15 • Amanda Nealer Class: Sophomore Hometown: Everett, Wash. High School: Jackson Position: Pitcher Height: 5-10 Bats/Throws: L/L

Coach Gwydir on Amanda: “Amanda is a gifted pitcher who has the potential to be a superstar. Last year she came in and just blew people away. She wasn’t even healthy, and she made all-conference. You don’t see too many lefties who can throw in the mid-60’s and throw as many pitches as she can. She has a great work ethic and works extremely hard on her pitching. If she can remain healthy, this could be her breakout year.”

2002: Earned second-team All-Sun Belt Conference accolades…Posted a team-best 12-6 record in 35 appearances…Started nine contests and pitched five complete games…Led the pitching staff in ERA (1.09) and winning percentage (.667)…Set a school record with six saves…Held opponents to a .178 batting average…Her 12 wins were the third most-ever by a freshman at FIU…Posted a 0.54 ERA and a 2-1 record in league contests…At one point in the season, pitched 25 consecutive scoreless innings – the second longest streak in school history…In her first collegiate start, tossed a complete game shutout over Illinois State (2/1)…Repeated the performance with a complete game shutout over Florida (2/8)…Struck out a personal-best six batters on two occasions including UC Santa Barbara (2/17) and North Carolina (3/13)…Combined with her teammates to throw eight shut outs.

High School: Named the Everett Herald Player of the Year as a senior…All-Wesco County pitcher all four years at Jackson High School…Threw over 800 strikeouts during her high school career, averaging 22 wins and a 0.51 ERA in her four years…Also played volleyball, soccer, basketball and softball at Jackson.

Personal: Born Amanda Maxine Nealer on June 9, 1983, in Okinawa, Japan…Daughter of Robert and Joanna Nealer…Has an older brother, Bobby…Majoring in hospitality management.