Metro East Sun

When college softball coaches bring in the class of new players, most are freshman and it is unclear how their high school game will translate to the college level.

But, sometimes, coaches also find themselves getting talented transfers who are ready to contribute right away. Such was the case with Western Illinois University Leathernecks Coach Holly Van Vlymen, who was able to pick up outfielder Samantha Ralphs in a transfer from Maine.

Samantha Ralphs

"Samantha brought speed, depth to our outfield and a great bat to our line up," Van Vlymen recently told the Metro East Sun. "She already had (Division 1) experience under her belt, so she came in knowing what to expect and ready to work hard to make our team the best we could be. She is a team player with a great attitude that did whatever she was asked."

Ralphs had a successful freshman year at Maine, playing in 34 games, batting .301 with 12 runs scored, seven RBIs and seven stolen bases. After her first season at Maine, however, she decided to follow in something of a family tradition, transferring to Western Illinois. Her older sister Dagmar made the same move, which was a move close to home since Western Illinois' campus in Macomb is approximately three hours north of Lebanon -- where Samantha played high school softball at O'Fallon High School.

Because Maine and Western Illinois are both Division 1 schools, Samantha was required to sit out the 2015 season under NCAA transfer rules. She also missed most of 2016 due to an injury. In her fourth game of the season, versus Quinnipiac, Ralphs was injured in the fourth inning after stealing second base. Ralphs was just beginning to find her place on the team, having scored two runs in her three at-bats.

"It was very tough losing her for the season," Van Vlymen said. "Sam was a key speedster for us on the bases and was just starting to break into our lineup and in the outfield when it happened. There's no question that Sam would have made an impact for us on the field this past season if she were healthy, especially after we had a few more key injuries on our team and had to move some people around."

While it was frustrating losing her for a season, Van Vlymen said the extra time acclimating to Western Illinois University should help her become a key contributor in her senior season.

"I am looking forward for Sam to bring a good mental game to the field this season," she said. "She had a year to observe, get comfortable with her teammates and our style of play at Western while learning from the games we played, which is sometimes more beneficial than being out on the field. She was able to do some limited practicing with us; and we were able to work on a few elements within her swing, which will help her going into this year."