18  Vanessa Spears
Outfield
Fr., Bats: L - Throws: L
Brea, Calif./Brea Olinda H.S.
Fresno Force Gold
Health Professions Exploring

Kalafatis on Spears: “We got a good look at her talent against Ohio University during fall ball and we are excited to see what she is capable of doing. Vanessa battled a shoulder injury in the preseason, but as she increases her strength, her potential also increases.”

At a glance: Coming back from offseason shoulder injury ... speedy base-runner ... could see time as pinch runner or in the outfield this season.

Prior to Ohio State: Played four years in outfield and at first base for Brea Olinda High School ... holds school records for batting average (.459) and triples in a season (5) ... batted .400 as a senior in 2008, finishing third in the Century League ... four-time scholar-athlete .... three-time All-Century League honoree and team MVP ... earned Orange County all-star team recognition ... also played one season of water polo for Brea in 2004-05.

Personal: Daughter of Ira and Karen Spears ... Has three older siblings, brother Ian Keller (26) and sisters Sarah Keller (25) and Janiece Spears (22) ... enjoys spending time with friends and family and making ceramics in her spare time.