Kennedy Softball Star Headed to University of Pittsburgh

When Carly Thea takes the softball field for the Kennedy Cougars, it's easy to see why she was coveted by several Division I sports programs. The softball phenom signed her letter of intent on Wednesday to attend the University of Pittsburgh where she will play for the Panthers.

"We're just thrilled for her," said Carly's dad Peter Thea. "She's been a lifelong softball player and this is just the start of the next phase for her."

Carly's family, friends, coaches, principals, and Senator Charles Fuschillo, D-Merrick, were all on hand to watch the young superstar start the next phase of her career.

"It's beyond any expectations that we ever had," said Carly's mom Stace Thea. "Although we always knew she'd do great. We're very proud of her. She's incredibly dedicated and really worked hard and we're happy she's getting everything we think she deserves."

On top of Pittsburgh, Carly was also sought after by such D-I programs as Boston University, Stony Brook and Penn State. There was a certain shock among family members as to how quickly she started to draw attention from some big names.

"The team that she plays on, her travel team in particular, plays in tournaments all over the United States and all of the sudden there was interest from all of these colleges," Peter explained. "At a certain point you're like, 'Wow, these are very big schools and they've big programs and how exciting.'"

While she did have her choices, Carly said Pittsburgh was an easy pick.

"They're D-I," she said. "They're a great school.  I like the city feel."

Carly added that she also liked the players and coaches on the team. "I've met the girls and they're all fantastic. The coaches know what they're doing – they're very insightful, very intelligent. I definitely just got that gut feeling about Pittsburgh."

But why did Carly attract so much attention from several major D-I programs? Her stats as a junior last season at Kennedy say enough. She had a whopping .625 batting average, 30 hits, three home runs, 13 RBIs and seven stolen bases in just 19 games. As an outfielder, she also had 22 putouts.

"Carly has been playing softball at a high level since she was 9, we never anticipated this," Peter said. "But as the years went on, the teams got better and there was more competition, she kept rising to the occasion and loved it. It eventually took a life of its own."

Kennedy's hitting machine is also a two-time all-county selection, softball player of the decade at Kennedy, a sports booster MVP for softball, and even an all-class basketball player.

"It's been an unbelievable experience," Carly said. "Between playing, enjoying the game and the recruiting, it's fun and I really enjoy it. It's a great feeling."

Signing a letter of intent for a school like Pittsburgh was a major step for not just Carly, but all of Kennedy.

"This is great for Kennedy," said Kennedy Athletic Director Craig Papach after watching Carly sign. "… This is a feel good [moment]. She's a great kid and she earned this herself."

As for Carly, she's just looking for something simple in her four years as a Panther.

"I'm hoping for a good four years, nice hitting and good fielding," she said.

Luckily for Kennedy, Carly still has one more year left as a Cougar.