This year Harvard athletics has been blessed with an exceptionally talented class of freshmen, many of whom have stepped into starting, if not starring roles.

Women's soccer had Emily Stauffer.

Women's basketball had Allison Feaster.

Men's tennis has Philip Tseng.

Meet the latest addition to this list of freshman phenoms--softball's Kara Hartl.

Hartl, who leads the team in hitting, entered the week batting. 477, sixth-best in the nation.

In addition, the rookie catcher is slugging .614, tallying six doubles in only 44 at-bats.

While these offensive numbers are certainly outstanding, they become even more impressive in light of the adversity Hartl has had to overcome.

Hartl dislocated her left shoulder on five separate occasions during the spring of her senior year, and in May '94 underwent surgery.

For the first time in eight years of softball, Hartl was unable to play--she sat out the entire summer season, and remained inactive until fall.

In October, Hartl re-injured the shoulder--she had blown out her surgery, and required another operation over winter.

"I've never been in so much pain in my life," Hartl said. "It was unbelievable."

The remainder of the winter was dedicated to rehabilitating the shoulder.

Hartl lifted weights every day throughout January and February, but despite the rehab, she must wear a brace when hitting.

"I have to wear it to swing, otherwise my shoulder will just come right out," Hartl said. "But it has worked. I can play, though for awhile that was a question."