Just seven weeks on the job, Virginia Tech’s softball coach Pete D’Amour has hit the ground running and reeled in three additions to the Hokies’ roster for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
The first-year coach for the Hokies brings in incoming freshmen Maddi (short for Madison) Banks and Stacy Kalt and rising sophomore Al (short for Alexandra) Velazquez.
“We’re excited to welcome Alex, Maddi and Stacy to Blacksburg,” D’Amour said. “All three possess strong work ethics and they love to compete. They are high-character individuals who will fit in well with the culture we’re going to continue to build here.
“I would like to thank all three of these young ladies and their families for believing in our vision for Virginia Tech softball.”
Maddi Banks (left in picture)
5’6″ | Middle Infielder
Bettendorf, Iowa
Bettendorf HS
High School: A three-sport athlete during her prep career, playing softball, track and basketball … Played for the Beverly Bandits and Iowa Premier Firebirds for softball … Won two championships with the Bandits – IDT Boulder and PGF Nationals … And won a championship with the Firebirds, as well as MVP honors for the national tournament … Two-year letterwinner on the basketball team, earning team captain status on varsity … Ran in the sprints on the track, earning a state title, four letters, all-conference, team MVP and a Drake Relay title on her way to setting two school records … Earned three letters on the volleyball team, acting as a team manager … Earned Best Female Athlete award at Bettendorf … Academic awards include being on the academic honor roll, all-conference academic, Best Buddies and RSVP.
Personal: Madison Marie Banks … Born May 29, 1999 … Daughter of Eric and Desiree Banks … Sister of Collin … Her brother, Collin, played collegiate baseball … Planning on majoring in communications … Hopes to become a college softball coach.
“I decided on Virginia Tech because I gelled well with the coaching staff and I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Blacksburg,” Banks said. “I am very fortunate to be given this opportunity to play at such a high level and I look forward to competing day in and day out with my teammates.”
Stacy Kalt (middle in picture)
5’6″ | Utility
Fallon, Nev.
Churchill County HS
High School: A two-sport athlete during her prep career, playing softball and basketball … Won two state championships and two region titles … Owned a .444 batting average, 15 home runs and 29 doubles … Earned team offensive MVP, all-conference and all-state honors while being a captain … Played as a guard on the basketball team, earning a letter and making it to the region and state tournaments.
Personal: Stacey Kalt … Born March 2, 2000 … Daughter of Alan and Kieran Kalt … Sister of Thaaron and Garrett … Her brother, Thaaron, won a state championship in golf … Planning on majoring in human nutrition, foods and exercise … Hopes to become a registered nurse.
“I look forward to contributing to the success in the classroom and on the field,” Kalt said. “I am thrilled to be working with such incredible coaches and teammates to help build upon the winning traditions here at Virginia Tech. I have never been more proud to say, ‘This is Home!'”
Al Velazquez (right in picture)
5’5″ | Outfield
Aurora, Colo.
Chanhassen HS
Minnesota: Appeared in 22 games for the Golden Gophers, including eight starts … Batted .235 with two doubles, four runs scored and five RBIs … Recorded a two-run double against No. 19 Kentucky on Feb. 23 … Posted a multi-hit game against New Mexico State on March 17, driving in two runs … A part of the 2018 Big Ten Tournament champions.
High School: Played three years of prep ball at Grandview High School … Played all nine positions … Three-year letter winner … Two-time all-city, all-conference and all-state … A part of the 2014 5A state champions … Moved to the state of Minnesota her senior year and played for Chanhassen High School, earning one letter … Played centerfield and earned all-city, all-conference and all-state … Team finished third at the state tournament … Played for the Colorado Stars travel organization and took seventh place at PGF Nationals … First-team FloSoftball HS All-America selection … First-team All-American PGF East … Louisville Slugger HS All-American hit club … Two-time Academic All-State selection … Graduate with honors, Cum Laude at Chanhassen … Earned Freshman Maroon Honor Roll at Minnesota.
Personal: Alexandra Naya Velazquez … Born Feb. 28, 1999 … Daughter of Frank and Dawn Velazquez … Sister of Alyssa Velazquez-Innis … Her sister, Alyssa, pitched at Norfolk State from 2006-10 … Alyssa was first-team All-MEAC and team MVP … Planning on majoring in criminology … Hopes to become a law enforcement officer.
“I feel like I can finally breath,” Velazquez said. “I know I will be my happiest in Blacksburg. I’m stoked for this new season with new coaches and teammates, just knowing that we’re going to do lots of damage – no doubt.”
–VT Athletics
