While many seniors are nearing the end of their time in school-sponsored athletics, others are choosing to continue to play in college. A number of athletes, including Christine Grilliot, who is already confirmed to play softball at the University of Mary Washington, have been recruited to compete collegiately.
“I knew that I wanted to play softball in college because I knew it would help me get to know some people immediately,” Grilliot said.
According to Grilliot, her recruitment process wasn?t as rigorous because she chose to go to a Division III school.
“The softball coach at Mary Washington told me that as long as I was accepted into the school, I was on the team,” Grilliot said.
Others have already committed to colleges, including Stanley Watts joining the basketball team at Harcum Junior College and Michelle Tilson agreeing to play softball at St. John?s University.
Carlie Zirkle is also being recruited by both Elmira College and Christopher Newport University to play basketball.
“I know if I play in college it will help me make friends easier and have a little family,” Zirkle said. “Plus it will force me to keep my grades up.”
The extra attention generated by the recruitment process has been a positive aspect for some.
“A bunch of scouts come out and watch you play and at a certain time they can come talk to you about how interested they are,” Zirkle said. “It?s very fun knowing colleges want you.”
Baseball player Kyle Barrand was pleased to be contacted by different colleges.
“I anticipated that maybe one college would scout me and ask me to play for them, but I ended up talking to a lot more colleges than just one,” Barrand said.
Additionally, Olivia Ellis is being recruited to play collegiate softball by a variety of schools.
Will Simonton will be choosing between American University, Quinnipiac University, Hartford University or St Mary?s College of Maryland for basketball.
Dan McClain is debating between accepting a scholarship offer from Bridgewater College or trying out for James Madison University?s basketball team.