns to the team as a utility player. Destiny hits from the left side and brings very good speed to the team. DJ will play shortstop, 2nd base and outfield for the team. Adria Lewis is the final returning 2010 player, returning to play outfield, 3rd base and catch for the team. Adria is a power hitter and one of the team captains. New to the Thunder organization this year, Samantha Herndon joins the team as a 3rd baseman, shortstop and outfielder. Sam has a bat and looks to contribute in many places. Lauren Abbott also joins the team as an alternate from the 16U Silver Thunder team. Lauren is an outfielder and a very strong bunter. Lauren will sit out the Fall season with a shoulder injury but will be back as an alternate for the team by summer.

Class of 2011

One of the strongest junior classes to ever play for the Thunder is led by returners Amanda Lutz and Kourtney Paige. Amanda returns to the team as the starting 2nd baseman and one of the team's top pitchers. Amanda has a great glove and hits in the top of the lineup. On the mound Amanda throws in the upper 50's and has very good movement. Kourtney Paige will return to the hot corner for the Thunder. KP also will spend time at 1st base and will bat in the 4 or 5 spot in the lineup. Kourtney hits for power and has great footwork in the field. Joining the 18U team from the Thunder 16U Silver team is Shanan Plunkett. Shanan joins the team as a catcher and a true utility player. Shanan is a strong catcher but has the ability to play any other position on the field besides pitcher. Shanan has a lot of power at the plate as well. Shanan is also a team captain who leads by example. Kaylee Werner joins the Thunder organization for the 1st time this year. Kaylee will start for the team at shortstop and will also catch and play some outfield. Kaylee is a power hitter but also hits consistently.

Class of 2012

The Thunder has 2 players representing the class of 2012. Both Danielle Parks and Morgan Purdham move up to 18U from the Thunder 14U team. Danielle will spend time at shortstop, 2nd base and in the outfield and is working on her pitcher in hopes of contributing from the mound. Danielle is very fast and is a strong hitter with a great arm in the field. Morgan is a pitcher throwing 59mph with a great drop, a change and rise. Morgan will play 1st base when she isn't pitching. Morgan will contribute to the Thunder team on the mound for several years.

Class of 2013

This year the team features 2 young players from the class of 2013. Rachel Thomas joins the team from the 14U Thunder team as a pitcher. Rachel throws in the mid 50's and has a drop, rise, change and screw. Rachel will also play 3rd base and 1st base for the team. Rachel looks to be one of the team's top pitchers over the next few Danielle "Boo" Wissinger comes to the Thunder organization for the 1st time this year. Boo is a great catcher with a strong arm behind the plate. Boo also plays 3rd base and outfield and will hit in the middle of the lineup. Boo hits for power from the left but also bunts and slaps.