Harrison’s K Queen Picks Pride

Ashley Marino had a senior year unlike any other softball player in Harrison High School history. She shattered the school's record books and Marino now holds records for career wins and strike outs as well as strike outs and wins in a season.

Marino's teammates were thankful for her strong influence both on the field and in the club house.

"I always looked up to her on and off the field," said Harrison's junior short stop Jessica Magnotta, "playing with Ashley since little league has brought us closer through the years, and I love the way she plays the game always with a positive attitude."

Along with being a near mythic pitcher in the softball circle, Marino was also a key member on both girl's bowling and the volleyball teams. Marino's raw athleticism, pure pitching ability, and her academic success had her recruited by colleges and universities across the region.

During the recruitment process Marino, like many young athletes, used her full resources to help her make the difficult choice of picking a school. The senior pitcher spoke to many people but it was her high school softball coach and uncle, Dean Marino , who suggested that Springfield may be a good place for her to continue her career.

The Springfield coaching staff including first year head coach Julie Perrelli also showed interest in Marino. Once Perrelli and the Pride made it aware that they were very interested in Marino it seemed like it would be a good fit. However, since Springfield College is a division three school it does not offer scholarships for athletics.

Eventually Marino decided that Springfield College would be the best place for her to further her life academically, athletically, and socially.

"I picked the school because it is one of the best schools for physical education which I am majoring in." Marino went on to say, "The softball team also offered me a chance to pitch for a competitive squad."

The Springfield softball team went 23-18 with a tie and though that record may not be impressive one must consider that the Pride were 12-4 in conference. The team as currently constructed uses four pitchers. Adding Marino to the squad would only strengthen the team's pitching staff.

Every individual going into college may feel the pressure of the social life coming into play. But the thick skinned Marino has conquered pressure in athletics her entire life, and college should only be a minor adjustment rather than a large challenge.

"Social life is so not my main concern," said Marino, "I am not worried, I will always have time to hang out with my friends."

Marino even took the time to meet several of her future teammates on recruitment visits and during orientation.

"I met some of the girls on the team when I went there as a recruit," said Marino. "They were all extremely nice and very good softball players and I feel I would be the perfect complement to the team."

Springfield, MA is known as a basketball town but if Ashley Marino continues to work hard and cruise past batters at a record pace, then there will sure to be some people who will convert the city of Springfield to softball.