On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, Council Rock North seniors Marissa Gergel and Mallary Pollack were recognized at a special news conference for committing to play collegiate softball. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: http://photos.suburbanonesports.com/g/021115_signings_11_mjs
Marissa Gergel – Iona College (Softball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Iona, Rutgers, Rhode Island
Reasons for choosing Iona: “I really liked the location of the campus because it’s right outside New York City, and the campus is small, which is what I wanted. I also really like the coach – she was very welcoming, and I could see myself playing for her.”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “I’ve wanted to play in college since I was really little, basically since I started playing softball. It became a reality a couple of years ago when I started on a new travel team, and basically everyone on that travel team committed to a college.”
Coach Chris McDermott says: “Marissa was my centerfielder every single game – she never sat out a game. She hit .512, and she threw five kids out from center field to home, basically squashing momentum. She caught four (balls) that were about to go over the fence, and she kept us in games. She was fabulous.
“She’s a very intense competitor. I had three captains, and all three were really good, but she was the captain I went to for everything. Marissa was my serious ‘we’re going to play hard, we’re going to work hard (captain),’ and we’re going to play hard at practice because of Marissa.”
About Marissa:
Favorite food: Bagels
Favorite movie: The Hunger Games
Favorite music: Country
Mallary Pollack – University of Maryland Baltimore County (Softball)
Major: Occupational Therapy or Speech Therapy
Final list of colleges: UMBC, Bucknell
Reasons for choosing UMBC: “I liked that the academic standards were so high – it’s an honors college, and I really liked the campus and the coaches. When you have to handle sports and academics, I just felt it was a better fit for me.”
What was the progression that led you to playing softball at the collegiate level? “My freshman year I started playing at a higher level on my travel team, and the coach was just really intense about it, and everyone on the team goes D-1.”
Coach Chris McDermott says: “Mal was my left-handed slapper – she led the team with 22 sacrifices. She was two in the battling lineup, and she would bunt a lot. She played most of the season with severe shin splints. In left field, that ball did not hit the grass. She would hit the ground, and I would cringe. She made 22 catches and had one error.
“Mal was the captain that made everyone feel comfortable. She led the cheers and kept the girls motivated. What a special kid. She always had a smile on her face.”
About Mallary:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite movie: Pitch Perfect
Favorite music: Country
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