Softball

In 2010 (Junior): Kaleigh made 55 starts in 2010 and received the honor of All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year...was second on the team in slugging percentage at .480...stepped up her game during conference play by batting .355, hitting four home runs, knocking in ten runners, and posting a .629 slugging percentage...was the only Golden Eagle to have a game with more than three RBIs (four against Jacksonville State on March 30)...one of two Golden Eagles to hit two home runs in a game in 2010...named to the all-OVC second team for her strong play in the postseason.

In 2009 (Sophomore): Kaleigh was voted the Most Improved Player on the squad, hitting .289 on the year with ten extra-base hits, including five home runs...started 48 games and was second on the team in walks with 14 and third with a slugging percentage of .445...finished the season with four three-hit games, including a 3-for-3 performance against Jacksonville State (5/7) in the OVC Tournament where she had a home run, three RBIs and one run scored to help her earn OVC All-Tournament Team honors...was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored against Southeast Missouri (3/28)...earned a spot on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

In 2008 (Freshman): Kaleigh appeared in 54 games and started 36 of those in her first year, batting .200 in 105 at bats...scored 11 times and also drove in 11 runs...led the freshmen in walks with 16 and on-base percentage, .306...was successful in her only stolen base attempt of the season.

High School: Kaleigh was a five sport athlete at Sunnyside High School...participated in cross-country, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball, lettering in softball for coach Pete Palomar...was on the honor roll all four years...led her softball team to a 38-4 record in 2007 to capture the Arizona state championship.

Personal: Kaleigh Renee Gates is the daughter of Chris and Michelle Gates of Tucson, Ariz...birthday is September 7, 1988...majoring in multidisciplinary studies.