All-Time C-USA Strikeout Leader Keli Harrell, who enters her first season as a student assistant coach, joins the coaching staff as one of the best pitchers to come through the Pirate program as well as Conference USA. She is the C-USA all-time leader in strikeouts as she struck out 943 batters over her playing career. The Greenville, N.C. native also ranks in the top five in virtually every ECU pitching category, including first in strikeouts, saves and appearances. As a sophomore, Harrell compiled a record of 29-13 while garnering second-team all-conference honors. That season, she led C-USA in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, saves and opposing batting average. At the conclusion of the year, she was named a Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division I All-Southeast Region selection as well as earning a spot on the NCCSIA All-State Team. Her junior season, Harrell turned in an ERA of 1.72 while leading the conference in strikeouts. As a result, she earned first-team C-USA accolades. Harrell was later named to the NCCSIA All-State Team for the second-consecutive year. Harrell's pitching prowess was duly noted on March 11, 2007 when her 859th strikeout at the end of the third inning in a 3-1 win over UCF gave her the all-time record in Conference USA strikeouts. She also sits first all-time in C-USA in appearances while appearing second in wins, saves and innings pitched. Harrell was a stalwart all four years in the circle for the Pirates. She tallied 88 wins against 48 losses for a .652 winning percentage, good for the eighth-highest mark in program history. Additionally, Harrell tossed three no-hitters while earning an impressive eight C-USA Pitcher-of-the-Week honors. Harrell graduated from East Carolina in December of 2007, earning a bachelor's degree in family and community services. |
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